DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR OF INVESTIGATIONS AND FIELD OPERATIONS

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under the direction of the Administrator, Regional Investigative and Field Operations, Department of the Public Advocate, is charged with directing and coordinating the internal operations and administrative functions of the investigative staff and serves in the capacity of Acting Administrator in the absence of the Administrator; does related work as required.

Examples of work

In the absence of the Administrator, performs the duties of the Administrator. By direction of the Administrator, is responsible for direct supervision of Chief and Assistant Chief Investigators. Responsible to the Administrator for the direction of investigative operations. As assigned, plans, organizes and directs all of the activities involving the administration of office of the Public Defenders investigative and program operations. As assigned, gathers regional and program case files and makes analysis therefrom to determine status and completeness and makes recommendations therefrom to the Administrator. Assures the regional and program offices handle investigative tasks effectively, efficiently and in a timely manner. Interacts with the Deputy Public Defenders on a regular basis to insure consistent application of policies and procedures by investigative staff. Assists in establishing administrative policies and procedures for investigative staff. Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees. Responsible to the Administrator for making recommendations involving investigative conflict eases and the resultant temporary organizational changes. Represents the Administrator by serving as his/her alternate with national organizations and in aiding in maintaining proper intergovernmental relationships between the Department and other agencies, federal, State, county, and municipal. Aides in preparing courses of instruction for the ongoing training of the investigative staff and law students regarding investigation and trial preparation in the defense of criminal cases. Assists in preparing courses of study for use in the training of Departmental experts in the fields of firearms, photography, fingerprinting and polygraph testing. As assigned, coordinates the development and expansion of programs and client services which fall within the purview of the Office of the Public Defender. Prepares official reports and correspondence. Supervises the maintenance of essential records, reports and files.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Ability to acquire knowledge of Departmental programs and policies and their application. Thorough knowledge of the procedures used in the investigation of matters of a criminal nature. Thorough knowledge of the methods involved in preparing legal proof of facts for trial purposes in connection with the defense of criminal cases. Wide knowledge of modern administrative methods and techniques. Wide knowledge of criminal defense system and operations and statistical reporting methods. Ability to organize administrative and supervisory work, analyze problems and develop work methods. Ability to assist the training of others in the work involved in preparing defense in criminal cases from a legal viewpoint for trial purposes and in the work involved in assisting Department attorneys and investigators in the investigation, planning, and execution of defense pretrial and trial strategy. Ability to supervise and/or undertake investigations requiring extreme caution and the utmost discretion. Ability to understand evidentiary laws and rules. Ability to supervise the use of scientific and technical equipment. Ability to work under adverse conditions and at any hour the day. Ability to assist preparing statistical, financial, investigative and other reports which includes assistance in making recommendations therefrom. Ability to speak to various groups on the investigative and other program functions of the Office of the Public Defender. Ability to maintain confidential, complex and essential records reports and files. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Nine (9) years of professional experience as a detective or criminal investigator in a government supported civil or military law enforcement agency, or criminal defense agency; two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and five (5) years of the above-mentioned professional experience; two (2) years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity. "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.