Impactful Public Defender Investigator

Minnehaha County, SD; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 44,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

PTO from day one

Sick leave

South Dakota Retirement System

Deferred compensation plan

Paid holidays

Job summary

The Minnehaha County Public Defender's Office invites applications for an Investigator to perform professional investigative work obtaining information about cases in order to assist defense attorneys in the Public Defender’s Office. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to be involved with your community.

Our employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including paid holidays; health, dental, vision, and life insurance; PTO available from day one; an extended sick leave program;

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, sociology, political science, or related field.
• At least one year of experience as an investigator, in law enforcement or public defense, or as a paralegal.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license or arrange transportation for field travel.
• Working knowledge of South Dakota law and law enforcement policies.
• Knowledge of criminal investigation methods including gathering, preserving, and presenting evidence.
• Knowledge of interviewing methods and techniques.
• Ability to work with witnesses in the criminal justice system.
• Demonstrated cultural mindfulness in communications.
• Ability to follow written and verbal directions.
• Knowledge of and skill in using technology and related software systems.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to build positive, collaborative relationships with coworkers, other agencies, and the public.

Responsibilities

• Interview key witnesses and collect information to support defense strategies.
• Examine scenes firsthand and review reports and footage for new details.
• Build timelines that reveal the truth and surface evidentiary material.
• Create compelling visual exhibits to strengthen the defense.
• Help craft strategies with attorneys to ensure accurate, equitable investigations.

Skills

Interviewing techniques

Verbal and written communication

Cultural mindfulness

Driver's license

Team collaboration

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, sociology, political science, or related field

Job description

The Minnehaha County Public Defender's Office invites applications for an Investigator to perform professional investigative work obtaining information about cases in order to assist defense attorneys in the Public Defender’s Office. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to be involved with your community.

Our employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including paid holidays; health, dental, vision, and life insurance; PTO available from day one; an extended sick leave program;