Special Investigator

at Kansas Board of Indigents' Defense Services in Wichita

Job Description

Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services (SBIDS)
Our mission is to fulfill the constitutional promise of a zealous defense by providing our clients with team-based advocacy that champions their human dignity and achieves just outcomes on their behalf.

SBIDS Current Job Openings

About the Position:

Job ID: 218221
Location: Sedgwick County
Who can apply: Anyone
Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
Veterans’ Preference Eligible: Yes

Position Summary & Responsibilities:

The Board of Indigents’ Defense Services (BIDS), through its regional public defender offices like the Sedgwick County Public Defender Office, represents adults charged with felonies who cannot hire an attorney. By supporting and elevating public defense in the State of Kansas, BIDS empowers its team to provide relentless representation and collaborative, holistic advocacy in service of client-centered outcomes. 

We are looking for dynamic, client-centered Special Investigators who are passionate about the importance of public defense and are interested in aiding our efforts to fundamentally rebuild our system and transform the new public defender office in the Wichita into a model of collaborative public defense practice. 

Special Investigators operate under the supervision of the Chief Public Defender or the Deputy Public Defender. Special Investigators play an important role on the defense team, and are primarily responsible for conducting investigation, evidence review, interviewing witnesses, writing investigative reports, preparing and serving subpoenas, and testifying in court when needed, among other tasks. Candidates for this position should have strong communication, organization, and analytical skills. Special Investigators must abide by the ethical and professional standards required of criminal defense teams. 

Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

• Identify, contact, and interview witnesses, take witness statements, prepare affidavits, and offer testimony when needed on witness statements.
• Organize, review, and summarize evidence.
• Meet with clients and witnesses in custody (jail, prison, courthouse) and out of custody, including at their place of residence or employment.
• Watch court proceedings and provide summaries of court proceedings.
• Coordinate with experts to provide assistance in cases when requested.
• Prepare and serve subpoenas.
• Conduct background checks and locate witnesses.
• Obtain signed releases from clients; communicate with records custodians at schools, medical facilities, psychiatric facilities, drug treatment providers, and the VA, among others, to obtain records for the defense team.
• Obtain and document prior criminal history.
• Complete redaction of paper files and video.
• Other projects as assigned by the Chief Public Defender or Deputy Public Defender.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must be able to develop the skills necessary to complete the tasks required, and become proficient in managing a range of tasks for a team of attorneys and staff members.
• Must be able to work independently and manage their time to complete tasks in a timely and efficient manner.
• Must be able to respectfully interact with clients, colleagues, and the courts.
• Must have attention to detail.
• Must follow the highest standards of professional conduct. Must have a keenly developed and uncompromising set of personal and professional ethics.
• Frequent local travel and occasional statewide travel.

Post-Offer/Pre-employment Requirements
Please be aware that if an offer of employment is made, actual employment is subject to the Governor’s salary approval. 

Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate required in accordance with Executive Order 2004-03. Each applicant (even non-residents) who is selected for a State of Kansas job vacancy must apply for a Tax Clearance Certificate within 10 days from the date of the offer letter by accessing the Kansas Department of Revenue’s (KDOR) website at www.kdor.ks.gov/apps/taxclearance/Default.aspx.

If you need assistance with the tax clearance, please contact KDOR at (785)296-3199 or by email at kdor_specialprojects@ks.gov

How to Claim Veterans Preference
Veterans’ Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a “veteran”; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans’ preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Veteran’s Preference

How to Claim Disability Hiring Preference
Applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities may claim an employment preference when applying for positions. If they are qualified to meet the performance standards of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation, they will receive an interview for the position. The preference does not guarantee an applicant the job, as positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Disability Hiring Preference at the following link: Disability Hiring Preference | Kansas Department of Administration (ks.gov).

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.