Public Defender Intake Specialist I

Job Description

Public Defender Intake Specialist I | State of Maryland

The Tone:
This is a full-time, entry-level position located in Upper Marlboro, MD. The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is a State agency dedicated to providing legal representation to indigent clients. This role is crucial as the Intake Specialist is the first point of contact for clients, establishing professionalism and empathy from the start. This position ensures the initial client and case information is accurately captured and processed, directly supporting the legal team’s ability to represent clients effectively.

The TL;DR
• Role: Entry-Level Specialist
• Type: Full-time
• Location: In-person, Upper Marlboro, MD
• Mission: To ensure accurate initial client engagement and the precise setup and ongoing management of case files within the agency’s systems, serving as the critical first point of contact.
• Tech Stack: edefender, discovery drive, Google drive, Google sheets, CJIS (preferred), JIS (preferred)

What You’ll Actually Do
• Client Engagement: Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, providing professional and empathetic initial interactions.
• Case File Management: Create, open, close, and update client files, including creating assignment letters and filing entries of appearance with the court.
• Data Entry & System Updates: Accurately input and manage client and case information within the edefender case management system, assigning numbers and inserting correspondence.
• Document Processing: Retrieve and transfer dockets and files from various sources to the discovery drive, Google drive, and sheets, also assisting with discovery processing and file organization.
• General Office Support: Answer phones, greet the public, and provide data retrieval and entry support as needed.

The Must-Haves
• Background: This is an Entry-Level role requiring a high school diploma or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
• Experience: Six months of experience conducting interviews to obtain and verify background or financial information. This requirement may be met through alternative qualifications such as 60 college credit hours or relevant U.S. Armed Forces military service experience.
• Skills: Strong customer service and people skills, data entry proficiency, effective communication, and the ability to operate a computer and other office equipment.
• Bonus: Experience in a fast-paced retail or office environment, a strong interest in working with indigent clients and those with mental illness, and familiarity with CJIS and/or JIS systems. Access to a motor vehicle is also required.