Domestic Violence Unit Investigator (Temp)

This Term Limited Assignment will last through October 2027 and may be extended based on continued grant funding.

With more than 200 attorneys and professional staff, the Seattle City Attorney’s Office is one of the largest law offices in Seattle and is the third-largest public law office in the state. Our office is committed to making Seattle a safe, healthy, empowered, and thriving community for everyone. We strive to address historical injustices within the court system with self-examination and to pursue justice in Seattle with integrity, creativity, and fairness. We believe working transparently, innovatively, and in collaboration with our partners in the community is necessary to achieve outcomes that promote equity, accountability, and healing.

Join a team of passionate prosecutors and advocates working together to address gender-based violence in Seattle by holding abusers accountable and providing victims with information, support, and resources. The Seattle City Attorney’s Office Domestic Violence Unit prosecutes crimes of misdemeanor intimate partner domestic violence, family violence involving adult children, elder abuse, and child abuse/neglect cases. The Domestic Violence Unit provides support and resources for child, adult, and elder victims.

The Domestic Violence Unit is composed of experienced prosecutors, victim advocates, and dedicated support staff. It is proud of its diversity and is represented by people of various cultures and ethnic/racial backgrounds. 

Advocates work closely with prosecutors to give victims the best possible assistance and a voice in both arrest and non-arrest incidents. This is a 3-year temporary Office of Violence Against Women (OVW) grant-funded position that will support the work of the advocates and paralegals by doing an in-depth analysis of the criminal and order history of each defendant to evaluate their risk profile and ensuring that high-risk cases receive more investigation, collaboration, and victim outreach. This up-front analysis of the case will allow prosecutors to make more informed sentencing recommendations and will decrease the reliance on victim’s testimony to prove our cases, resulting in better outcomes for victims. 

In addition to this opportunity to join a team that is dedicated to public service, the City Attorney’s Office offers a generous benefits program that includes paid leave benefits, paid parental and family leave, low-cost health benefits, and the opportunity to participate in a defined benefit retirement program.

 The position is housed in the Columbia Center.

The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Follow up on referrals from advocates and prosecutors to track down victims, witnesses or evidence by working independently but collaboratively, and conducting thorough investigations.

• Work collaboratively with the permanent investigative resources of a Video eDiscovery Specialist, Seattle Police misdemeanor DV Detective or Domestic Violence Unit, and DVU Paralegal.

• Work collaboratively with our community partner on this OVW grant to develop procedures for screening high-risk cases and increasing our support of high-risk victims. Initiate, organize, and facilitate high-risk multi-disciplinary team meetings.

• Conduct independent and extensive review and analysis of police reports, court records, court orders, and criminal history.
• Request follow-up from patrol officers and detectives. Develop trainings for law enforcement.
• Summarize the status of existing orders to assist prosecutors in determining the appropriate release conditions to be requested at arraignment.
• Obtain orders and proof of service from law enforcement agencies.
• Serve subpoenas for trial.
• Adhere to a high degree of professional ethics and integrity. Exercise diplomacy and patience with survivors of domestic violence and members of the public.
• Work collaboratively with SCAO’s Data Analytics Manager, the Supervisor of the Domestic Violence Unit, and the Victim Advocate Supervisor in the collection, analysis, and reporting of data based on OVW criteria.
• Present evidence and testimony in court proceedings.
• Utilize time and case management skills to prioritize and respond to case needs appropriately.
• Participate in OVW training and technical assistance, including training about law enforcement and/or prosecutors’ role in coordinated community responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking and how to effectively serve underserved communities; New Grantee Orientation; and law enforcement and/or prosecution institutes. 
• Participate in an assessment or evaluation conducted by OVW. 
• Review the principles set forth in the Department of Justice’s 2022 updated guidance on Improving Law Enforcement Response to Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence by Identifying and Preventing Gender Bias, and, for law enforcement agencies, integrate these principles into policies, training, supervision, and accountability systems.
• Flexibility to respond to competing demands.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior employment as a sworn law enforcement officer is preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of domestic violence dynamics, power/control, and risk assessment.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate professionally, clearly, and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with diverse stakeholders including co-workers, attorneys, survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking, witnesses, government officials, the court, and the public.
• Ability to exercise excellent judgment and discretion.
• Familiarity with criminal justice databases.
• Expertise and experience with the interviewing of witnesses.
• Understanding of victim-centered advocacy.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, and non-profit organizations.
• Ability to work independently and proactively in high-pressure and stressful situations.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Required: Excellent MS Office Suite experience, particularly Outlook, Word, and Excel. 

Race and Social Justice Initiative – The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.

Compensation and Benefits – This position is part of a stepped salary system with an initial Step 1 placement (40.78/hour). Full Range: $40.78 - $47.54. Advanced initial step placement may be considered under limited circumstances, but step salaries are not subject to negotiation.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, 12 official holidays, 2 floating holidays, sick, and paid parental leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees.  City Attorney’s Office employees also have the opportunity to participate in a defined benefits retirement program. More information about benefits can be found at https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans. 

Workplace Environment – The Seattle City Attorney's Office has an Alternative Work Arrangements Policy. Employees have the option to work a hybrid schedule (2 days in the office, 3 days remote). Effective Monday, April 21, 2025, the Alternative Work Arrangement Policy will require 3 days in the office with the option of 2 days remote. This is subject to change as circumstances and business needs dictate. 

Background Check – Applicants must successfully pass a background check. Applicants will be given a chance to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information on good conduct and rehabilitation.

Application Process – For your application to be accepted you must:

• Complete the online City Application.
• Attach a resume detailing your relevant experience.
• Attach a cover letter describing your interest in the position and how you meet the above-listed qualifications.

Who may apply – This position is open to all candidates who meet the minimum qualifications.   The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy.  The Seattle City Attorney's Office encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Questions?   Contact our Human Resources team at LAW_HR@seattle.gov.

Salary : $85,149 - $99,264