ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER I

All applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors and possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment. Applicants must be able to work in various positions, and travel to various courtrooms and office environments throughout the State. MOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs and activities by modifying or adjusting the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for the position they desire; to perform the essential functions of the position in question; or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation imposes an undue hardship. Applicants must be able to operate a computer and other office equipment. Applicants must have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda Jackson, Human Resources Supervisor, 410-767-8503, tawandal.jackson@maryland.gov. 

The Office of the Public Defender is seeking well organized, customer service and detail oriented applicants with good time management and problem solving skills proficient in Microsoft Office to fill a full time Administrative Officer I (Office Manager) position in its Cumberland office located in Allegany County.  The Administrative Officer I is responsible for the management, supervision and coordination of support staff operations for our Cumberland/Oakland offices in Allegany County.  Travel between offices will be required. 

District 12 comprises two counties, Allegany and Garrett County.  Each office has core staff and attorneys.  The Allegany County office has over 20 staff requiring effective and efficient flow of work within the office, effective planning, scheduling and management of all work location tasks.

The Administrative Officer I position is based in Allegany County however this position is responsible for overseeing various operations in the Garrett County Office and travel to the Garrett County office is to be expected.  The Administrative Officer I serves on the office Leadership Team, collaborating on strategy, long term planning, and new initiatives. Along with the Managing Attorney, the Administrative Officer I represents the office in dealing with the OPD Administration on staff issues, as well as managing the office relationships with contract attorneys and outside organizations affecting the administration of the office. The Administrative Officer I serves as primary problem solver for daily issues that office staff cannot handle, such as unusual non-legal client questions, logistic problems and staff issues.  The Administrative Officer I is responsible for maintaining office coverage, staffing and supervising support staff at the Allegany County office. The Administrative Officer I is also responsible for answering phones and other various secretarial duties when needed.

The Administrative Officer I is responsible for overall operations in both the Allegany and Garrett County offices.  Some of those duties include maintaining office equipment and records according to OPD policy,  coordinating with the fiscal department and maintaining all office financial records, ensuring that office files are stored and retained properly,  purchasing office supplies, coordinating and communicating with the IT department, communicating with the courts and other various administrative personnel, addressing issues with the building maintenance and other issues that may arise.  It is vital that the Administrative Officer I is onsite and accessible to carry out the duties and responsibilities and to maintain the overall functioning of the office.

*Experience working with a disadvantaged client base.

*Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google applications. 

*Ability to track and analyze data.

*Supervisory experience.

*Experience working in a law office or court system, working with detained or incarcerated persons, attorneys and law enforcement or courtroom personnel.

*Excellent oral and written communication skills, and strong attention to detail.

*Strong organizational, multi-tasking and problem-solving skills.

Please be sure to include your name, identification number (Easy ID#) and job announcement number on any documentation to ensure timely processing. A paper copy of the MD State application form and questionnaire can be downloaded from the link below. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. We thank you Veterans for their service to our country.