Job Description

Posting number: 26-01097

Department: Assigned Counsel

Division: Department of Assigned Counsel

Job classification: Investigator/Process Server 2

Posting type: Open

Categories: Court Administration, Legal, Law Enforcement, Investigative, Attorney, Criminology

Summary

This is a full-time position (40 hours per week). Limited potential for remote work.

Examples of duties

Why It's a Great Opportunity:

As a highly skilled Investigator / Process Server professional, you will be responsible for the investigation of all case types being represented by the Pierce County Department of Assigned Counsel and the Pierce County Public Defense Conflict Office. Clients are often in the most stressful situation of their lives and may have limited insight into their situation. Your role may act as a liaison between the appointed attorney and the client, which is crucial to maintaining a collaborative relationship and successful outcomes.

Why It's a Great Department:

The mission of the Department of Assigned Counsel is to provide and administer the public defense delivery system in Pierce County in a manner that ensures eligible people receive professional and effective representation while efficiently utilizing public resources. The Department of Assigned Counsel has provided professional, high-quality representation to individuals in a variety of settings for 50 years.

The mission of the Public Defense Conflict Office is to provide and administer the public defense delivery system in Pierce County in a manner that ensures eligible individuals receive professional and effective representation.

About the Department of Assigned Counsel: The Department of Assigned Counsel is responsible for the delivery of mandated legal services to indigent persons accused of crimes in Pierce County Superior Court, Pierce County District Court, Delinquency, as well as providing representation to indigent persons in matters of Involuntary Civil Commitment, Contempt, and RCW 71.01 Cases. The Department of Assigned Counsel also represents individuals in Tacoma Municipal Court.

About the Public Defense Conflict Office: The Public Defense Conflict Office (PDC) is responsible for handling criminal matters in the Pierce County court system that may constitute a conflict of interest for the Department of Assigned Counsel (DAC), primarily in Pierce County Superior Court, and also Pierce County District Court and Delinquency.

How to be Successful in the Role:

Bring your detail oriented investigative and technical writing skills for drafting grammatically correct and compelling mitigation packages, and you will succeed in this position. Understanding and applying attorney-client privilege is essential, as you will navigate sensitive situations on a daily basis. You must have the ability to take direction, investigate, review, and independently write complex reports accurately and in a timely manner; so being a self-starter who is organized and self-motivated is a must. Use effective verbal and adept written communication skills while working with team members to ensure all procedures are followed and work is completed professionally, with empathy, and to professionally recognized standards.

Your Future in this Role:

In this position, you will develop professional networks with attorneys, courts, and agencies and strive to provide a high standard of investigative and case processing work. Your work will directly impact your community, and it offers a great foundation for future positions within Pierce County.

Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Receive and review reports of alleged client conduct, and proceed to investigate, interview witnesses, gather documents, and work with local police agencies, attorneys, and other related agencies.
• Investigate all case types as assigned by the department.
• Serve subpoenas and other required documents on witnesses as required.
• Write grammatically correct and detailed written reports, recommend, and execute procedures for case development as outlined by attorney, gather evidence as required and testify in court when required.
• Assist attorneys with more difficult and most complex cases.
• Interview clients, family members, witnesses, and other related parties involved in the case.
• Schedule and/or attend meetings with all parties involved in case.
• Take photographs, draw sketches, and prepare exhibits for trial preparation.
• Research and prepare social histories. Assist in mitigation investigation and report writing, as well as three strikes social histories.
• Prepare and maintain case files, records, and related documents.
• Prepare finalized mitigation reports for the court as requested by attorney.
• Use electronic discovery management system to assist clients with case information review.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

Qualifications

• Any combination of education or experience in police science, criminology, law and justice, or related fields may substitute equally for the recruiting requirements.
• Three or more years of experience in investigative, law enforcement, criminology, or related field.
• Grammatically correct investigative report writing and defense investigation experience are required.
• Please attach a current resume, cover letter, and a writing sample with your application. Failure to attach these will result in an incomplete application.

Preferred Qualifications

• Training and experience in mitigation and preparation of three strikes social histories, especially in Public Defense.
• Washington State Private Investigator license.

Special Requirements and/or Qualifications:

• Must possess or have the ability to obtain a Washington State Driver's License.
• This position is subject to possible hazardous and hostile working conditions.

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

Supplemental information

How to Apply:

• Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting “APPLY” above or visiting www.piercecountywa.gov/jobs.
• If you have questions about this opportunity, email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and include the job number and title.
• Individuals who need accommodation in the application or interview process may contact Human Resources at (253) 798-7480 at least two days prior to the need.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship.

Our Recruitment Practices:

This is a competitive and meritorious selection process. Pierce County applications are reviewed by human hiring staff in accordance with the qualifications listed for the position. Pierce County understands applicants may use AI tools when preparing application materials. We recognize these tools can make the process easier; however, we ask that everything you submit genuinely reflects your own experience, skills, knowledge, and writing style.

During the interview process, you may be asked to demonstrate your skills, including writing and subject knowledge, and to speak to your experience in your own voice. Applicants should be prepared to respond to interview questions without relying on AI-generated responses or reading prepared answers from a screen. Any misrepresentation may result in disqualification or separation.

Applicants whose qualifications most closely align with the County’s needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status typically occurs within two to three weeks after the closing date. Some applicants may receive short notice to participate in additional selection steps, which may include assessments, phone screens, or interviews.

Upon offer, compensation is based on a range of job-related factors, including the requirements of the role, your skills and experience, and internal pay equity.

Our Welcoming Workplace Commitment:

Pierce County is committed to fostering a Welcoming Workplace where employees are supported, respected, and able to thrive. We believe a strong public workforce is representative of the community it serves and that fair and just access to opportunity strengthens public service.

Guided by the County Executive’s Forward Together mission, Pierce County works to build communities that are safe, welcoming, and connected. This same commitment shapes how we recruit, develop, and retain our employees. County employees make a direct and visible impact in the lives of residents every day, and we invite you to join us in helping keep Pierce County a place people are proud to call home.