Firearm Risk Assessment Investigator | Regional Domestic Violence Firearm Enforcement Unit
Apply NowCompany: City of Seattle, WA
Location: Seattle, WA 98115
Description:
Salary: $88,405.92 - $103,272.48 Annually
Location : Suite 2050 Seattle, WA
Job Type: Civil Service Exempt, Regular, Full-time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-00589
Department: Law Department
Opening Date: 04/22/2025
Closing Date: 5/6/2025 4:00 PM Pacific
Position Description
With more than 200 attorneys and professional staff, the Seattle City Attorney's Office is one of the largest law offices in Seattle and is the third-largest public law office in the state. Our office is committed to making Seattle a safe, healthy, empowered, and thriving community for everyone. We strive to address historical injustices within the court system with self-examination and to pursue justice in Seattle with integrity, creativity, and fairness. We believe working transparently, innovatively, and in collaboration with our partners in the community is necessary to achieve outcomes that promote equity, accountability, and healing.
The Firearm Risk Assessment Investigator is an innovative position within the Regional Domestic Violence Firearms Enforcement Unit (RDVFEU). The mission of the RDVFEU is to reduce gun violence and increase community safety through better collaboration and implementation of firearm relinquishment laws. Using a regional and multidisciplinary approach, the unit focuses specific attention on the intersections of firearms and domestic violence, other forms of abuse, or when someone is deemed an imminent danger to self or others. The Official Unit partner agencies include the Seattle City Attorney's Office (SCAO), King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office (KCPAO), Seattle Police Department (SPD), and the King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO).
Housed within the Seattle City Attorney's Office, the Firearm Risk Assessment Investigator's primary function is to engage in upstream firearm investigations to prevent firearm tragedies. The position serves as a regional asset and first point of contact for high-risk firearm-related case investigations. As the Firearm Risk Assessment Investigator, you will be a part of a regional and multidisciplinary unit serving as a resource to all King County law enforcement and prosecutors for support, follow up outreach/advocacy, consultation, case development and training with the goal of intervening and preventing firearm violence, in addition to enforcing firearm laws.
Consistent with the Seattle's Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI) and King County's Equity and Social Justice Plan, this position will manage cases and coordinate with law enforcement in underserved communities where economic, cultural and language barriers limit effective victim advocacy and prosecution of domestic violence.
Job Responsibilities
This position is responsible for conducting in-depth investigations into firearm-related cases. This includes critical follow-up investigations into RDVFEU or other cases based on firearm risk/nexus, unrecovered firearms, and other matters that require deeper investigation to uncover evidence supporting firearm recovery and compliance with court orders. The role will involve close collaboration with unit prosecutors and advocates on cases involving threats to self or others - especially those requiring immediate intervention and triage, or those being developed for, or already subject to, ERPOs (Extreme Risk Protection Orders). The individual in this position will work closely with criminal justice partners across jurisdictions, notifying local law enforcement of any immediate threats. The investigator will also be responsible for conducting targeted outreach related to investigations, including to protected parties. Referrals may come from a variety of governmental and non-governmental sources.
Key duties include developing, triaging, and investigating cases, as well as sharing relevant casework with unit members, system advocates, and prosecutors from SCAO or KCPAO. This includes conducting case-related research, analyzing available materials, reviewing and preserving social media evidence, and initiating outreach to gun ranges, gun or pawn shops, and other sources. The role also involves requesting records and interviewing victims and witnesses, as needed.
Additional duties include:
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Requires a bachelor's degree and four years of experience performing investigative and advocacy or paralegal duties; or a certification from a nationally accredited paralegal training institution and five years related experience (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class). Must have demonstrated ability to lead projects and/or people from multidisciplinary backgrounds and be community-minded with a focus on addressing disparities in underserved communities.
Desired Qualifications
You will be most successful in this role if you have demonstrated experience in, but not limited to:
Additional Information
Application Process- For your application to be accepted you must:
Application Submission Guidelines- All applicants are required to apply on or before the closing date indicated on the job posting. Applicant inquiries received via email and websites such as Indeed, etc. will not be considered unless the individual has applied to the available position via the Government Jobs site. Note: The required documents listed in the above "Application Process" section must be attached to the application prior to the job closing date indicated to ensure consideration for the application submitted. Please contact the Office of Human Resources on or before the closing date indicated above at should you need assistance with the online application process.
Race and Social Justice Initiative - The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.
