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The Office of
Defense Services

Employment


The Office of Defense Services (ODS) offers career opportunities for attorneys, legal assistants, legal administrative specialists, investigators, client intake specialists, forensic social and mitigation specialists, and administrative and information technology professionals. ODS fills jobs as they become vacant. For information about the ODS’ law clerk program and internships, please click on the links at the bottom of this section.

If you are interested in working at the ODS, please email a cover letter and resume to ODS human resources ODS_HR@delaware.gov. ODS will send an electronic confirmation after your resume is received. ODS will keep your resume on file for 12 months. As positions become available, ODS will review your resume to see if you meet the requirements for the vacant position(s).

Benefits | Internships | Law Clerk Programs

Statewide Open Positions

The Office of Defense Services’ Parental Defense Division seeks a motivated and enthusiastic attorney in a full-time capacity to defend clients in the Family Court. The position may be based in New Castle, Kent, or Sussex County but occasional travel to all counties will be required.   

The Parental Defense Division protects and advances the rights of parents and/or legal guardians.  Parental defense attorneys represent parents and/or legal guardians whose children have been removed or are at risk of being removed from their care and custody by the State. The incumbent will represent clients in all adversarial proceedings from the Preliminary Protective Hearing to the Termination of Parental Rights Trial and any appeals.  Additional job duties may include: engaging in motion practice, research and writing; developing and maintaining client relationships; reviewing relevant documents and records; collaborating with forensic social specialists, criminal defense attorneys, peer support specialists, experts, and others as part of a multidisciplinary defense team.

To qualify, the attorney must be admitted, or pending admission, to the Delaware Bar. Applicants with experience in family law and child welfare proceedings are preferred. Applicants without experience in family law or child welfare proceedings but with a strong interest in the field and/or litigation experience are also encouraged to apply. Salary is dictated by Delaware Office of Defense Services Assistant Public Defender Matrix and Pay Plan.

Benefits

Upon eligibility benefits to include:

  • Group Health Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, Prescription, Flexible Spending, Long & Short-Term Disability Insurance, Group Universal Life Insurance, Securian Accident & Critical Illness Insurance, Health Management Programs.
  • 21 paid vacation days, 15 paid sick days, 12 paid holidays, up to 12 weeks paid Parental Leave.
  • Employee Assistance Program: Access to support services such as Professional Counseling Services, Legal Services, Financial Services.
  • Employer & Employee Funded Pension Plan as well as an Employee Funded Retirement Savings Plan available.
  • Student loan repayment assistance and forgiveness

Additional Posting Information

The Office of Defense Services is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or veteran status.

Conditions of Hire

  • Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S.
  • Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire.
  • Direct deposit of paychecks is required.

Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter via email to ODS_HR@delaware.gov

Application end date: Until Filled

Anticipated start date: March 2024

New Castle County Open Positions

The Office of Defense Services’ Public Defender’s Office seeks a motivated and enthusiastic attorney to join our Wilmington office in a full-time capacity defending clients in the Superior Court of New Castle County. To qualify, the attorney must be admitted, or pending admission, to the Delaware Bar. Job duties will primarily include a felony trial caseload in the Superior Court and will also encompass defending clients at violation of probation hearings, specialty court proceedings, and other court calendars as needed.

Applicants with experience in criminal law are preferred. Applicants without experience in criminal law but with a strong interest in the field and litigation experience are also encouraged to apply. The salary is commensurate with experience.

Benefits

Upon eligibility benefits to include:

  • Group Health Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, Prescription, Flexible Spending, Long & Short Term Disability Insurance, Group Universal Life Insurance, Securian Accident & Critical Illness Insurance, Health Management Programs.
  • 21 paid vacation days, 15 paid sick days, 12 paid holidays, up to 12 weeks paid Parental Leave.
  • Employee Assistance Program: Access to support services such as Professional Counseling Services, Legal Services, Financial Services.
  • Employer & Employee Funded Pension Plan as well as an Employee Funded Retirement Savings Plan available.
  • Student loan repayment assistance and forgiveness

Additional Posting Information

The Office of Defense Services is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or veteran status.

