FAMILY COURT INVESTIGATIVE SPECIALIST
Apply NowCompany: Washoe County, NV
Location: Reno, NV 89502
Description:
Salary: $77,729.60 - $101,067.20 Annually
Location : Reno, NV
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 60017702 (02/2025)
Department: Public Defender
Opening Date: 02/07/2025
Closing Date: 2/17/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Position Information
Under direction, provides critical investigative and social work support to attorneys to enhance and contribute to the delivery of holistic, client-centered legal representation; and performs related work as required.
This is an Open Competitive/Countywide Promotional recruitment being conducted to fill a current full-time vacancy in the Washoe County Public Defender's Office and Alternate Public Defender's Office. The list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.
For more information on this position, please see the Job Specification at
Minimum Qualifications
Two years of full-time experience providing services to vulnerable populations which included interviewing clients, assessing client social service needs, arranging appropriate care, retrieving information from government agencies and private vendors AND a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or a closely related field AND a license to practice social work in the State of Nevada OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
License Or Certificate
Conditions of Employment
The Washoe County Employees Association (WCEA) Non-Supervisory covers the Family Court Investigative Specialist position.
Background checks will be conducted on selected applicants through the State of Nevada and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Per the Washoe County Background and Reference Checks Policy, new and rehired employees are required to submit to a fingerprint-based background investigation. Effective January 1, 2025, the $39.00 fee associated with this background investigation will be paid by the employee (if applicable) and deducted automatically from the first paycheck. Employment is contingent upon the results of the background check, although a record of conviction will not necessarily bar an applicant from employment.
Washoe County requires its employees to reside in the state of Nevada or neighboring California communities such as Truckee, South Lake Tahoe or Susanville as of their first day of work.
Washoe County hires all new employees at the minimum rate of the salary range and eligible employees may receive an annual merit increase of 5% until they reach the maximum salary for the classification. Upon promotion, current Washoe County employees are placed at the minimum rate of the salary range for the higher classification of the new position OR a promotional calculation, whichever is greater.
What Happens Next
1. After your application is screened, you will be notified via the email you provided whether you have met the minimum requirements for the position. Those applicants who do not meet the qualifications have one (1) business day to file an appeal and request a review of their qualifications.
2. Applicants who meet the minimum requirements for the Family Court Investigative Specialist position will be placed on an unranked eligible list. The examination is waived for this recruitment in accordance with the Washoe County Personnel Handbook 5.160.
Pursuant to the Washoe County Personnel Handbook 5.160 - waiver of examination. The director of human resources may waive examination for those classes requiring specific training, education, certification, licensure, experience or when there are an insufficient number of qualified candidates.
3. Candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be placed on an unranked eligible list for the department to interview upon the close of the recruitment. Once referred, candidates will be contacted by email or telephone.
4. Please be advised you can log in to your NeoGov account and select:
If you have any questions regarding the Online Application Process, you can find additional information at the following link:
Questions: Alma Parel
775-328-2090
Washoe County is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce that creates a sense of belonging for all employees and citizens, thereby encouraging persons from all backgrounds and experiences to apply for employment.
Washoe County will recruit, hire, train and promote into all job levels without regard to race, religion or belief, gender, marital status or domestic partnership, familial status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, genetic information (GINA), veteran status, political affiliation, membership in an employee association or union or any other protected class under applicable federal or state law.
01
Human Resources evaluates your eligibility for the position by assessing the minimum qualifications based on the experience you describe in your application. A resume cannot be substituted for a complete application, and writing "See Attached Resume" is not acceptable. To be considered, you must thoroughly document your qualifying education and experience in the designated sections of the application, including: the "Education" section, the "Work Experience" section and the "Certificates and Licenses" section (when applicable). For each job listed, provide a detailed and specific list of duties. These responsibilities will be carefully reviewed to determine whether you meet the minimum requirements of the position. Applicants who do not clearly demonstrate they meet these qualifications or who submit a blank or incomplete application may not be considered for employment. Please certify you have read and understand the above statement.
