Public Defense Investigator (TLT/SDA)

This recruitment (2025NS25452) will be used to fill positions on a rolling as basis either asTerm-Limited Temporary (TLT) or Special Duty Assignments (SDA) and placement may occur within any of our divisions at either Seattle or Kent. It will also be used to create an eligibility pool to fill additional TLT or SDA vacancies that occur over the next six months. Assignments are anticipated to last for up to 24 months and may have the ability to be extended or end early based on business needs.

King Countys Department of Public Defense is looking to fill one or more Public Defense Investigator positions. The ideal candidate will be able to exercise good independent judgment and apply office guidelines legal procedures work methods court rules and applicable laws. This role does not necessarily require a legal or criminal justice background though experience with the criminal legal system is helpful. We seek compassionate motivated individuals ready to help clients in their cases.

Public Defense Investigators assist attorneys in developing defense strategies by providing excellent trial-related investigative work. They review surveillance footage and video from police officers body-worn cameras examine discovery materials conduct crime scene analyses identify and interview potential witnesses and moreall with an eye towards supporting the best possible legal outcome for clients. Theyre a key member of the defense team and play an integral role in achieving the clients stated goal. The successful candidate is dedicated to our collective mission to defend the most vulnerable and marginalized members of our community.

• To dismantle the systems that oppress our client.
• To make the traditional systems that remain as restorative as possible.
• To advocate for pathways that will allow our clients to succeed.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES include but are not limited to the following:

• Have the ability to work onsite as well as report to various locations including court jail facilities etc. throughout the county.
• Have the ability to work 40 hours a week with occasional overtime as needed.
• Uses professional communication skills and demonstrates empathy with DPDs clientsand the communityto includeadults teens and children many of whom suffer from trauma and/or mental illness via the phone and in-person.
• Assist attorneys in analyzing cases from a defense perspective. This may include examination of discovery materials or other information to determine areas in which more factual information is needed.
• Conduct crime scene analysis and examination of other physical locations or objects to identify evidence that will assist in preparing the defense. This may include taking photographs and preparing diagrams maps charts and scale drawings to be exhibited in court. Communicate findings to attorneys.
• Identify and locate known or potential witnesses; assist attorneys in identifying appropriate expert witnesses.
• Conduct in-depth often in-person interviews with victims witnesses police personnel medical personnel clients and others; develop and prioritize questions in order to obtain necessary information related to the case.
• Prepare comprehensive written summaries of interviews and other investigative findings document contacts.
• Obtain and review reports records and other information.
• Identify and obtain potentially useful information through Public Records Act requests. This may include but is not limited to address verification education and employment records military records medical records and private records.
• Identify and capture digital and social media information including but not limited to web search histories messaging and email history profile information industry records government agency records and criminal records of state and defense witnesses.
• Prepare process and serve subpoenas on individuals and organizations.
• Organize investigative case files; maintain and update time logs and calendar of due dates and court dates; confer with attorneys regarding investigation status.
• Provide trial assistance by communicating trial schedule to witnesses responding to last-minute investigation requests and testifying as necessary.
• Maintain current knowledge of related issues/standards in the legal environment.
• Attend and participate in unit and agency training and meetings as appropriate.
• Provide in-court testimony as deemed necessary by the assigned attorney to advance the defense case theory or discredit a witness.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possess a bachelors degree and two years of demonstrated experience as a criminal defense investigator or equivalent defense-oriented investigative experience or education. OR applicants should have a combination of experience/education/training that provides the required knowledge skills and abilities to perform the work.
• Have the ability to travel to required destinations around King County in a timely manner.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.

• Interview methods techniques and procedures including the ability to recognize factual discrepancies within discovery materials and take investigative follow-up.
• Criminal law the legal system and legal terminology.

• Working with individuals from diverse backgrounds to effectively serve vulnerable clients from all walks of life.
• Handling confidential information to safeguard client privacy and identity.
• Preparing detailed narrative reports correspondence and other written materials.
• Handling confidential information acquired during the course of an investigation.
• Identifying potential ethical issues and seeking advice when ethical issues arise or require clarification.
• Observing receiving and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Working independently setting priorities and meeting deadlines.

• Work and build trust with clients and people negatively affected by the criminal legal system.
  Use effective communication listening and interview skills while accurately documenting interviews and meetings.
• Respond to inquiries from clients staff members and court personnel and to testify effectively at trial sentencing or other hearings.
• Assess potentially dangerous situations and perform de-escalation techniques to clients/witnesses/others as applicable in distress via phone and in person.
• Work efficiently and calmly under pressure.
• Use office productivity tools such as Microsoft Office 365 (Excel Word and Outlook) document management and Internet search engines cameras video equipment tape recorders and other relevant technology.
• Use mapping/diagramming software programs and be proficient at entering data efficiently and accurately.
• Search and analyze social networks and information databases.
• Demonstrate analytical organization and problem-solving skills.

• Have lived experience involving the criminal legal system.
• Fluency in a foreign language.

WHY KING COUNTY

At King County our work is guided by our True North and values. Our True North is what we aspire to: Making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive.
King County offers great benefits to include a pension plan holidays transit pass plus training and education opportunities to promote growth and development. Our focus is to provide our employees with work life balance.

ARE YOU READY TO APPLY
This opportunity to join DPD is open to all qualified applicants. Please apply at recruitment (2025NS25452) will be used to fill positions on a rolling as basis either asTerm-Limited Temporary (TLT) or Special Duty Assignment (SDA) and placement may occur within any of our divisions at either Seattle or Kent. It will also be used to create an eligibility pool to fill additional TLT or SDA vacancies that occur over the next six months. Assignments are anticipated to last for up to 24 months and may have the ability to be extended or end early based on business needs.

To be considered for this role submit the following items:

• Completed King County application.
• A current resume.
• Cover letter detailing your background and what you can bring to the Department of Public Defense.

• Dexter Horton Building710 Second Avenue Seattle
• Jefferson Street Building 1401 East Jefferson Seattle
• Meeker Street Building 420 West Harrison Street Kent