Conditions of Hire

  • Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9information to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S.
  • Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire. 
  • Direct deposit of paychecks is required.

Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter via email to ODS_HR@delaware.gov.

Application end date: Until filled

The Office of Defense Services’ Public Defender’s Office seeks a motivated and enthusiastic attorney to contract with our Wilmington office on a contractual basis to defend clients statewide in the Family Court of Delaware. Job duties will primarily include defending children who are simultaneously facing truancy and delinquency charges. The caseload will consist of felony, misdemeanor, and truancy matters. Responsibilities include pre-trial and trial proceedings and will also encompass defending clients at violation of probation hearings, specialty court proceedings, and other court calendars as needed. The attorney will lead an interdisciplinary team to assist the client with legal, collateral, and educational needs. This attorney will represent the office on committees and work groups related to truancy as well as engage Delaware’s community on these issues. Finally, the attorney will work with the Director of Training to educate the office’s youth defense unit on matters related to truancy and educational law.

To qualify, the attorney must possess a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school and be admitted, or pending admission, to the Delaware Bar.

Applicants with experience in criminal law, youth defense or educational law are preferred. Applicants without this experience but with a strong interest in the field and litigation experience are also encouraged to apply.

Compensation

The salary is set at $112,500 per year for a two-year period. This is a grant position and this program is funded through the Delaware Criminal Justice Council by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

Benefits

Contractual employees are not eligible to participate in any State of Delaware benefit programs. This includes paid vacation/sick leave, holiday pay, health insurance, or pension.

Additional Posting Information

The Office of Defense Services is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or veteran status.

Application end date: Until filled

Kent County Open Positions

The Office of Defense Services’ Public Defender’s Office seeks a motivated and enthusiastic attorney to fill a full-time position as an attorney in Kent County, based in the Dover office.  To qualify, the attorney must be admitted, or pending admission, to the Delaware Bar. Job duties will primarily include a misdemeanor caseload in the Court of Common Pleas or Family Court, and will also encompass violation of probation hearings, specialty courts, and other court calendars as needed. Court assignment to be completed upon hire and dependent upon experience.

Applicants with experience in criminal law are preferred. Applicants without experience in criminal law but with a strong interest in the field and litigation experience are also encouraged to apply. The salary is commensurate with experience.

Benefits

Upon eligibility benefits to include:

  • Group Health Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, Prescription, Flexible Spending, Long & Short-Term Disability Insurance, Group Universal Life Insurance, Securian Accident & Critical Illness Insurance, Health Management Programs.
  • 21 paid vacation days, 15 paid sick days, 12 paid holidays, up to 12 weeks paid Parental Leave.
  • Employee Assistance Program: Access to support services such as Professional Counseling Services, Legal Services, Financial Services.
  • Employer & Employee Funded Pension Plan as well as an Employee Funded Retirement Savings Plan available.
  • Student loan repayment assistance and forgiveness

Additional Posting Information

The Office of Defense Services The Office of Defense Services is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or veteran status.

Conditions of Hire

  • Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9information to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S.
  • Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire. 
  • Direct deposit of paychecks is required.

Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter via email to ODS_HR@delaware.gov

Application end date: Until filled

Sussex County Open Positions

The Office of Defense Services’ Public Defender’s Office seeks a motivated and enthusiastic attorney to fill a full-time position as an attorney in Sussex County, based in the Georgetown office.  To qualify, the attorney must be admitted, or pending admission, to the Delaware Bar. Job duties will primarily include either a misdemeanor and or felony caseload in the Court of Common Pleas, Family Court or Superior Court, and will also encompass violation of probation hearings, specialty courts, and other court calendars as needed. Court assignment to be completed upon hire and dependent upon experience.

Applicants with experience in criminal law are preferred. Applicants without experience in criminal law but with a strong interest in the field and litigation experience are also encouraged to apply. The salary is commensurate with experience.