02
The following questions must be answered accurately to further clarify your experience and educational background. Note: Your responses must be aligned with the details provided on your application. If applicable, you must list your degree and specific major/field of study on your application. In order to meet the "closely related" requirement, your degree MUST include coursework in any of the specific fields listed on the job announcement. You may attach official/unofficial transcripts to your application to ensure you receive credit for applicable education. Your work history must be listed on your application with all application fields completed thoroughly. If your application does not include enough information or reflect that your answers below are accurate and truthful, it may result in a disqualification. Please certify you have read and understand the above statement.
03
I have the following years of full-time experience providing services to vulnerable populations which included interviewing clients, assessing client social service needs, arranging appropriate care, and retrieving information from government agencies and private vendors. Please select the option that most accurately represents your training & experience from the answer choices below.
04
I currently hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or a closely related field. I have included this information on my application.
05
I currently hold a master's degree or above from an accredited college or university in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or a closely related field. I have included this information on my application.
06
I currently possess a license to practice social work in the State of Nevada. I have included this information on my application.
Required Question
Location : Reno, NV
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 60017702 (02/2025)
Department: Public Defender
Opening Date: 02/07/2025
Closing Date: 2/17/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Position Information
Under direction, provides critical investigative and social work support to attorneys to enhance and contribute to the delivery of holistic, client-centered legal representation; and performs related work as required.
This is an Open Competitive/Countywide Promotional recruitment being conducted to fill a current full-time vacancy in the Washoe County Public Defender's Office and Alternate Public Defender's Office. The list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.
For more information on this position, please see the Job Specification at
Minimum Qualifications
Two years of full-time experience providing services to vulnerable populations which included interviewing clients, assessing client social service needs, arranging appropriate care, retrieving information from government agencies and private vendors AND a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or a closely related field AND a license to practice social work in the State of Nevada OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
License Or Certificate
- A valid driver's license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained for continued employment in this classification.
- Must meet the requirements for Field Instructor for the University of Nevada, Reno - School of Social Work, within six months of appointment.
Conditions of Employment
The Washoe County Employees Association (WCEA) Non-Supervisory covers the Family Court Investigative Specialist position.
Background checks will be conducted on selected applicants through the State of Nevada and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Per the Washoe County Background and Reference Checks Policy, new and rehired employees are required to submit to a fingerprint-based background investigation. Effective January 1, 2025, the $39.00 fee associated with this background investigation will be paid by the employee (if applicable) and deducted automatically from the first paycheck. Employment is contingent upon the results of the background check, although a record of conviction will not necessarily bar an applicant from employment.
Washoe County requires its employees to reside in the state of Nevada or neighboring California communities such as Truckee, South Lake Tahoe or Susanville as of their first day of work.
Washoe County hires all new employees at the minimum rate of the salary range and eligible employees may receive an annual merit increase of 5% until they reach the maximum salary for the classification. Upon promotion, current Washoe County employees are placed at the minimum rate of the salary range for the higher classification of the new position OR a promotional calculation, whichever is greater.
What Happens Next
1. After your application is screened, you will be notified via the email you provided whether you have met the minimum requirements for the position. Those applicants who do not meet the qualifications have one (1) business day to file an appeal and request a review of their qualifications.
2. Applicants who meet the minimum requirements for the Family Court Investigative Specialist position will be placed on an unranked eligible list. The examination is waived for this recruitment in accordance with the Washoe County Personnel Handbook 5.160.
Pursuant to the Washoe County Personnel Handbook 5.160 - waiver of examination. The director of human resources may waive examination for those classes requiring specific training, education, certification, licensure, experience or when there are an insufficient number of qualified candidates.
3. Candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be placed on an unranked eligible list for the department to interview upon the close of the recruitment. Once referred, candidates will be contacted by email or telephone.
4. Please be advised you can log in to your NeoGov account and select:
- "Applications" to view a list of the recruitments which you have applied for, your submitted application for each recruitment, a copy of the job listing, and your applicant history for each recruitment.
