OVERVIEW:

The Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc., (FDSDI) has an opening for an Investigator position in our San Diego office. FDSDI is the Community Defender Organization for the Southern District of California (San Diego and Imperial Counties). FDSDI operates under authority of 18 U.S.C. § 3006A(g)(2)(B), to provide federal criminal defense services by court appointment to individuals unable to afford counsel. FDSDI is a private, non-profit corporation and not civil service or federal employers. A large part of the case load involves immigration related offenses, drugs, fraud, bank robbery, forgery, and internet related crimes.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

Investigators are a critical part of the FDSDI defense team. They must demonstrate considerable resourcefulness, initiative, creativity, self-motivation, tact and discretion. Investigators must have the ability to review, analyze and evaluate discovery material, facts and evidence, and ascertain relevant information. Investigators must be able to locate and effectively interview witnesses, alleged victims, experts and law enforcement personnel; locate and gather records, write and draft reports and other work product; locate, retrieve and maintain tangible evidence and personal property; prepare and serve subpoenas; locate, visit and process crime scenes (to include taking photos and videos); have the ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with individuals in governmental and private agencies, members of the Bar and the Judicial branch. Investigators will have significant writing responsibilities, including comprehensive reports of witness interviews, case analysis, investigative and mitigation findings. Investigators may need to travel to different venues (domestic, foreign and occasional overnight travel) in furtherance of investigations. Investigators may need to testify in court.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

A minimum of three years of investigative or comparable experience. Education may be substituted for some experience. This position requires strong organizational skills and broad familiarity with computer programs. The ability to effectively and clearly communicate orally and in writing is required. Additional preferred skills include: conducting interviews, locating records and people, writing comprehensive reports, and the ability to establish a rapport with a variety of people.

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required. The applicant must pass a background investigation; have a valid California driver license and insured vehicle. Applicant must be able to work flexible hours. The ability to speak, read and write Spanish is required.

Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Selection of position will be based solely on merit without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and religious grooming), sex (including pregnancy, perceived pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity (including transgender identity and transitioning), gender expression and sex stereotyping, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition or information (including genetic information), family care or medical leave status, military caregiver status, military status, veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, enrollment in a public assistance program, engaging in protected communications regarding employee wages, requesting a reasonable accommodation on the basis of disability or bona fide religious belief or practice, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Salary will be commensurate with experience. The position does include employee benefits such as health and life insurance as well as a 401k plan. Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit). All positions are at-will and are subject to the availability of funds. Employment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation. All education, experience, training and certifications will be verified.

HOW TO APPLY:

Qualified persons may apply by sending a letter of interest, resume and three references in pdf format to:

invemployment@fdsdi.com, with subject line Investigator.

NO TELEPHONE CALLS

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Open until filled

OVERVIEW:

Spanish-English Interpreter – Full-time Position Announcement
The Translation and Interpretation Department of Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc. — the Community Defender Organization for the Southern District of California — seeks applicants for a full-time staff position. An eligible applicant must be qualified by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts and/or the Judicial Council of California as a Certified Court Interpreter for Spanish/English proceedings. Salary: Salary will be commensurate with experience. The position does include employee benefits including health and life insurance as well as a 401k plan. Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit). All positions are at will and are subject to the availability of funds. Employment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation. All education, experience, training and certifications will be verified. This is a full-time position with salary based upon experience and in accord with administrative guidelines currently yielding from JS 9/1 $56,802 to JS 14/1 $121,863.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Interprets in simultaneous and consecutive modes at all stages of a criminal defense case for defendants, witnesses and attorneys in office, jail and courthouse settings;
Translates documents written in colloquial, legal, official, scientific and technical language;
Accurately transcribes the interpretation of evidentiary recordings, including law enforcement interviews and wiretaps;
Certifies and testifies to the accuracy of evidence translated or interpreted by other parties;
Develops professional expertise and remains impartial and neutral in providing translation and interpretation services.
Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Selection of position will be based solely on merit without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and religious grooming), sex (including pregnancy, perceived pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity (including transgender identity and transitioning), gender expression and sex stereotyping, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition or information (including genetic information), family care or medical leave status, military caregiver status, military status, veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, enrollment in a public assistance program, engaging in protected communications regarding employee wages, requesting a reasonable accommodation on the basis of disability or bona fide religious belief or practice, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws.

