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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 – No Current Openings

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

Contract Attorney – Truancy Defense Project Grant – LIMITED TERM (2 years)

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

Casual Seasonal Legal Admin in Family Court

The Office of Defense Services seeks a highly motivated, organized, and enthusiastic Legal Admin Specialist to fill a casual seasonal role within the New Castle County Family Court Division based at the Leonard L. Williams Justice Center in Wilmington. This position will provide assigned Assistant Public Defenders 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 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; issue subpoenas to obtain records; and serves and prepares discovery.
  • 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 attorney with written details of similar cases including findings, judicial decisions, and memorandum/opinions of law.
  • Prepares legal pleadings, e.g. motions, briefs, and appeals.
  • Reviews state and federal codes, laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance of legal actions/processes.
  • Performs customer service related duties such as greet and direct public; answers basic questions received from public and/or direct questions to appropriate parties.
  • Operates phone system in order to connect internal calls and place external calls that require assistance.
  • Maintains phone directory of the numbers for the Court, DOJ, and ODS.

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, government agency, or law firm 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 but 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-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: Friday, September 13, 2024

Anticipated start date: Monday, September 23, 2024

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

Full-Time Telecommunications/Network Technician III

The Office of Defense Services Central Administration Services seeks a highly motivated, organized, and enthusiastic employee to fill a full-time Telecommunications/Network Technician III role. This position will provide hands-on and remote PC support, peripheral equipment troubleshooting, and support the connections of ODS users on the state’s network. This role will support large scale projects where equipment and software are being deployed statewide.

The successful candidate reports to the Chief of IT and is responsible for learning the systems used by the Office of Defense Services and provide IT support to 200+ end users throughout the state.

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:

  • Configures, installs, tests, troubleshoots, repairs and monitors operation of LAN hardware/software including desktop computers, data/voice/video communication systems, including peripheral devices, wiring, and cabling to ensure connectivity and functionality.
  • Identifies and resolves network and telecommunication system malfunctions including connectivity and functionality for mainframe, remote access, and other connections/interfaces; start/restart network after disruption or failures using computer diagnostic tools and software; run system backups; resolves desktop computer problems.
  • Performs routine network systems administration to include, but not limited to: addition/deletion of users and hardware/software, defining access rights, implementing and ensuring compliance with security procedures and policies, purchasing hardware/software through state contracts, planning and implementing desktop computer migration and maintaining inventory control systems.
  • Advises and trains users on the operation and capabilities of hardware and application software.
  • Monitors system operation and performance and provides system support as required both during and outside of normal business hours.

NOTE: Positions may require bending, stooping, lifting, pushing/pulling, carrying, & occasionally crawling under furniture to access/move equipment. 

NOTE: Travel to various statewide facilities will be required.

Job Requirements for Telecommunications/Network Technician III

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

  • Associate’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Telecommunications, I/T discipline or a related field,  or equivalent combination of education and experience.

    • CompTIA A+ and/or Network +  certification is preferred but not required.
  • At least 2 years’ experience installing, testing, and configuring computer hardware and connecting it to a network. This includes the configuration of wired and wireless connections and the installation of infrastructure components.
  • At least 2 years’ experience administering computer data networks including troubleshooting, diagnosing, and resolving computer data network problems. 
  • Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:
  • Administering computer data networks including troubleshooting, diagnosing, and resolving computer data network problems
  • Installing, testing, and configuring computer data networks including the associated wiring, network dependent devices, and infrastructure components.
  • Proficient in standard business applications such as Microsoft O365, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Zoom, Access, and Adobe Acrobat.
  • Ability to communicate courteously and effectively, both verbally and in writing, including the ability to communicate complex, technical information in a format appropriate to ensure audience comprehension with a diverse group of end-users.
  • Hands-on experience with common software and hardware.
  • Some travel required

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.

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.
  • Applicants must possess a valid Driver’s License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

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

Application end date: Friday, September 6, 2024

Anticipated start date: Monday, October 7, 2024

Casual Seasonal General Clerical Staff

The Office of Defense Services is seeking a highly motivated, organized individual for a clerical/Intake position in our Sussex County Office. This is a casual/seasonal position with an hourly rate of $22.00 per hour.  The total hours per week are 29.75.

Casual seasonal employees are not eligible to participate in benefit programs provided by the state. This includes paid vacation/sick leave, holiday pay, health insurance, or pension.

Essential functions

The Intake Investigator will interview defendants to obtain background and other information to determine eligibility for public defender services. The Intake Investigator is the first interaction clients have with the Office of Defense Services. Professionalism and people skills are a must. Intake Specialists will answer phones, enter data and interview clients for information relevant to case files and to determine eligibility for representation by the Office of Defense Services.

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 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 administrative tasks
  • Interpreting/translating (assuming additional language fluency)
  • Perform other tasks as required and directed by supervisory staff

Job Requirements for General Clerical Staff

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

  • Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate
  • Strong assessment, writing, speaking, interpersonal skills and clinical skills.
  • Interviewing experience and knowledge of applicable interviewing techniques.
  • Bilingual candidate preferred.

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.

Condition 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.
  • Applicants must possess a valid Driver’s License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

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

Application end date: Friday, September 6, 2024

Anticipated start date: Monday, October 7, 2024


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