Litigation Support Assistant II (Investigator Track), HCRC Investigator I/II

Overview DO NOT APPLY ON THE COURTS.CA.GOV WEBSITE. PLEASE REVIEW THE HOW TO APPLY SECTION - This position requires submission of an official application and response to the supplemental questionnaire. The application and supplemental questionnaire are located at: http://www.hcrc.ca.gov/hiring.php. The required materials to be emailed to: JobApplications@hcrc.ca.gov The Habeas Corpus Resource Center (HCRC), a San Francisco-based entity in the judicial branch of California’s state government, is accepting applications for Litigation Support Assistant II (Investigator Track) and Investigators. The HCRC provides direct legal representation to clients on death row in post-conviction proceedings, in state and federal courts, in which we investigate and review the constitutionality of our clients’ capital convictions and sentences and file and litigate petitions alleging the ways in which our clients’ constitutional rights were violated during their criminal trials. In addition, the HCRC acts as a resource center to outside counsel for the defense of people on death row. Additional information about the HCRC can be found on our website at www.hcrc.ca.gov. With varying levels of supervision and independence, employees in these positions assist in planning, organizing, and conducting investigations related to the representation of HCRC clients on death row in legal proceedings (called habeas corpus proceedings) challenging their convictions and death sentences. Typical duties include collecting and analyzing factual materials, documents, and records about our clients’ lives; identifying, locating, and interviewing a broad range of people who knew our clients or were involved in their cases; conferring with attorneys about potential legal issues; and drafting, reviewing, and editing reports, summaries and witness statements. The HCRC seeks motivated applicants with intellectual curiosity and excellent computer, writing, organizational and interpersonal skills. Candidates must be trustworthy with confidential information, have a track record of exercising good judgment, be able to establish rapport with a wide range of people, be available to travel extensively, both in state and out of state, and show a commitment to the defense of or advocacy for indigent defendants. We are particularly interested in candidates who have knowledge of or experience working with mental health issues, developing mitigation, and in working with clients and family members. Positions will be filled depending upon the needs of the HCRC and the qualifications of those in the applicant pool. The Habeas Corpus Resource Center is an equal opportunity employer. The HCRC believes that a diverse workforce and inclusive workplace culture enhances the performance of our organization and the quality of representation that we provide to a diverse client base. The HCRC welcomes all applicants, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. Benefits Health/Dental/Vision benefits program 14 paid holidays per calendar year Choice of Annual Leave or Sick/Vacation Leave 1 personal holiday per year Up to $130 per month reimbursement for qualifying commuting costs CalPERS Retirement Plan 401(K) and 457 deferred compensation plans Employee Assistance Program Basic Life and AD&D Insurance FlexElect Program Long Term Disability Program (employee paid/optional) Group Legal Plan (employee paid/optional) HCRC employees who live in the San Francisco Bay Area are permitted to work remotely two days a week. Southern California Applicants, please note: given that the HCRC conducts substantial work in Southern California, we have implemented a pilot program under which HCRC staff residing within 100 miles of the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center, 210 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, may apply to work remotely full-time. Equal Employment Opportunity The Habeas Corpus Resource Center is an equal opportunity employer. The HCRC believes that a diverse workforce and inclusive workplace culture enhances the performance of our organization and the quality of representation that we provide to a diverse client base. The HCRC welcomes all applicants, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. All positions require a valid California driver’s license. Litigation Support Assistant II: Equivalent to possession of a bachelor’s degree, and One year performing investigation support (additional directly related college level education may be substituted for a portion of the experience), or One year as a Litigation Support Assistant I. Investigator I: Equivalent to possession of a bachelor’s degree, preferably with a major in criminal justice, law, psychology, sociology, journalism, or comparable field with an interest in people and society, and Two years of experience in general investigations; or One year of experience in capital investigations; OR One year as a Litigation Support Assistant with HCRC. Investigator II: Equivalent of a bachelor’s degree, preferably with a major in criminal justice, law, psychology, sociology, journalism, or comparable field with an interest in people and society, and two years of experience in capital investigation (additional directly related experience may be substituted for education, and additional directly related college-level education may be substituted for a portion of the required experience.); OR Two years as a Habeas Corpus Investigator I. OTHER QUALIFICATIONS LITIGATION SUPPORT ASSISTANT II Knowledge of: General concepts and principles involved in project assignments; Principles of organizing and summarizing data and information; The operation of personal computers and the use of specified computer applications, such as word processing, databases, and spreadsheets; Principles and techniques of preparing a variety of effective written materials. Ability to: Keep accurate notes and records; Research, compile, and summarize information and data; Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials; Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical deadlines; Adjust to workload changes to meet deadlines; Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work; Use tact and discretion in dealing with those contacted in the course of the work INVESTIGATOR I/II Knowledge of: Techniques, principles, and methods used in criminal defense investigations; Methods and techniques of screening, evaluating, and preparing evidence and exhibits for evidentiary hearings and trials; Potential statutory and constitutional claims for relief; Ethical and legal rules regarding investigative activities; Mental defenses to a crime such as diminished capacity and legal insanity, including general knowledge of the subject of psychology and psychological testing; Resources available for locating individuals and relevant information; The criminal justice system, state department of corrections, and related agencies; and Principles and techniques of preparing effective oral presentations and a variety of effective written materials. Ability to: Obtain information through interviews; Assess the credibility of witnesses; Gather and analyze facts and evidence and draw valid conclusions; Read and understand legal cases and technical material in such disciplines as medicine and the physical and social sciences; Keep accurate notes and records; Prepare and present clear, concise, and comprehensive reports; Adjust to workload changes and work under stress to meet deadlines; Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical deadlines; Operate personal computers and use specified computer applications, such as word processing and database applications; Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work; Operate photographic, recording, and graphic equipment; and Use tact and discretion in dealing with those contacted in the course of the work. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS – ALL POSITIONS Fluency in oral and written Spanish; Familiarity with mental health issues and development of social history issues; Cultural competency with respect to multiple cultures, and experience interviewing clients and witnesses from many different cultural backgrounds; Proficiency in legal software and/or document management databases; and Experience in defense-related investigation work, particularly in areas related to mental health. Applicants will be considered for the position(s) for which they meet the minimum qualifications. Applicants will be considered for the position(s) for which they meet the minimum qualifications. #J-18808-Ljbffr