Audio Researcher/Public Disclosure - PPM II (TLT/Special Duty)
- Summary
WHO MAY APPLY: This position is open to all qualified applicants as a Term-Limited Temporary assignment. For internal King County employees, this is open as a special duty assignment for employees who have passed their initial probationary period.
Pay upon SDA placement: Current employees selected for SDA will be compensated based on the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement or Master Labor Agreement for their base assignment if applicable.
This recruitment may be used to fill future TLT and SDA opportunities for up to 12 months.
DURATION: This position is anticipated to last 18 months.
SUMMARY:
The King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) is seeking an energetic and experienced professional to be a part of the Public Disclosure Program Team in the Public Disclosure Unit (PDU). The PPMII will be managing a high level of Public Records Act (PRA) requests, performing audio research, working with highly sensitive and confidential information, as well as providing advice, training and skill development to employees and public records officers of the KCSO.
The primary focus of this position is to perform research, identify, and collect records that are responsive to Public Records Act (PRA) requests, collaborating with and responding to requests from various Prosecuting Attorney’s Offices (PAO), working with and responding to requests from internal commissioned and command staff, as well as requests from other governmental and law enforcement agencies. This includes independently confirming details with those criminal justice agencies and maintaining good communication with other types of requestors.
The Audio Researcher works independently, managing projects and responding to a variety of straight-forward and complex (both in volume and scope) requests made to the KCSO. This position will be responsible for performing extensive record review, thorough research, coordination with the requester to determine scope, and must have critical organizational skills to appropriately account for time needed on each project, and meeting critical deadlines mandated by courts, Washington statutory law (PRA), and for internal deadlines (effective law enforcement, administrative/disciplinary review).
The ideal candidate must be a leader who can inspire and motivate employees to comply with the Public Records Act, work well in a fast-paced, high-volume, close-knit team, with the ability to prioritize work and multi-task. The PPMII must be dedicated to providing exceptional service for the customers we serve. In anticipation of the KCSO adopting Body Worn Camera and In-Car Video, this candidate will share the departments’ vision of transparency in reviewing, redacting and releasing video to the public. This is an exciting opportunity to support the mission and values of King County Sheriff's Office.
WORK SCHEDULE: This position is covered under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is overtime eligible. The typical work hours of this position are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM with flexibility for alternate or compressed work schedules that meet business needs.
WORK LOCATION: Predominantly teleworking with shared work space at the King County Courthouse and other KCSO facilities as required to meet business and customer needs.- Job Duties
Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work.
Regular job duties include but are not limited to:- Administer the Sheriff's Office Administration's public disclosure requests related to audio and other communications files under Washington State Public Records Act (RCW 42.56);
- Maintain tracking messaging databases; maintaining, monitoring, or purging records; uploading various records to GovQA
- Identify and coordinate production of public records including audio and other emergency communications files to meet legal deadlines;
- Coordinate with Sheriff's Office work units and King County departments to ensure all responsive records are identified, consult with the Prosecuting Attorney's Office and other agencies;
- Manage a large caseload with high level of attention to detail;
- Research and gather audio and other communications that may contain highly sensitive or intelligence information;
- Review and research responsive records for redaction and withholding exemptions that may contain photos and/or descriptions of dead bodies, sex crimes, or other sensitive cases;
- Request and upload phone records
- Advise Sheriff's Office employees on gathering and review of audio and other communications files to ensure program compliance;
- Receive audio and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) message requests from KCSO staff, Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (PAO), Public Disclosure Unit (PDU), and Internal Investigations;
- Utilize various databases such as GovQA, Excel, Access, and other specialized communication programs;
- Resolve internal and external customer concerns with a high level of customer service;
- Testify in court or at depositions in order to authenticate records.
- Maintain a high level of confidentiality.
- Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
• One year of experience in records collection, review and research of records, and responding to records requests (preferably in police records)
• Knowledge of retention periods and dispositions schedules for audio and communications public records;
• Strong communications skills both verbal and written; skill in conducting effective interviews, directing the conversation while obtaining critical information; ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures; individuals with language barriers; meet with record holders and requestors to facilitate responses.
• Ability to handle multiple competing priorities, organize and manage high volume workload and make decisions necessary to respond in an expeditious manner;
• Experience in conducting searches in electronic and paper document filing systems;
• Ability to work with sensitive law enforcement documents that may contain offensive material;
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively and provide excellent customer service to both internal and external clients;
• Ability to interview parties, facilitate and negotiate needs of requests;
• Ability to provide training to staff;
• Demonstrated skills in records, archives or project management;
• Demonstrated ability to work well independently as well as in a collaborative team environment;
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a collaborative team environment;
• Demonstrated professional level of oral and written communication;
• Ability to adapt to workflow needs and change tasks abruptly when/if needed;
• Ability to use MS Office, skilled in gathering, manipulating and using data utilizing a computer and other tools;
• Demonstrated ability to research, review and analyze data.
Highly Desirable Qualifications:
• Two (2) or more years of experience in project/program management
• Experience in public records management;
• Experience in project/program management;
• Experience with GovQA
• Experience with records in CAD
• Intermediate level skill using Microsoft Office Suite
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS: Applicants will be reviewed for their ability to follow the application requirements (completeness of application and Letter of Interest), including providing a clear and detailed summary of experience, knowledge and skills related to this position.
TO APPLY: If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement. Please carefully review the list of required materials before submitting your application.
• Review the list of KCSO Automatic Disqualifiers and verify your qualification for employment with King County Sheriff's Office.
