
Title: Investigator - Arlington
State Role Title: Investig and Legal Support II
Hiring Range: $64,741.00 + Local Salary Supplement + State Benefits
Agency: Indigent Defense Commission
Location: ARLINGTON 322
Agency Website: www.vadefenders.org
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission (VIDC) is now accepting applications for the position of Investigator in the Arlington Public Defender's Office. The office is seeking a self-motivated individual to perform investigative work for public defense cases. The VIDC is dedicated to protecting and defending the rights and dignity of our clients through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy. The Investigator reports to the Chief Public Defender of the Arlington Office and is employed at-will. In addition to the listed salary, there is a 25.5% local salary supplement. However, this supplement is discretionary, subject to yearly approval by Arlington County, and income from it does not affect retirement benefits.
Duties:
This position is responsible for conducting interviews of all relevant witnesses and defendants to gain relevant information aiding in the preparation of cases and to appear in court as needed. Additional duties include gathering documents, taking photographs and measurements, serving subpoenas, and any other necessary steps resulting in a thorough investigation as assigned by the attorney. The investigator’s role also involves venturing into the field and engaging in face-to-face interactions with individuals to gather vital information. The position is required to have close interaction and build rapport with members of the public defender team and reports to the attorney handling each case. Investigators may also visit crime scenes to take measurements, make drawings, and photograph the area. Testimony before the courts to provide information for the attorneys may be required. Visiting incarcerated clients and witnesses is required. Familiarity with electronic media, body worn camera evidence, social media, and similar platforms is essential. Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, as investigations require.
The IDC is committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our workforce. We encourage and welcome qualified applicants of all identities, cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.
Minimum Qualifications
Additional Considerations
Special Instructions
Applications for this position require a cover letter and resume. Failure to submit both may disqualify you from further consideration.
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
While creating an account through the state system will save your basic information (please remember your username and password), applications are NOT saved for future openings. We encourage you to apply to any and all of the positions you may be considering within the IDC.
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment. IDC uses the E-Verify system and does not provide sponsorship.
Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand-delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. IDC does not accept “see resume” as a response to any question. Information on the application is the primary source used for screening the position. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants if requested, during the application and/or interview process.
This position qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) depending on your type of loan.
Edits cannot be made to the application once you have received a confirmation number. Phone calls are not accepted regarding an inquiry into the status of an application. Please login to the RMS system for status updates.
Contact Information
Name: Ashley Washington
Phone: 804-662-7249
Email: recruiting@vadefenders.org
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

The Commonwealth of Virginia is located in the South Atlantic region of the United States. It was the 10th state to be admitted to the Union on June 25, 1788. Home to approximately 8 million residents, Virginia is the 12th most populous state in the United States. The capital is Richmond, and its most populous city is Virginia Beach.
The narrative history of the Commonwealth of Virginia often begins with the founding of Jamestown in 1607, near what is now modern day Williamsburg, Virginia. Jamestown became the first permanent English settlement in the New World, and the Virginia General Assembly, established on July 30, 1619, is now recognized as the oldest legislative body in the western hemisphere. When Virginia became a royal colony in 1624, the robust tobacco trade that had been developing in Virginia helped establish the American colonies as a powerful economic force. During the American Revolution, Virginia witnessed the final surrender of British forces at Yorktown and later became known as the birthplace of many revolution-era figures and future American presidents, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. To date, 8 United States presidents have been born in Virginia, more than in any other state.
The modern government of Virginia is nearly identical in structure to the federal government, and is divided into 3 branches, these being the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches. The Virginia General Assembly is comprised of the 100-member House of Delegates and the 40-member Senate. A governor and lieutenant governor are elected every 4 years. Governors cannot be elected to or serve consecutive terms. Virginia’s judicial system consists of the Supreme Court of Virginia and the Court of Appeals of Virginia, the Circuit Courts, and the lower General District Courts and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts. Virginia has 13 electoral votes in presidential elections, and possesses 11 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.