Capital Team Investigator na Multnomah County Public Defender

MPD has been on the cutting edge of public defense since our inception in 1971. Formed as a non-profit law firm, MPD contracts with the State of Oregon for public defense services. MPD was the first public defender organization under this system. MPD is the largest single provider of trial level public defense services in the state of Oregon, with offices in both Multnomah and Washington counties. 

Join our dynamic team and a part of MPD’s commitment to being a leader in public defense which includes not just excellence in client representation but a strong commitment to hiring and developing a professional staff of defenders. For more information on MPD and our work visit: www.mpdlaw.com 

MPD is currently searching for a Fact Investigator to join our Capital Team Office.  Fact Investigators on the Capital Team perform case-related investigation at a very high level. They conduct field investigations, perform witness interviews, gather and examine evidence, and collect records. Individuals also meet with incarcerated clients in county jails and state and federal prisons throughout Oregon.  The Capital Team Fact Investigator must also review extensive discovery and be able to create case timelines, witness lists, and extensive prioritized task lists. They must have experience with and knowledge about mental health issues, forensic sciences, and digital forensics, as well as other areas related to the capital defense function. Individuals must have a working knowledge of the mitigation specialist position and duties, and be prepared to assist with investigative needs related to the sentencing proceeding in a death penalty case. The work performed requires a general knowledge of the organization’s operations, as well as all phases of death penalty litigation.  The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic, clear oral and written communication skills, and a commitment to indigent defense excellence. The Fact Investigator receives general supervision from the Capital Team Director

This position pays $63,000.00 - $100,412.26 per year. Staff are members of a union. This is a full-time exempt position.  In addition to compensation, MPD also offers:

• Medical (choice of PPO or HDHP), Dental and Vision – 100% employer paid for employee only coverage
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Basic Life, STD, LTD and ADD&D – 100% employer paid 
• 401(K) – MPD will contribute 6% of your annual salary with full vesting after the completion of 5 years of service
• PTO – up to 80 hours and increase up to 120 hours starting at 24 months
• 10 paid holidays + 2 floating holidays 
• 4 Mental Health Days per year 
• Sick Leave – 48 hours upon hire + 48 hours after the completions of six months of employment

Position Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Ability to pass a background check to access clients and witnesses in correctional facilities (may preclude employees and applicants arrested and jailed) and to testify in court without impeachment (may preclude employees and applicants convicted of certain crimes within the past 15 years)
• Licensed by DPSST
• At least two years of experience working as an investigator on criminal cases - including homicide and capital cases.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Required Skills/Abilities:

• At all times demonstrate respect and sensitivity toward clients, witnesses and other individuals involved in the case, regardless of their background.
• Understanding of how mental health records are obtained from various entities and institutions.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent writing skills and significant experience writing investigation reports.
• Excellent interview skills.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated excellence in all facets of case related investigation, including digital evidence and large quantities of records or other evidence.
• Understanding of qualifying mental disorders and familiarity with the DSM V
• Ability to work in a variety of locations and at unusual hours.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment

Work Environment:

• MPD fosters a work environment that is friendly, cooperative, and respectful.  
• Work is generally sedentary, in an office setting, courthouse, field location or jail facility. 
• There are frequent requirements for some physical activity such as carrying boxes of records weighing up to 10 pounds, stooping to extract records from files, or carrying and setting up display easels in court.

 Application Process:

• Please submit a sample investigation report, as well as a current resume and cover letter on why you are interested in the Fact Investigator position and/or in supporting public defense work at MPD. 
• Internal candidates should apply via the Career Center in ADP.
• Applications accepted until September 22, 2025

Diversity and Inclusion: At MPD, we do not just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for all our staff.

MPD is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, military status, national origin, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or applicable local law.

Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: We gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact Human Resources in advance to request assistance.