Compensation and Benefits - The full pay range for this step-progression position is $42.34 - $49.46 per hour. New employees begin at Step #1 of the pay progression, which is $42.34 hourly. Current City employees starting rate of pay will be based on Personnel Rules regarding promotions. Advanced initial step placement may be considered under limited circumstances, but step salaries are not subject to negotiation.
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, 12 official holidays and 2 floating holidays, sick, and paid parental leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees. City Attorney's Office employees also have the opportunity to participate in a defined benefits retirement program. More information about benefits can be found at
Workplace Environment -Currently, the Seattle City Attorney's Office has an Alternative Work Arrangements Policy. Employees have the option to work a hybrid schedule (2 days in the office, 3 days remote). Effective Monday, April 21st, 2025, the Alternative Work Arrangement Policy will require 3 days in the office with the option of 2 days remote. This is subject to change as circumstances and business needs dictate.
Background Check Requirements - All positions are security sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the verification of credentials and/or other information required by the municipal corporation's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check in accordance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be given a chance to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information on good conduct and rehabilitation.
Who may apply - This position is open to all candidates who meet the minimum qualifications.
The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy. The Seattle City Attorney's Office encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.
Questions? Contact our Human Resources team at
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.
More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:
01
Do you have a bachelor's degree and four years of experience in investigative and advocacy duties or paralegal work? Alternatively, do you hold a certification from a nationally accredited paralegal training institution and have five years of related experience, OR a combination of education, training, or experience that provides an equivalent background necessary for the work?
02
How many years of experience do you have leading projects or teams from diverse backgrounds, and are they community-oriented with a commitment to addressing disparities in underserved communities?
03
The City and the Seattle City Attorney's Office have a commitment to ending institutional racism. Describe a time you took action to further equity.
Required Question
Location : Suite 2050 Seattle, WA
Job Type: Civil Service Exempt, Regular, Full-time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-00589
Department: Law Department
Opening Date: 04/22/2025
Closing Date: 5/6/2025 4:00 PM Pacific
Position Description
With more than 200 attorneys and professional staff, the Seattle City Attorney's Office is one of the largest law offices in Seattle and is the third-largest public law office in the state. Our office is committed to making Seattle a safe, healthy, empowered, and thriving community for everyone. We strive to address historical injustices within the court system with self-examination and to pursue justice in Seattle with integrity, creativity, and fairness. We believe working transparently, innovatively, and in collaboration with our partners in the community is necessary to achieve outcomes that promote equity, accountability, and healing.
The Firearm Risk Assessment Investigator is an innovative position within the Regional Domestic Violence Firearms Enforcement Unit (RDVFEU). The mission of the RDVFEU is to reduce gun violence and increase community safety through better collaboration and implementation of firearm relinquishment laws. Using a regional and multidisciplinary approach, the unit focuses specific attention on the intersections of firearms and domestic violence, other forms of abuse, or when someone is deemed an imminent danger to self or others. The Official Unit partner agencies include the Seattle City Attorney's Office (SCAO), King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office (KCPAO), Seattle Police Department (SPD), and the King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO).
Housed within the Seattle City Attorney's Office, the Firearm Risk Assessment Investigator's primary function is to engage in upstream firearm investigations to prevent firearm tragedies. The position serves as a regional asset and first point of contact for high-risk firearm-related case investigations. As the Firearm Risk Assessment Investigator, you will be a part of a regional and multidisciplinary unit serving as a resource to all King County law enforcement and prosecutors for support, follow up outreach/advocacy, consultation, case development and training with the goal of intervening and preventing firearm violence, in addition to enforcing firearm laws.
Consistent with the Seattle's Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI) and King County's Equity and Social Justice Plan, this position will manage cases and coordinate with law enforcement in underserved communities where economic, cultural and language barriers limit effective victim advocacy and prosecution of domestic violence.
Job Responsibilities
This position is responsible for conducting in-depth investigations into firearm-related cases. This includes critical follow-up investigations into RDVFEU or other cases based on firearm risk/nexus, unrecovered firearms, and other matters that require deeper investigation to uncover evidence supporting firearm recovery and compliance with court orders. The role will involve close collaboration with unit prosecutors and advocates on cases involving threats to self or others - especially those requiring immediate intervention and triage, or those being developed for, or already subject to, ERPOs (Extreme Risk Protection Orders). The individual in this position will work closely with criminal justice partners across jurisdictions, notifying local law enforcement of any immediate threats. The investigator will also be responsible for conducting targeted outreach related to investigations, including to protected parties. Referrals may come from a variety of governmental and non-governmental sources.
