Job Summary

Investigators within this classification support attorneys and legal staff in the Public Defense office by conducting factual investigations, locating and interviewing witnesses, gathering and analyzing evidence, identifying mitigating circumstances, and assisting in the development of defense strategies for criminal cases.

Investigators work independently and exercise professional judgment in determining investigative priorities, developing leads, and evaluating information relevant to assigned cases. Work is performed with limited supervision and is reviewed for completeness, accuracy, and usefulness in case preparation and court proceedings.

Investigators maintain frequent contact with clients, family members, witnesses, victims, law enforcement personnel, service providers, treatment professionals, and community organizations. Many contacts involve sensitive, confidential, emotional, or potentially confrontational situations and require professionalism, discretion, and strong interpersonal skills.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Social Sciences, Psychology, Sociology, Legal Studies, or a related field; and
• Three to five years of investigative experience in criminal justice, legal services, law enforcement, social services, or a related field; or
• Any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Job Related Requirements:

• Possession of a valid driver's license and a safe driving record.
• Ability to successfully complete a criminal history and background review appropriate to the position.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with attorney-client privilege, court rules, and ethical standards governing defense investigations.
• Ability to travel throughout the county and surrounding jurisdictions as needed.

Knowledge of: 

• Criminal justice processes and constitutional rights.
• Criminal investigation techniques and evidence collection practices.
• Court procedures and legal terminology.
• Rules regarding confidentiality, attorney-client privilege, and work product.
• Interviewing and fact-finding methods.
• Record retrieval and documentation practices.
• Community resources and behavioral health, housing, treatment, and social service systems.
• Principles of trauma-informed communication and cultural responsiveness.

Ability to:

• Conduct objective, thorough, and independent investigations.
• Interview clients and witnesses effectively and sensitively.
• Establish and maintain productive professional relationships with diverse populations.
• Work with individuals experiencing mental illness, trauma, substance use disorders, housing instability, or other significant life challenges.
• Analyze information from multiple sources and identify inconsistencies or gaps.
• Prepare clear, concise, and accurate written reports.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Use computer applications, case management systems, databases, and electronic evidence platforms.
• Manage multiple cases and competing priorities.
• Exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism in sensitive situations.

Selection Process:

Resume and other documents must be attached together in the 'Resume Upload' section of the application.  Multiple files are allowed, but all applicant attachments must be uploaded simultaneously, as there is no way to edit or append uploaded materials after submitting the application.

 

Application Review (Pass/ Fail) - An online application is required.  Attaching a resume does not substitute for a completed application; incomplete applications will not pass the application review.  Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

 

Practical Exam (Pass/Fail) - This recruitment may require a practical exam which will be job related and may include, but not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement.  Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

 

Oral Interview - The interview will be job related and may include, not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement.  Top candidate(s) will continue in the process.

 

Employment references will be conducted for the final candidates and may include verification of education.

 

It is general policy of the County that new employees should be hired at the lower steps of the applicable range and advance through the range at the normal progression.

Examples of Duties

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Interview clients, witnesses, complainants, law enforcement personnel, subject matter experts, and other individuals relevant to assigned cases.
• Gather, document, and evaluate information that may assist in defense preparation, plea negotiations, pretrial motions, sentencing advocacy, and trial strategy.
• Locate and interview witnesses who may possess exculpatory, impeachment, or mitigating information.
• Review, analyze, and verify police reports, witness statements, records, digital evidence, body-worn camera footage, and other investigative materials.
• Research and collect records from public and private sources, including medical, educational, employment, treatment, housing, and social service providers, as permitted by law.
• Identify and document mitigating circumstances related to a client's background, mental health, substance use, trauma history, employment, family circumstances, or other relevant factors.
• Conduct field investigations, scene inspections, neighborhood canvasses, and photographic documentation as needed.
• Assist attorneys in developing defense theories and monitoring case developments for new leads and emerging issues.
• Write detailed reports summarizing investigative activities, findings, witness interviews, and recommendations.
• Develop and prepare exhibits, timelines, maps, photographs, charts, and other demonstrative materials for hearings and trials.
• Maintain evidence and investigative records in accordance with legal, ethical, and professional standards.
• Testify in court regarding investigative activities, findings, and chain of custody when required.
• Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with courts, law enforcement agencies, social service organizations, treatment providers, and community partners.
• Assist in locating clients, witnesses, and other individuals relevant to assigned matters.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Salary Grade

M3.11

Salary Range

$38.19 - $51.55- per hour

Close Date

Open Until Filled

Equal Opportunity Employer

Clark County is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, access, and delivery of all county services. Clark County’s Equal Employment Opportunity Plan is available at http://www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents.

Employee Benefits and additional compensation

Clark County provides regular full-time and part-time employees with a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, vision and dental insurance, paid leave, flexible spending accounts, life insurance and long-term disability, retirement, and deferred compensation.  Some types of employees in some positions and bargaining units might have different benefits and additional compensation.  More specific benefit information for the different bargaining units can be found at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/employee-benefits. Also please refer to the specific bargaining unit contract for additional compensation at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents.

Retirement Information

All Clark County employees must participate in a WASHINGTON STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM PLAN (PERS, PSERS or LEOFF).Employee contributions begin the first day of work. Current contribution rates vary by plan but could range from 5% to 15% of gross pay, depending on the plan choice. 
 

For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site here: http://www.drs.wa.gov/

If you are in need of ADA/Section 504 assistance for accommodations, please contact Human Resources at (564) 397-2456; Relay (800) 833-6388.