• Complete an online employment application at www.kingcounty.gov/jobs. The employment history should go back at least 10 years if you have 10 years of employment (or more to include relevant experience). Incomplete applications or answering "see resume" may not be considered.
• Submit a Letter of Interest (Cover letter) addressed to King County Sheriff’s Office detailing how your qualifications and experience meet or exceed the minimum qualifications stated in this job bulletin.
Complete answers to all the supplemental questions.
CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have questions about this job posting, please contact Jessica Lussier at (206) 263-2542 or Jessica.Lussier@kingcounty.gov.
SELECTION PROCESS: Applicants will be screened for clarity, completeness, and competitiveness. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews. Interviews will be conducted via Teams. Reference checks and file reviews will also be conducted.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
It is a hiring requirement that all staff employed by KCSO successfully pass a thorough background investigations process, which includes fingerprinting, criminal history check, reference checks, polygraph test, and other tests as deemed necessary. You must review the list of KCSO Automatic Disqualifiers and verify your qualification for employment with King County Sheriff's Office.
REQUIRED CERTIFICATION: The incumbent must become Washington State Patrol ACCESS (A Central Computerized Enforcement Service System) certified (level 1) within nine (9) months of employment.
UNION MEMBERSHIP: This position is represented by Public Safety Employees Union (PSEU), Local 519.
Teleworking Requirement
The work associated with this position will be performed by teleworking, field work, onsite work and meetings as needed. The responsibilities of this position may include regular and ongoing in-office work involving in person customer service in accordance with the division's available customer service options.
Employees will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection (access may be supplemented in some situations) where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Please note that when an employee conducts work that is likely to bring them in contact with another individual, safety precautions are required, including the wearing of masks in some situations. King County is doing its part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and remains committed to reducing our carbon footprint.
King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment.
- Supplemental Information
Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
King County Executive Branch employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are the successful candidate for the position you applied for, the County will send you a conditional offer letter.
As a condition of employment, prior to a final offer of employment, you will be required to:- submit proof of vaccination, or
- have an approved request for medical or religious exemption and an approved accommodation. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.
The Executive Branch includes employees in the Executive branch, the Assessor's Office, Elections, the King County Sheriff's Office, and the Executive Office.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
- Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
- Retirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
- Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
- 10 paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite gyms and activity centers
- Employee giving program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
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01You must be a current US Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident to apply for civil service positions with the King County Sheriff's Office. Are you now a United States citizen?
- Yes
- No
02Can you read, write and speak the English language?- Yes
- No
03The background of all King County Sheriff's Office employees and applicants are thoroughly checked. The required background investigation will review and evaluate driving records, criminal records, criminal behavior, employment histories, military records, personal and employment references, and related information. Candidates who pass the initial background investigation will be required to complete a polygraph, medical and psychological exam. Are you willing to undergo a background investigation and polygraph and psychological examination as part of the employment process?- Yes
- No
04Do you meet any of the automatic disqualifiers pertaining to DRUGS: •As an adult, convicted of any felony drug crime •Any use of heroin or methamphetamines •Any possession or use of GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) or any other "date rape" drug (includes, but not limited to; Ketamine or Rohypnol), including giving it to others •Any use of illegal drugs within three (3) years of application (other than juvenile or one-time experimentation). Illegal drugs include but are not limited to; cocaine, ecstasy, molly, MDMA (club drugs), spice, mushrooms, or Khat, or illegal use of prescription drugs (including steroids). •Illegal use of four (4) or more different controlled substances as an adult within the past ten (10) years •Any instance of manufacturing or cultivating illegal drugs for the purpose of sale or distribution •Use of any illegal drugs while employed in a criminal justice capacity •Obtaining a prescription under false pretenses •Any instance of illegally using a drug after applying to any Law Enforcement agency •Marijuana use will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis; however, to increase the likelihood of continuing in the hiring and background process, an applicant should not have used marijuana in the last 12 months- Yes
- No
05Do you meet any of the automatic disqualifiers pertaining to CRIMINAL ACTIVITY: •Any adult felony convictions •Any adult misdemeanor conviction for crimes involving theft, violence, or crimes of dishonesty (including, but not limited to, perjury, forgery, impersonation, bribery, witness intimidation/tampering, or tampering with evidence) •All other misdemeanor convictions as an adult within the last three (3) years •Any conviction for a sex-related crime, including crimes involving a minor or individual with a disability, including pornography •Any instance of required registration as a sex offender, regardless of conviction status •Any conviction for animal cruelty as defined by RCW 16.52.205 •Any conviction for a violation of a court No-Contact, Protection, or Harassment Order •Any candidate currently named as a Respondent in any No-Contact, Protection, or Harassment DV Order- Yes
- No
06The incumbent must be able to read through details of records that may be highly offensive in nature, regarding; crime scenes, dead bodies, sex crimes involving children and other stressful topics. Do you understand and agree to this task?- Yes
- No
07How many years of experience do you possess in an administrative support role in a high volume office environment.- None
- One year
- Two Years
- More than three years
08How many years of experience do you possess in an administrative support role in a high volume office environment.- None
- One year
- Two Years
- More than three years
09How many years of customer service experience do you possess?- None
- 1-2 years
- 2-3 years
- 3+ years
10Do you have experience in records management in a public agency?- Yes
- No
11If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please share the length of your records management experience.12Do you have experience in project management?- Yes
- No
13If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please share your experience.14This position requires a letter of interest detailing how your experience and qualifications meet or exceed the requirements for this position. Did you include the required letter of interest? Note, if you do not include a letter of interest you will not but further considered for this position.- Yes
- No
Required Question