Public Defender Investigator: Uncover Truth, Shape Justice

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

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

PTO from day one

Extended sick leave

South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS)

Deferred compensation plan

Job summary

Minnehaha County Public Defender's Office invites applications for an Investigator to obtain information about cases and support defense attorneys. Benefit-rich package includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance, PTO from day one, extended sick leave, SDRS, and deferred compensation.

The hiring range is $32.16/hour - $35.45/hour with full earning potential up to $47.65/hour. Minimum requirements include a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or related field and at least one year of

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 and gather information from interviews.
• Examine scenes, reports, and footage to uncover relevant details.
• Build timelines and create visual exhibits to support case strategy.
• Work with attorneys to craft precise, informed, and equitable investigation plans.

Skills

Investigator experience

Interviewing techniques

Verbal and written communication

Criminal justice knowledge

Cultural mindfulness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field

Tools

Driver's license

Job description

Minnehaha County Public Defender's Office invites applications for an Investigator to obtain information about cases and support defense attorneys. Benefit-rich package includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance, PTO from day one, extended sick leave, SDRS, and deferred compensation.

The hiring range is $32.16/hour - $35.45/hour with full earning potential up to $47.65/hour. Minimum requirements include a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or related field and at least one year of