PUBLIC Defender INTAKE Specialist -Mental Health

Introduction

As a State agency, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

All applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors, possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast‑paced work environment, and be able to work in various settings.

MOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities by modifying or adjusting the job application process, the job, or the work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee to be considered for the position they desire; to perform the essential functions of the position in question;

or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation imposes an undue hardship.

Applicants must be able to operate a computer and other office equipment. Applicants must have access to a motor vehicle. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda Jackson, Human Resources Supervisor, 410‑767‑8503, tawandal.jackson.

The Public Defender Intake Specialist I is the first interaction clients have with the Office of the Public Defender. Professionalism, people skills, and empathy are a must.

Intake Specialists are responsible for the creation of the file for the attorney, creating and mailing assignment letters to clients and attorneys, and filing entries of appearance with the court. They open, close, and update cases in the agency case management system (edefender).

The Intake Specialist pulls files and dockets from fax repositories and office email accounts and transfers them to the discovery drive, Google Drive, and Sheets, updating them in edefender (assigning edefender number and inserting correspondence).

Additionally, the Intake Specialist I must answer phones, greet the public, retrieve and enter data, organize case files, and process discovery. Co‑workers may be assisted when needed. Employees in this classification do not supervise.

Education:

Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience:

Six months of experience interviewing persons for the purpose of obtaining and verifying background or financial information.

• Candidates may substitute additional experience interviewing persons for the purpose of obtaining background or financial information on a year‑for‑year basis for the required education.
• Candidates may substitute 60 credit hours from an accredited college or university for the required experience.
• Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non‑commissioned officer in Compliance Inspection and Support classifications or in the Inspection, Investigation, Enforcement, and Compliance field of work on a year‑for‑year basis for the required experience.

• Proficiency in data entry, strong communication skills, and experience working in a fast‑paced retail or office environment.
• Customer service experience and a strong interest in working with indigent clients with mental illness and their families.
• Experience working with CJIS and/or JIS systems.
• Experience working with arrested persons, attorneys, law enforcement and courtroom personnel.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties that require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.

State of Maryland benefits.

7030 Dorsey Road, Suite 103, Hanover, MD 21076

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