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Job Description
CAREER DESCRIPTION
INVESTIGATIVE ASSISTANT I
(DNA Collections)
In addition to performance-based merit increases, this position is scheduled to receive a salary range increase on the following date:
Effective June 27, 2025 - 4.00% increase
THIS RECRUITMENT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
This recruitment is being held to establish an open eligible list to fill current and future vacancies in the Orange County District Attorney's Office. This recruitment may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange.
DEADLINE TO APPLY:
T his recruitment will close on February 17, 2025, at 11:59 PM PST.
THE OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY The Office of the Orange County District Attorney - Public Administrator , (OCDA-PA) represents the People of the State of California in criminal and civil proceedings in the Superior Court of California and appellate courts of the state. The mission of the OCDA is to enhance public safety and welfare and to protect and respect crime victims and to create security in the community through the vigorous enforcement of criminal and civil laws in a just, honest, efficient and ethical manner.
THE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office - Bureau of Investigation supports the prosecutorial and law enforcement endeavors of the District Attorney. It provides a wide range of policing services tasked with suppressing crime and ensuring all criminal cases filed in Orange County are thoroughly investigated. The OCDA Science & Technology Unit furthers these goals by harnessing and integrating cutting edge science and technology to promote justice and enhance public safety. The DNA Collections Program collects DNA from mostly misdemeanor defendants who agree to provide a DNA sample as part of a negotiated case disposition. In exchange for voluntarily consenting to provide a DNA sample, defendants are often offered a reduced charge or the chance to participate in a diversion program where the defendant has the chance to earn a complete case dismissal. Defendants are under no obligation to accept a DA offer that includes providing a DNA sample and may seek an offer from the court. Such court offers may or may not include providing a DNA sample for the OCDA DNA Database, at the discretion of the court. The individual offenders’ DNA samples are collected at OCDA staffed collection stations located inside each courthouse.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Office of the District Attorney has an opportunity for an Investigative Assistant I to provide support to the Bureau of Investigation. The Investigative Assistant I is an entry-level class. Under close supervision, the Investigative Assistant I will learn to perform a variety of non- sworn office work.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to:- Collect DNA samples
- Fingerprint, photograph, and collect and track DNA samples from subjects in and out of custody
- Work with multiple DNA Databases and other law enforcement databases
- Understand the use of DNA Technology to solve crimes
- Obtain payment for DNA Collections
- Conduct initial quality control checks of documentation
- Documenting, packaging, and shipping state and local database samples
- Collect samples at DNA sites and deliver them to various locations
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND CORE COMPETENCIES
The District Attorney is seeking an exceptional individual who can work under close supervision, with frequent interruptions, and with definitive timelines, who possess the following competencies:
Technical Knowledge- Basic methods, techniques and regulations applicable to service of civil and criminal process
- Basic research methods and techniques
- Rules of evidence
- Common interviewing techniques
- Basic human behavior and motivation sufficient to overcome hostility and reticence in the interviewees
- Ability to learn, understand and apply laws, rules, and regulations applicable to the activities in the Office of the District Attorney
- Learn to independently gather, assemble, and analyze facts and evidence; draw conclusions and make appropriate decisions
- Learn to effectively evaluate credibility of persons interviewed
- Learn the tactics to use initiative, persistence and aggressiveness to locate witnesses or other persons or data
- The ability and good judgement to evaluate voluntary consent
Special Requirements- Willing to work a modified work schedule based on assignment
- Ability to adapt to changing work environment, with varying levels of stress
Effective Communication Skills- Establish rapport with and gain cooperation of people from varying backgrounds
- Demonstrated ability to write and prepare clear and concise summaries
- Ability to work well under supervision and in a small team environment
- Ability to communicate with the public as well as all levels of Supervisory and Executive staff
Judgment- Learn to use proper judgment in matters requiring immediate decisions
Accountability and Dependability- Take personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work and achieve results
- Follow instructions, policies, and procedures
- Meet productivity standards, deadlines, and work schedules
- Stay focused on tasks in spite of distractions and interruptions
- Balance quality of work with meeting deadlines
Ethics and Integrity- Earn others' trust and respect through consistent honesty and professionalism in all interactions
- Maintain confidentiality
- Avoid situations and actions considered inappropriate or which present a conflict of interest
- Adhere to a set of core values that are represented in decisions and actions
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Click here to view the minimum qualifications for the Investigative Assistant I classification.
BILINGUAL COMPENSATION
Additional compensation up to 70 cents ($0.70) per hour may be available for candidates selected to work in positions requiring the following bilingual skills:- Spanish/English: Ability to speak, read, write, and understand fluent Spanish and English.
