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Public Advocate Investigator Senior
Commonwealth of KentuckyUnited Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 3 Aug 2026
💰 $64,816/yr($43,210/yr – $64,816/yr)
About the role
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8/13/2026 (11:59 PM ET)
2603979
Public Advocate Investigator Senior
Pay Grade
14
Salary
$43,210.08 - $64,816.08 Annually
Employment Type
EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 37.5 HR/WK
Hiring Agency
Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Department of Public Advocacy
Location
5 Mill Creek Park
Frankfort, KY 40601 USA
Frankfort, KY 40601 USA
Description
The Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) is nationally recognized as a model state-wide public
defender system with an exceptional training and education program. Our defense teams ensure the criminal
justice process is fair, results are just, and individual liberties are protected.
DPA is one of the few state agencies that has an internally located innocence project whose program is integrated into the public defender program. The Kentucky Innocence Project (KIP) is part of the national innocence network. The KIP team locates those inmates that have been wrongfully convicted and seeks exoneration of those defendants through the development of new evidence and litigation. KIP has secured 24 exonerations since it was started.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
If you need additional information about this prohibition, you may contact the agency point of contact for additional information.
The ideal candidate exhibits exceptional planning and organizational skills, is self-directed and is also comfortable working with their defense team which includes attorneys, other investigators, paralegals and office administrative legal staff. This person should be able to complete high quality work under pressure, communicate well, and work with all kinds of people. We seek to hire persons who have demonstrated a desire to help the most vulnerable in their communities, and who understand it is a privilege to represent our clients and we do so on behalf of the people of Kentucky.
DPA is one of the few state agencies that has an internally located innocence project whose program is integrated into the public defender program. The Kentucky Innocence Project (KIP) is part of the national innocence network. The KIP team locates those inmates that have been wrongfully convicted and seeks exoneration of those defendants through the development of new evidence and litigation. KIP has secured 24 exonerations since it was started.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Investigators assist attorneys representing children by meeting with children in state facilities, locating and interviewing witnesses, locating, viewing and performing analysis of evidence, and serving subpoenas.
- Investigators prepare reports associated with witness interviews and the efforts in locating said witnesses. This includes comparing witness statements, developing alternative theories and following up on investigative leads.
- Much of the work of the investigator occurs outside of the office, and extensive travel is required.
- The investigator may be called as a witness and should be comfortable providing testimony in court.
If you need additional information about this prohibition, you may contact the agency point of contact for additional information.
The ideal candidate exhibits exceptional planning and organizational skills, is self-directed and is also comfortable working with their defense team which includes attorneys, other investigators, paralegals and office administrative legal staff. This person should be able to complete high quality work under pressure, communicate well, and work with all kinds of people. We seek to hire persons who have demonstrated a desire to help the most vulnerable in their communities, and who understand it is a privilege to represent our clients and we do so on behalf of the people of Kentucky.
Minimum Requirements
EDUCATION:
Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS:
Three years experience in law enforcement, general investigation or a related field of investigation OR One year of experience as a Public Advocate Investigator.
Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE:
NONE
Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION:
Additional experience in law enforcement, general investigation or a related field of investigation will substitute for education on a year-for-year basis OR Additional two years as a Public Advocate Investigator will substitute for the educational requirement.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.):
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license prior to employment in this job classification. Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment in this job classification. Employing agency is responsible for ensuring employee possesses and maintains required licensure(s), certification(s) or other credentials.
Working Conditions
Interviews are often conducted in prisons, low-income housing and unfamiliar or confrontational settings. May work irregular hours due to nature of investigative work. Extensive travel is required.
Probationary Period
This job has an initial
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