INVESTIGATOR APPRENTICE PUBLIC DEFENDER
There is no civil service exam for Investigator Apprentice Public Defender. As a non-competitive state title, it is filled on the strength of meeting the listed qualifications.
The stated bar is a bachelor's degree, but candidates can swap in added experience for the diploma. The FY 2027 range lands between $60,876 and $88,743, and state payroll currently lists about 36 people in the title, most of them at Office of the Public Defender.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
See every real route in, and where to apply. One agency employs it. We don't track live vacancies.
See where to apply for this title →Who employs this title
Investigator Apprentice Public Defender appears on the State payroll at one department, Office of Public Defender.
State departments
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Office of Public Defender | 36 |
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 36 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $61,510. The agencies employing the most are:
- Office of the Public Defender (36)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
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 close supervision of an Investigator 3, Public Defender, or other supervisory official, in a two-year training program, receives formal and on-the-job training to learn to prepare cases for the representation of clients and/or the processing of citizen complaints; does related work.
Examples of work
As an Apprentice and productive worker, while receiving appropriate degrees of supervision, is trained in, learns, and assists with the following: Learns to perform field and office work to prepare cases for the representation of clients or matters affecting the public interest as a class or as an individual. Interviews clients, witnesses, representatives from government agencies or private agencies licensed by the government or other individuals, and prepares appropriate documentation and/or reports on the information obtained. Prepares formal records and statements covering all phases of each assigned case or investigation. Is typically assigned more routine cases involving first-time offenders, and clients with fewer and/or less serious charges. Performs investigative tasks as assigned. Performs basic research to obtain background information for cases. Attends training to develop and/or enhance skill sets. Assists investigators of higher grade in assigned phases of complex cases. Verifies authenticity or validity of documents. May testify in court proceedings or administrative proceedings. Assists in compiling information for use in preparing reports of cases including findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Responds to questions posed by the public, clients, complainants, or supervisors. May subpoena records. Prepares and submits progress reports in assigned cases. May be required to travel out of state to conduct and/or complete investigations for assigned cases. Reviews rules, laws, regulations, and procedures of involved agencies. Prepares correspondence in the course of official duties. Maintains records and files. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording techniques and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
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
Knowledge and subsequent application of the methods used to gather, record, arrange, and analyze information. Knowledge and subsequent application of the methods used in the service of subpoenas. Knowledge of interview techniques. Ability to understand and apply the policies, programs, and standards of the Office of the Public Defender after a period of training. Ability to apply and follow the procedures and precautions used in investigating matters of a criminal and/or civil nature after a period of training. Ability to learn and exhibit the appropriate techniques for testifying in court proceedings and administrative hearings. Ability to apply and follow the appropriate methods and procedures involved in preparing legal proofs of fact for trial and/or hearing purposes after a period of training. Ability to apply the proper methods and procedures used in criminal or civil defense, or social service investigations after a period of training. Ability to benefit from an in-service training program. Ability to gather information from and interact with victims of abuse and neglect, clients with a variety of disabilities, incarcerated clients, and others with a variety of physical, emotional and/or social disorders. Ability to organize assigned field and office work. Ability to interact with persons of varying backgrounds. Ability to work under adverse conditions. Ability to conduct research. Ability to write clearly and concisely. Ability to organize and present. Ability to attend training seminars. Ability to prepare correspondence. Ability to prepare reports. Ability to maintain records and files. Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. 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 essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible. ADVANCEMENT: Appointee's work performance will be reviewed and rated semi-annually during each twelve (12) months of the two (2) year apprenticeship program. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program, appointees will be eligible for advancement to the title of Investigator 1, Public Defender, in accordance with Civil Service Commission procedures. The inability of an employee in the Apprentice title to attain the required level of performance stipulated in each of the twelve (12) month training periods shall be considered cause for separation from employment. This job specification is applicable to the following title code(s) which are different work week or work month and/or variants of the job class title: Job Spec Code State, Local or Common Class of Service Work Week State Class Code Local Class Code Salary Range
Note
Positions in the Office of the Public Defender, Division of Mental Health Advocacy are assigned caseloads involving individuals with mental illness or developmental disabilities. Due to the nature of this work, the duties of positions in this division may vary slightly from those listed below to include heavy caseloads, limited preparation time, and investigations of and communication with individuals with mental illness or developmental disabilities. These positions are subject to Selective Certification. The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Appointments may be made to positions requiring bilingual skills. Bilingual in Spanish and English. SPECIAL SKILL: Applicants must be able to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in Spanish and English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. 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. Four (4) years of professional experience in conducting field investigations, analyzing information, and preparing reports in a law enforcement, criminal defense, or social service agency. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. For appointments to positions in the Division of Mental Health Advocacy, selective certification appointments are permitted by the Appointing Authority. Appointments of this nature will be based on the following additional requirements: 1. Education: Thirty credits (undergraduate or graduate) in the following areas: a. Psychology courses (at least half of which are beyond survey level) in clinic practice or therapy, intelligence or projective testing, or abnormal psychology; and, b. Sociology/social work courses (at least half of which are beyond survey level) in social work theory skills and methods, or clinical practicum. OR 2. Experience: At least one year of experience in a setting which requires substantial interviewing experience of individuals with major psychiatric disorders such as, but not limited to, schizophrenia and bi-polar, as well as relevant Axis II diagnoses, for developmentally disabled individuals and sex offenders; and/or therapeutic interaction with special populations such as institutionalized children or adults, to include those individuals with the diagnoses stated above. Specialized education and experience may be combined to satisfy the prerequisite. Fifteen credits of course work (beyond the survey level) in psychology, sociology, or social work may be substituted for six months of specialized practice. "Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions. SNNE19N/AP19-Bilingual In Spanish And EnglishSNNE19N/AP19- This job specification is for government use only. Salary range is only applicable to state government. Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions. 1/23/2024