- Vietnamese/English: Ability to speak, write, and understand fluent Vietnamese and English.
RECRUITMENT PROCEDURE:
The Office of the District Attorney Human Resources screens all applications to identify the qualified candidates. After the initial screening, qualified candidates will be referred to the next step and notified of all further recruitment steps applicable to their status in the competition. After all assessments have been completed, the District Attorney's Human Resources will establish an eligible list of qualified candidates.
The recruitment procedure will consist of the following assessments, which will require a few weeks to complete.
Application Screening | (Refer/Non-Refer)
Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applications exhibiting qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.
Structured Oral Interview (SOI) | (Weighted 100%)
Candidates will be interviewed and rated by a panel of job knowledge experts. Each candidate's rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the candidate's qualifications for the job. The more qualified candidates will be referred to the next step.
Eligible List
Once the assessment has been completed, District Attorney Human Resources will establish an eligible list of candidates. Only the most successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.
Based on the Department's needs, the recruitment procedure listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any change(s) in the recruitment procedure.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
VETERANS EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.
SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS Candidates under consideration for hire by the Office of the District Attorney-Public Administrator, including current DA employees, will be required to successfully pass an extensive and thorough background investigation, including Live Scan fingerprinting, to the satisfaction of the District Attorney. The information gathered in the course of a background investigation is deemed confidential and will not be disclosed to the applicant unless legally mandated by statute to do so.
EMAIL NOTIFICATION
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct e-mail address is included in our application and use only one e-mail account.
NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.
Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via e-mail through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your e-mail folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept e-mails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your e-mail address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com .
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
If you have questions related to this recruitment, please contact Alissa Quintero at (714) 347-8805 or Alissa.Quintero@ocdapa.org
EEO INFORMATION
Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Non-Management Benefits
In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits, such as a variety of health plan options, annual leave and paid holidays--we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as a Health Care Reimbursement Account, 457 Defined Contribution Plan and Annual Education and Professional Reimbursement. Employees are provided a Retirement Plan through the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS).
Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information
Click here for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees.
Closing Date/Time: 2/17/2025 11:59 PM Pacific -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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County of Orange
Show moreDiscover a Fulfilling Career at the County of Orange
With a population of over 3 million residents and 34 cities, Orange County is a thriving community known for its beautiful beaches, diverse culture, and strong economy. As the third-largest employer in the county, the County of Orange offers over 18,000 employees the opportunity to make a difference in their community and build a fulfilling career in public service.
As a County of Orange employee, you will have the chance to work in a variety of departments, each providing vital services to our community. From law enforcement and healthcare to public works and environmental protection, there is a wide range of career paths to explore. And with opportunities for advancement and professional growth, you can build a long and rewarding career with us.
As a top employer in the region, the County of Orange is committed to providing our employees with excellent benefits, including a competitive salary, flexible work schedules, and outstanding healthcare coverage. We also offer opportunities for career development and training, ensuring that our employees have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
Whether you're just starting your career or looking for a new challenge, the County of Orange is a great place to work. With a supportive and collaborative work environment, a commitment to excellence, and opportunities for growth and advancement, we invite you to join our team and make a difference in your community.
Community Impact:
Working for the County of Orange means you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community. Whether you're providing critical services to residents, protecting the environment, or maintaining public safety, your work will make a difference in the lives of those around you.
Employee Wellness:
At the County of Orange, we prioritize our employees' well-being. We offer telecommuting options, generous health benefits, and wellness programs to promote work-life balance. We believe that by taking care of our employee’s health and well-being, we can help them excel in their careers while still enjoying their personal lives and taking care of their families.
Innovation:
The County of Orange is committed to embracing new technologies and innovative approaches to service delivery. We encourage our employees to think creatively and find ways to improve our processes and systems. If you're someone who loves to problem-solve and think outside the box, you'll find a supportive and dynamic environment here.
Collaboration:
Collaboration is key to our success at the County of Orange. We value teamwork, communication, and mutual support, and we work together across departments and functions to achieve our goals. If you're someone who enjoys collaborating with others and building strong relationships, you'll find a welcoming and inclusive community here.
Equality:
At the County of Orange, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. Our Equity Policy reflects this commitment and guides our efforts to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do.
Career Advancement:
The County of Orange is dedicated to helping our employees grow and advance in their careers. We offer a variety of training and development opportunities to help our employees reach their full potential. If you're looking for a place to build a long and fulfilling career, the County of Orange is an excellent choice.
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