Benefits

Upon eligibility benefits to include:

  • Group Health Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, Prescription, Flexible Spending, Long & Short-Term Disability Insurance, Group Universal Life Insurance, Securian Accident & Critical Illness Insurance, Health Management Programs.
  • 21 paid vacation days, 15 paid sick days, 12 paid holidays, up to 12 weeks paid Parental Leave.
  • Employee Assistance Program: Access to support services such as Professional Counseling Services, Legal Services, Financial Services.
  • Employer & Employee Funded Pension Plan as well as an Employee Funded Retirement Savings Plan available.
  • Student loan repayment assistance and forgiveness

Additional Posting Information

The Office of Defense Services The Office of Defense Services is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or veteran status.

Conditions of Hire

  • Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9information to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S.
  • Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire. 
  • Direct deposit of paychecks is required.

Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter via email to ODS_HR@delaware.gov

Application end date: Until filled

Casual Seasonal Client Intake Specialist

The Office of Defense Services seeks a highly motivated, organized, and enthusiastic Client Intake Specialist to fill a casual seasonal role within the within Sussex County based at our Georgetown office. The Client Intake Specialist is the first interaction clients have with the Office of Defense Services, professionalism, people skills, and confidentiality are critical.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class:

  • Conduct in-person, telephone, and virtual interviews.
  • Assist clients in completing eligibility forms.
  • Entering initial information into a case management database
  • Answering the main switchboard and directing callers to staff and making referrals.
  • Processing office files by updating information in a database.
  • Creating and sending form letters.
  • Responds to client phone calls and correspondence in a professional and timely manner.
  • Perform preliminary analysis and check for case conflicts.
  • Perform administrative tasks.
  • Interpreting/translating (assuming additional language fluency).
  • Perform other tasks as required and directed by supervisory staff.

Job Requirements for Client Intake Specialist:

Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Possession of an Associate’s degree or higher in a Behavioral or Social Science field.

AND

1. One year experience in a Behavioral or Social Science related field.

2. One year experience in applying laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.

3.Interviewing experience and knowledge of applicable interviewing techniques.

4. Strong assessment, writing, speaking, interpersonal skills.

5. Six months experience in record keeping.

6. Six months experience in using an automated information system to enter, update, modify, delete, retrieve/inquire and report on data.

Benefits

This is a Casual/Seasonal position, currently approved to work up to 29.75 hours per week and is a non-pension eligible position without healthcare and/or other benefits. 

English/Spanish bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

Conditions of Employment

  • Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9information to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S.
  • Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire.
  • Direct deposit of paychecks is required.
  • Applicants must possess a valid Driver’s License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire and to maintain employment.

Additional Posting Information

The Office of Defense Services is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or veteran status.

Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter via email to ODS_HR@delaware.gov

Application end date: Monday, November 18, 2024.

Anticipated start date: Monday, December 2, 2024.

C/S Legal Administrative Specialist

The Office of Defense Services seeks a highly motivated, organized, and enthusiastic entry level Legal Administrative Specialist to fill a casual seasonal role within Sussex County based at our Georgetown office. This position will provide assigned Court and Assistant Public Defender’s with the necessary legal and administrative support in providing quality, constitutionally mandated, indigent defense services.  In addition to this, the position will provide receptionist services for the office.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class:

  • Establishes and maintains case files.
  • Reviews legal/court documents for completeness and accuracy.
  • Compiles and evaluates facts to complete program, legal, and/or court documents.
  • Provides administrative reports and recommendations for new/revised operating policies/procedures.
  • Review’s state and federal codes, laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance of legal actions/processes.
  • Greets visitors, clients, and other guests, ensuring adherence to the office’s safety and professionalism expectations.
  • Receiving/transferring incoming phone calls
  • Data entry into various software programs, particularly in support of the agencies Family Court cases and clients
  • Additional duties may be assigned.

