Public Defender Investigator: Impactful Fieldwork & Justice

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid holidays

PTO from day one

Extended sick leave

South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS)

Deferred compensation

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.

The successful candidate will interview witnesses, examine scenes, and prepare timelines and exhibits while upholding ethical standards.

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.

Responsibilities

• Interview key witnesses, examine scenes, and review reports and footage to uncover details.
• Build timelines and create visual exhibits to strengthen defense strategies.
• Verify information, locate reluctant witnesses, and challenge unsupported claims to ground cases in facts.
• Collaborate with attorneys to craft precise, informed, and equitable investigation plans.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interviewing skills

Cultural mindfulness

Technology proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice 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.

The successful candidate will interview witnesses, examine scenes, and prepare timelines and exhibits while upholding ethical standards.