Job Description

Posting number: 27-01

Department: Public Advocate

Division: Public Advocate

Job classification: Investigator - Public Advocate's Office

Posting type: Open

Categories: Legal, Investigative, Paraprofessional, Miscellaneous

Summary

The Investigator performs professional investigative work to obtain information about cases to assist defense attorneys in the Public Advocate’s Office. Responsibilities include interviewing and communicating with witnesses and clients; gathering and evaluating information and evidence; reviewing statements for factual accuracy or inconsistencies; obtaining mitigation information to support sentencing considerations; serving subpoenas at the direction of attorneys; providing testimony in court when required; communicating case events, hearings, and trial schedules to clients and witnesses; assisting in the preparation of court documents; and maintaining organized records, files, and investigative materials.

Examples of duties

In this investigator role, you will make a meaningful impact by uncovering critical facts, building trust with clients, and ensuring attorneys have the information needed to provide the strongest possible defense. You will conduct thorough interviews with clients, witnesses, and other individuals connected to a case, asking detailed follow-up questions, identifying inconsistencies, and documenting findings accurately to help shape case strategy. By approaching every interaction with professionalism, respect, and empathy, you will build rapport with clients in a variety of settings and help ensure their stories are fully understood and represented.

You will strengthen case preparation by investigating all relevant facts, maintaining close communication with attorneys and defense team members, gathering records, locating witnesses, serving subpoenas, and developing mitigation evidence that provides important context about a client's background and circumstances. You will also examine crime scenes and other relevant locations, document evidence through photographs, maps, diagrams, and other exhibits, and arrange evidence reviews when needed. Your attention to detail and commitment to uncovering the truth will directly support negotiations, hearings, sentencing proceedings, and trial preparation.

Through ongoing training and professional development, you will stay current on investigative techniques, legal developments, and best practices in public defense investigation. Ultimately, you will make an impact by ensuring no important fact goes unexplored, no client feels unheard, and every case benefits from a thorough, objective, and compassionate investigation that helps attorneys advocate effectively and pursue fair outcomes.

A full job description with additional details is linked below:

Investigator

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, sociology, political science, or a related field and at least one year of experience as an investigator, in law enforcement or public defense, or as a paralegal, or closely related area. Comparable combination of education and experience may be considered. Must successfully complete pre-employment background process. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license or be able to arrange necessary and timely transportation for field travel.

Working knowledge of South Dakota law and law enforcement policies and procedures. Knowledge of principles, methods, and techniques of criminal investigation including gathering, preserving, and presenting evidence. Knowledge of effective interviewing methods and techniques. Ability to work effectively with witnesses of the criminal justice system. Ability to demonstrate cultural mindfulness in all communications. Ability to understand and follow written and verbal directions. Knowledge of and skill in using technology and related software systems. Effective verbal and written communication. Ability to build and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with coworkers, other agencies, and the public. Present a professional appearance and communicate with others in a respectful and approachable way.

Supplemental information

Minnehaha County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, sex or gender including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity, marital status, age, disability, veteran’s status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by contacting Human Resources at (605) 367-4337.