HOW TO APPLY:

Candidates should email a résumé listing years of general translation and interpretation experience and years of specialized court interpretation experience to InterpreterApp@fdsdi.com, with the following subject line: FDSDI-2021, followed by the applicant’s full name.

Position Open Until Filled.

OVERVIEW:

The Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc., (FDSDI) has an opening for a Social Worker –
Mitigation Specialist position in our San Diego office. FDSDI is the Community
Defender Organization for the Southern District of California (San Diego and Imperial
Counties). FDSDI operates under authority of Title 18, United States Code, Section
3006A(g)(2)(A), to provide federal criminal defense services by court appointment to
individuals unable to afford counsel. FDSDI is a private, non-profit corporation and not civil
service or federal employers. A large part of the caseload involves immigration related
offenses, drugs, human trafficking, fraud, bank robbery, forgery and internet related crimes.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Social Worker – Mitigation Specialist will assist attorneys in
investigating, analyzing, developing, and presenting mitigation evidence. Develop and
maintain relationships with clients, their family members, local social service providers, pretrial
service and probation officers, and other entities to support both the client and attorney.
Interview clients and relevant persons in a culturally competent manner. Locate and conduct
witness interviews to discover information to assist the attorney in advocating for pretrial
release, and develop all mitigating circumstances in the client’s life to assist at trial or
sentencing. Obtain necessary client signatures and ensure all release forms are current and
timely. Investigate, validate, and report to attorney all aspects of client’s life history from
multiple sources including vital records, social services records, educational records,
employment and personnel records, military records, medical/health records, arrest reports,
institutional records, community records, and interviews with persons relevant to the client.
Determine what experts might be consulted and potentially retained to evaluate the client
for substance abuse or mental illness. Facilitate client’s entry into treatment, housing,
educational or vocational programs. Maintain sufficient knowledge of current research and
trends in areas such as substance abuse, mental health, and effects of incarceration. Assist the
attorney in court where requested, including preparing sentencing presentations and testifying.
Demonstrated commitment to working with indigent, under-served, marginalized and diverse
communities preferred.
Applicants must possess the ability to work both independently and in a team environment,
communicate effectively both orally and in writing, be accurate and attentive to detail, compose
correspondence independently, organize work, set priorities and meet critical deadlines.
Applicants must be able to travel as necessary, including possible travel to Mexico. Other
duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and relevant
experience at a minimum. A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) with 4 years of experience is
desired, however a Master of Social Work (MSW) or Master of Science in Social Work
(MSSW) with at least 2 years relevant experience is preferred. The applicant must pass a
background investigation; have a valid California driver license and insured vehicle.
Applicant must be able to work flexible hours. The ability to speak, read and write Spanish is
preferred.
Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Selection of position will
be based solely on merit without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious
dress and religious grooming), sex (including pregnancy, perceived pregnancy, childbirth,
breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity (including
transgender identity and transitioning), gender expression and sex stereotyping, national
origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical
condition or information (including genetic information), family care or medical leave status,
military caregiver status, military status, veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status,
sexual orientation, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, enrollment in
a public assistance program, engaging in protected communications regarding
employee wages, requesting a reasonable accommodation on the basis of disability or
bona fide religious belief or practice, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal
laws.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

 Salary will be commensurate with experience. The position does
include employee benefits including health and life insurance as well as a 401k plan. Salary is
payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit). All positions are at will and are
subject to the availability of funds. Employment is subject to a satisfactory background
investigation. All education, experience, training and certifications will be verified.

HOW TO APPLY:

Qualified persons may apply by sending a letter of interest, resume and three
references in pdf format to invemployment@fdsdi.com

Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

Position Open until filled.