- "Inbox" to view the notices which have been sent to you for each recruitment
- "Account" to update your contact information. Please note to update your phone number on previously submitted applications you must contact
If you have any questions regarding the Online Application Process, you can find additional information at the following link:
Questions: Alma Parel
775-328-2090
Washoe County is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce that creates a sense of belonging for all employees and citizens, thereby encouraging persons from all backgrounds and experiences to apply for employment.
Washoe County will recruit, hire, train and promote into all job levels without regard to race, religion or belief, gender, marital status or domestic partnership, familial status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, genetic information (GINA), veteran status, political affiliation, membership in an employee association or union or any other protected class under applicable federal or state law.
- Nevada PERS Retirement - Washoe County pays 100% of the PERS contribution for each benefit eligible employee.
- Health, Dental, Life and Vision Insurance - Washoe County contributes 100% of the premium for each employee. Washoe County also contributes 50% of the premium for dependent coverage. Note: New employees are automatically enrolled in the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account. Washoe County contributes up to $2,500 annually (based on benefit effective date and coverage tier) into the employee's Health Savings Account (HSA). Newly hired employees become eligible for health benefits after 30 days of employment. Benefits Link -
- Deferred Compensation plans available
- 12 Paid Holidays
- Vacation Accrual (120 hours per year, increasing with continued employment)
- Sick Leave (120 hours per year, increasing with continued employment)
- Longevity Pay
- Merit Increases - Full-time employees eligible to receive an annual merit increase of 5% until the position classification's maximum salary is reached.
- Cost-of living adjustments - historical annual COLA increases for 2017-2024 have ranged from 2.5% - 5.0%
- There are no Social Security deductions (although a 1.45% deduction for Medicare is required)
- Nevada does not have state or local income tax*
01
Human Resources evaluates your eligibility for the position by assessing the minimum qualifications based on the experience you describe in your application. A resume cannot be substituted for a complete application, and writing "See Attached Resume" is not acceptable. To be considered, you must thoroughly document your qualifying education and experience in the designated sections of the application, including: the "Education" section, the "Work Experience" section and the "Certificates and Licenses" section (when applicable). For each job listed, provide a detailed and specific list of duties. These responsibilities will be carefully reviewed to determine whether you meet the minimum requirements of the position. Applicants who do not clearly demonstrate they meet these qualifications or who submit a blank or incomplete application may not be considered for employment. Please certify you have read and understand the above statement.
- Yes
- No
02
The following questions must be answered accurately to further clarify your experience and educational background. Note: Your responses must be aligned with the details provided on your application. If applicable, you must list your degree and specific major/field of study on your application. In order to meet the "closely related" requirement, your degree MUST include coursework in any of the specific fields listed on the job announcement. You may attach official/unofficial transcripts to your application to ensure you receive credit for applicable education. Your work history must be listed on your application with all application fields completed thoroughly. If your application does not include enough information or reflect that your answers below are accurate and truthful, it may result in a disqualification. Please certify you have read and understand the above statement.
- Yes
- No
03
I have the following years of full-time experience providing services to vulnerable populations which included interviewing clients, assessing client social service needs, arranging appropriate care, and retrieving information from government agencies and private vendors. Please select the option that most accurately represents your training & experience from the answer choices below.
- I have very limited and less than one year of full-time experience providing services to vulnerable populations which included interviewing clients, assessing client social service needs, arranging appropriate care, and retrieving information from government agencies and private vendors. I have included this information on my application.
- I have at least 1 year but less than 2 years of full-time experience providing services to vulnerable populations which included interviewing clients, assessing client social service needs, arranging appropriate care, and retrieving information from government agencies and private vendors. I have included this information on my application.
- I have 2+ years of full-time experience providing services to vulnerable populations which included interviewing clients, assessing client social service needs, arranging appropriate care, and retrieving information from government agencies and private vendors. I have included this information on my application.
04
I currently hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or a closely related field. I have included this information on my application.
- Yes
- No
05
I currently hold a master's degree or above from an accredited college or university in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or a closely related field. I have included this information on my application.
- Yes
- No
06
I currently possess a license to practice social work in the State of Nevada. I have included this information on my application.
- Yes
- No
Required Question