What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Advocate Investigator position at Commonwealth of Kentucky?
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8/8/2026 (8:00 PM EDT)
2603880
Public Advocate Investigator
Pay Grade 13
Salary
$39,284.88 - $58,927.20 Annually
Employment Type
EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 37.5 HR/WK
Click here for more details on state employment.
Hiring Agency
Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Department of Public Advocacy
Location
5 Mill Creek Park
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, and our list of exonerees can be seen here: https://dpa.ky.gov/kentucky-department-of-public-advocacy/about-dpa/kip/exonerations/
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 must 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 underprivileged and often 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.
Please be advised that although medical cannabis has been legalized in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, due to other applicable state or federal laws, employees in this position are prohibited from using medical cannabis. If you need additional information about this prohibition, you may contact the agency point of contact for additional information.
Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To, The Following
EDUCATION: High school graduate.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: Two years experience in law enforcement, general investigation or a related field of investigation.
Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: Additional education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: NONE
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 and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.
If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Aaron Riggs at aaron.riggs@ky.gov or 502-782-7438 .
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D
8/8/2026 (8:00 PM EDT)
2603880
Public Advocate Investigator
Pay Grade 13
Salary
$39,284.88 - $58,927.20 Annually
Employment Type
EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 37.5 HR/WK
Click here for more details on state employment.
Hiring Agency
Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Department of Public Advocacy
Location
5 Mill Creek Park
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, and our list of exonerees can be seen here: https://dpa.ky.gov/kentucky-department-of-public-advocacy/about-dpa/kip/exonerations/
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 must 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 underprivileged and often 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.
Please be advised that although medical cannabis has been legalized in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, due to other applicable state or federal laws, employees in this position are prohibited from using medical cannabis. If you need additional information about this prohibition, you may contact the agency point of contact for additional information.
Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To, The Following
- Investigators assist attorneys representing indigent 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.
- Investigators may be called as a witness and must be comfortable providing testimony in court.
- Much of the work of the investigator occurs outside of the office and extensive travel is required.
EDUCATION: High school graduate.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: Two years experience in law enforcement, general investigation or a related field of investigation.
Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: Additional education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: NONE
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 and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.
If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Aaron Riggs at aaron.riggs@ky.gov or 502-782-7438 .
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D
Salary : $39,285 - $58,927