Public Records Officer

Public Records Officer

Title: Public Records Officer
Salary Range: $42.34 - $53.87 (hourly for non-exempt)
Classification: Full-time; Non-Exempt; Represented by Protec17
Location: Seattle, WA; In person & eligible for telework

Organizational Overview

The King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) is a public administrative agency that oversees homelessness-related programs and funding in the Seattle-King County region. Created by an interlocal agreement between the City of Seattle and King County in 2019, KCRHA is responsible for unifying and coordinating the homelessness response system across our large and diverse region. KCRHA works with a wide range of stakeholders, with a focus on continuous improvement across the system, centering lived experience and making the most effective use of public funds. Our mission is to address and bring everyone inside throughout King County using equity and social justice principles.

Team Overview

The role reports to KCRHAs General Counsel.

Role Description

The Public Records Officer is responsible for managing and overseeing compliance with the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). This role ensures timely responses to public records requests, maintains accurate recordkeeping systems, and provides guidance on legal compliance related to records management. This role will report to KCRHAs General Counsel (this is subject to change).

Accountabilities

Key Responsibilities:

• Public Records Request Management
• Receive, process, and track public records requests in compliance with the Washington Public Records Act (PRA).
• Coordinate with departments to locate, review, and produce responsive records while ensuring confidentiality and legal compliance.
• Communicate with requestors to clarify requests, provide status updates, and manage expectations.
• Review records for exemptions and apply appropriate redactions in consultation with legal counsel when necessary.
• Gather public records for other purposes including administrative compliance, discovery, and other record access;
• Records Compliance & Retention
• Ensure the agency follows local, state, and federal laws regarding record retention, access, and destruction.
• Maintain an organized records management system for efficient retrieval and legal compliance.
• Advise and develop policies regarding proper record retention
• Stay updated on changes to Washington State public records laws and recommend necessary policy updates.
• Perform other duties as assigned
  

Minimum Requirements

• BA or higher or four years of work experience in a government agency
• In compliance with RCW 42.56.152, the Public Records Officer must:
  • Complete Public Records Act (PRA) training within 90 days of assuming duties.
  • Undergo refresher training at least every four years.
    • Training must cover:
      • The legal obligations under the Public Records Act.
      • Proper records retention and disclosure procedures.
      • Exemptions and redaction best practices.
      • Recent legislative updates affecting public records laws.
  • Familiarity with following programs a plus but not required: Microsoft Purview; GOV QA; Adobe Redaction Tools
  • Experience implementing public records best practices demonstrated either through experience or education
  • Knowledge of records management, indexing and archival theories and practices
  • Knowledge of filing systems
  • Knowledge of government records and system
  • Knowledge of applicable state laws and regulations
  • Knowledge of research practices and resources
  • Knowledge of principles of records series evaluation

Additional Requirements

• Experience with government and community stakeholders in King County
• Masters degree in Archives and Records Management, Library and Information Science, or related field and minimum three years of progressively responsible record keeping experience.

Benefits

The KCRHA offers a comprehensive benets package.

Health: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Insurance: Group Term Life, Additional Employee Dependent Life and Long-Term Disability (LTD) coverage.
Retirement: Pension and Deferred Compensations Plan for eligible employees.

Paid Time Off: Unlimited vacation, 96 hours of paid sick and safe leave, 12 ocial holidays, and 2 personal holidays.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Pre-tax savings for eligible medical and dependent care expenses.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for personal and work-related challenges.

EEO Statement

The KCRHA is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee based on race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, alienage or citizenship status, ancestry, nationality, national origin, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, familial status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, The KCRHA will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.