Public Records Specialist (Internal Applicants Only)

Supervisor: Kristie Johnson

Salary: Range 63- $52.9237 (Step One) - $67.0876 (Step Ten)

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday- our core business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, and is not overtime eligible. 

Work Location: In-person/telecommute (hybrid). Regular worksite will be 701 5^th Avenue, Suite 600. However, must be willing to travel to the various office locations for record collection as needed. 

Respond to public records requests directed to the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office (PAO). Provide the PAO's responses in accordance with the Washington Public Records Act (PRA), to include keeping detailed logs documenting such requests, consulting with the affected divisions throughout the process, and seeking clarification of legal issues from the civil division. Conduct preliminary search for records and ensure that those records potentially subject to a PRA request are not destroyed; coordinate with affected division to identify, gather, and copy data or provide access to records within a reasonable time; schedule and coordinate meetings as required; and conduct third party notifications with regard to sensitive data. Send written responses to the requestor within five business days of when the initial request is received and then take one of the actions required by the PRA. Gather and review records and make necessary redactions, conduct a diligent search and document actions taken; assure that the original metadata is provided when necessary; decide if the original estimate of time to provide the records was accurate (and provide a new estimate if necessary); review the records thoroughly; redact parts of the records that are exempt; and prepare a formal privilege log to include every redaction or withheld item along with a cover letter or email to the requestor. Provide the disclosable records, keeping copies of all the records provided and the records withheld, along with all relevant correspondence and conversations with the requestor. Oversee any in-person requestor’s reviews. 

• Work with assigned civil deputy to prepare for litigation if records are denied or further legal action is anticipated. 

• Assist the Public Records Officer with educating and training staff on proper public disclosure request and records retention procedures as needed.

• Schedule and coordinate meetings as required.

• Work with the public, outside attorneys, media, public agencies and other county public disclosure officers.

• Familiarity with statutory, regulatory, and other legal requirements associated with the Public Records Act.

• Familiarity with existing PAO records retention policies and procedures.

• Familiarity with existing King County records retention policies and procedures.

• Familiarity with criminal legal processes and files.

• Strong analytical and research skills. 

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills. 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Poise, good judgment and excellent interpersonal skills. 

• Ability to work under unusually demanding deadlines. 

• Strong computer skills, including knowledge of Word, Adobe, Excel, Outlook, Onedrive, PBK and Legal Files a bonus.

• Familiarity with metadata, in depth electronic searching and electronic redactions. 

• Skill in effectively working with the public, outside attorneys, and other public agencies.

• This position will work with all office case types. This includes Criminal Division cases, therefore, this person must have the ability to handle the graphic nature of cases including homicide photos, vehicular assault/homicide, child rape cases etc.

• Candidates must have a strong commitment to Race, Equity and Social Justice including development of personal cultural competency.

• This position occasionally requires moving or lifting heavy objects, such as boxes of books or papers that weigh 20-25 pounds.

Salary : $53 - $67