Job Requirements for Legal Administrative Specialist

Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

  1. Possession of an Associate’s degree or higher.
  2. Knowledge of legal terminology.

AND

  1. One year of experience in coordinating office activities such as planning/coordinating meetings or conferences; tracking workflow and follow up; composing meeting notes; directing clients/customers; explaining services to the public and customers/clients; establishing or maintaining filing/record systems.
  2. One year of experience in document processing which includes reviewing and evaluating records for completeness and conformity with laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures, resolve deficiencies, interpret information, and track and monitor activities.
  3. One year of experience in using standard computer software programs for word processing, spreadsheets or databases.
  4. Six months experience in using an automated information system to enter, update, modify, delete, retrieve/inquire and report on data.
  5. Knowledge of legal terminology. 

Benefits

This is a Casual/Seasonal position, currently approved to work up to 29.75 hours per week and is a non-pension eligible position without healthcare and/or other benefits. 

The Office of Defense Services is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter via email to ODS_HR@delaware.gov

Application end date: Monday, November 18, 2024.

Anticipated start date: Monday, December 2, 2024.

Casual Seasonal Legal Assistant

The Office of Defense Services seeks a highly motivated, organized, and enthusiastic Legal Assistant to fill a casual seasonal role within Sussex County based at our Georgetown office. This position will provide assigned Assistant Public Defender’s with the necessary legal and administrative support in providing quality, constitutionally mandated, indigent defense services.  

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class:

  • Acts in liaison capacity between superior and various interested parties and judicial and/or court staff, clients, defendants, plaintiffs, victims, witnesses, law enforcement agents, elected and/or appointed officials and the public to gather, clarify and provide information regarding case facts and status.
  • Establishes and maintains case files ensuring that the files contain complete and accurate information essential to each step of the proceedings from pre-hearing and/or pre-trial through trial and sentencing.
  • Interviews involved parties such as clients, defendants, plaintiffs, victims, witnesses, arresting officers, or medical personnel to gather discovery material, evidence for case preparation and to complete various legal and/or court documents.
  • Reviews various reports as well as other information such as police reports, medical reports, retail, surveillance, computer files/electronic documents, body worn camera and video/audio; summarizes pertinent details of the case for Assistant Public Defenders; follows up as necessary for additional documents; drafts answers to litigation complaints and responses to form 30 interrogatories; issue subpoenas to obtain medical, insurance, and employment records; serves and prepares discovery; and makes required redactions for discovery and case preparation.
  • Reviews law sources such as case law, judicial decisions, statute law, codes, regulations, and legal and subject matter articles to ensure issues are properly cited and provides superior with written details of similar cases including findings, judicial decisions, and memorandum/opinions of law.
  • Prepares legal pleadings, e.g. briefs, motions, indictments, information and appeals.
  • Provides reports and recommendations for new/revised operating policies/procedures.
  • Reviews state and federal codes, laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance of legal actions/processes.

Job Requirements for Legal Assistant

Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

  • Three years of employment with the Office of Defense Services in a similar capacity.

OR

  • Possession of an Associate’s degree or certificate in Paralegal Studies from an ABA or Department approved program.

OR

A Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice or a related field.

  • OR
  • Three years’ experience in preparing and maintaining legal documents and case files.
  • Three years’ experience in legal research such as researching statutes, regulations, case law and background information.
  • Three years’ experience in interpreting laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
  • Two years’ experience in drafting legal documents and such as legal briefs or memoranda of law including presenting facts, setting out and analyzing legal issues and applying legal precedents.
  • Two years’ experience in interviewing using structured or unstructured interview techniques to obtain facts, explore issues and identify courses of action.
  • Proficient in all internal and external computer programs related to job duties, including but not limited to: Sharepoint, Word, Outlook, JIC, DELJIS, and E-Filing desired not essential.

Benefits

This is a Casual/Seasonal position, currently approved to work up to 29.75 hours per week and is a non-pension eligible position without healthcare and/or other benefits. 

Additional Posting Information

The Office of Defense Services is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or veteran status.

Conditions of Hire

  • Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9information to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S.
  • Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire.
  • Direct deposit of paychecks is required.

English/Spanish bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter via email to ODS_HR@delaware.gov

Application end date: Monday, November 18, 2024.

Anticipated start date: Monday, December 2, 2024.


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