Eligibility Examiner

The Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia (PDS) is a federally funded, independent organization governed by an eleven-member board of trustees. PDS provides legal representation to individuals facing a loss of freedom in the District of Columbia’s criminal, delinquency, and mental health systems. PDS’s approximately 230 employees, comprising attorneys, social workers, professional counselors, mitigation specialists, investigative specialists, administrative, and technical staff, collaborate to advance the PDS mission. PDS’ main office is located at 633 3rd Street, NW, Washington, D.C. District of Columbia residency is not a requirement for employment.Employment at the Public Defender Service (PDS) is neither federal nor District of Columbia government employment, and all employees are at-will.

As an Eligibility Examiner, the incumbent performs the following duties:

· Writes, or assists with writing, the lock-up interview sheets.

· Interviews defendants and juvenile delinquents in the cellblocks when made available by the U.S. Marshal’s Service.

· Locates and interviews family members as needed.

· Elicits information from each interviewee as to financial status for the eligibility determination and other individual demographic information for input into the PDS statistical database.

· Organizes interview sheets and distributes to courtrooms as applicable.

· Assures that every adult defendant and juvenile respondent has been interviewed before first court appearance.

· On a rotational basis or when assigned, works at a counter approximately 4ft in height, handling a variety of inquiries and requests from the public and attorneys.

· May periodically prepare the attorney cut-off and limited lists.

· When summoned, interviews defendants in courtrooms, testifies with respect to information obtained through the interview process, and explains to judicial officers the office's eligibility determination for a particular defendant.

· Inputs interview data into PDS databases.

· Incumbent rotates work assignments, lockups, and counter duties.

· Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

Educational Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Additional Qualifications

• Applicants must be at least 21 years of age as of the closing date of the announcement.
• Applicants must have accurate typing skills and possess basic data entry skills.

Candidates must be able to:

• Effectively communicate orally with all who come in contact with DSO,
• Interact tactfully and diplomatically with otherso gather and assemble facts for analysis
• Work well under pressured circumstances.In additional to the essential functions above,

This position also requires the incumbent to be able to do the following:

• Constantly communicate fluently in oral and written English.
• Constantly communicate effectively with PDS staff and outside parties over multiple modalities such as phones, e-mail, video conferencing, facsimile, etc.
• Constantly operate a computer and other office equipment which may require repetitive movements.
• Constantly being able to read and interpret print in hard copy and electronic formats.
• Constantly be able to work in an environment that may include one or more of the following loud and unexpected noises, varying levels of lighting, and obstructed views.
• Constantly be able to work in an environment with locked doors, metal bars, with the inability to freely exit.
• Constantly be able to communicate across physical barriers, using increased volume and enunciation when necessary.
• Constantly navigate multiple programs both on the PDS network (such as e-mail, calendar, etc.), as well as shared programs with outside networks.
• Constantly regulate stress of workplace.

Key Requirements: (1) applicant must be a US Citizen or have current authorization to work in the United States. (2) incumbent must have no convictions as defined in D.C. Code Sec. 14.305(b)(1) (Impeachment by evidence of conviction of crime)

Other Employment Conditions and Work Requirements: Incumbent will be required to work a tour of duty from Monday through Friday beginning at 8:00am and working until 4:30pm.

The incumbent will be required to work the following:

• A minimum of two Saturdays each month
• Work during inclement weather;
• Work in rotation with other DSO staff on all federal and local holidays (e.g., Christmas, D.C. Emancipation Day);
• Work rarely on evenings and Sundays;
• Work when Superior Court’s statutory courtrooms are operational.

Highly Desirable Qualifications:

• Knowledge of and skill in applying basic business office rules, procedures, and operations sufficient to perform a full range of support tasks within a legal office environment
• Strong customer service experience
• Knowledge of MS Office Suites
• Candidates with bilingual Spanish/English and/or American Sign Language skills are strongly encouraged to apply.

The incumbent will be required to have direct contact and conduct interviews with individuals charged with serious crimes in a secure cellblock operated by the US Marshals Service. This position will require the incumbent to handle the physical demands of this position to include but not limited to frequently walking to and from the courtrooms and cellblocks, and frequently using stairs, elevators, and escalators. This position also requires strict adherence to ALL safety procedures enforced by the US Marshals Service and court security personnel.

*All candidates are subject to a criminal background check.

Who May Apply: This vacancy is open to US Citizens or those authorized to work in the United States

Salary Range: $45,146 to $72,703/ per annum

***Promotion Potential:***AD-07 (GS-07 equivalent)
The incumbent may be promoted to the next grade without further competition upon completion of one year of exemplary performance; promotion is subject to approval of the PDS Director.

Benefits:

PDS is funded by federal appropriations, and employees are entitled to participate in federal benefits plans, federal retirement systems, and the workers compensation program. Transferring federal employees will receive recognition of creditable federal service for leave accrual and retirement (if applicable) purposes. Benefits include:

· Federal Employees Retirement Systems (retirement annuity)

· Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401K program)

· Federal Employees Health Benefits (health insurance)

· Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (life insurance)

· Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program

· Flexible Spending Accounts (for health care and dependent care)

· Employee Assistance Program

· Federal Occupational Health (access to health clinic and services)

***Telework:***This position requires on-site presence, both in the office and in the field, as necessary to meet the demands of the role. Currently, this position is not eligible for telework.

***How to apply:***You must provide a complete application package which includes: (1) a cover letter that addresses your qualifications and interest in the position; please explain why you are leaving current employer, or why you left your most recent employer. (2) Resume. (3) Provide three professional references, (4) Provide your most recent performance appraisal (if appraisal is not available, please address this in your cover letter.

Please submit your application package in MS WORD or PDF documents; please combine application documents in 1 PDF document, if able. Applications MUST be emailed to [email protected] . To ensure your application receives proper consideration, the subject line of your application email MUST include the job announcement number and the position title (i.e. PDS 2026-40 Eligibility Examiner).
All applicants’ materials become property of PDS and will not be returned.

PDS will not accept application packages by postal mail, fax, or personal delivery.

Pay: $45,146.00 - $72,703.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Commuter assistance
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person