Key duties include developing, triaging, and investigating cases, as well as sharing relevant casework with unit members, system advocates, and prosecutors from SCAO or KCPAO. This includes conducting case-related research, analyzing available materials, reviewing and preserving social media evidence, and initiating outreach to gun ranges, gun or pawn shops, and other sources. The role also involves requesting records and interviewing victims and witnesses, as needed.
Additional duties include:
- Communicate status and investigation work product to RDVFEU members for follow-up and additional triage. Work must be documented in KCPAO's case management system (PbK).
- Collaborate on recommendations for future strategic action plans, including identifying trends and future priorities for the RDVFEU.
- Testify in court regarding facts related to assigned cases, as needed.
- Conduct criminal history checks in both state and national databases to determine firearm ineligibility.
- Coordinate with RDVFEU's King County Sheriff's Office Data Technician to check on firearm purchase history.
- Engage in cases that may involve Involuntary Treatment Act holds, as needed or directed.
- Represent the unit at law enforcement meetings, conferences, task forces, and training sessions.
- Support jurisdictions outside of King County and Washington State in efforts to promote compliance and enforcement of firearm prohibitions on all unit cases.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Requires a bachelor's degree and four years of experience performing investigative and advocacy or paralegal duties; or a certification from a nationally accredited paralegal training institution and five years related experience (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class). Must have demonstrated ability to lead projects and/or people from multidisciplinary backgrounds and be community-minded with a focus on addressing disparities in underserved communities.
Desired Qualifications
You will be most successful in this role if you have demonstrated experience in, but not limited to:
- Conducting investigations or case development work related to high-risk offenders including situations of domestic violence, other forms of abuse or harm and threats.
- Civil or criminal justice system, including civil protection orders.
- Effectively work with persons in crisis and crisis-prevention techniques emphasizing victim(s), family/household members, law enforcement and community safety.
- Collaborating within and across systems including law enforcement, courts, prosecutors, community partners and the public.
- Engaging in system reform efforts, a commitment to forward-thinking practice and the ability to successfully build coalitions among stakeholders.
- Multitask and problem solve with quick deadlines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience working within a multidisciplinary team and excellent teamwork.
Additional Information
Application Process- For your application to be accepted you must:
- Complete the online City of Seattle Application
- ()
- Include the following required attachments:
- Cover Letter describing your interest in the position. (.pdf preferred, .doc/.docx accepted)
- Resume detailing your relevant experience. (.pdf preferred, .doc/.docx accepted)
Application Submission Guidelines- All applicants are required to apply on or before the closing date indicated on the job posting. Applicant inquiries received via email and websites such as Indeed, etc. will not be considered unless the individual has applied to the available position via the Government Jobs site. Note: The required documents listed in the above "Application Process" section must be attached to the application prior to the job closing date indicated to ensure consideration for the application submitted. Please contact the Office of Human Resources on or before the closing date indicated above at should you need assistance with the online application process.
Race and Social Justice Initiative - The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.
Compensation and Benefits - The full pay range for this step-progression position is $42.34 - $49.46 per hour. New employees begin at Step #1 of the pay progression, which is $42.34 hourly. Current City employees starting rate of pay will be based on Personnel Rules regarding promotions. Advanced initial step placement may be considered under limited circumstances, but step salaries are not subject to negotiation.
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, 12 official holidays and 2 floating holidays, sick, and paid parental leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees. City Attorney's Office employees also have the opportunity to participate in a defined benefits retirement program. More information about benefits can be found at
Workplace Environment -Currently, the Seattle City Attorney's Office has an Alternative Work Arrangements Policy. Employees have the option to work a hybrid schedule (2 days in the office, 3 days remote). Effective Monday, April 21st, 2025, the Alternative Work Arrangement Policy will require 3 days in the office with the option of 2 days remote. This is subject to change as circumstances and business needs dictate.
Background Check Requirements - All positions are security sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the verification of credentials and/or other information required by the municipal corporation's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check in accordance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be given a chance to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information on good conduct and rehabilitation.
Who may apply - This position is open to all candidates who meet the minimum qualifications.
The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy. The Seattle City Attorney's Office encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.
Questions? Contact our Human Resources team at
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.
More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:
01
Do you have a bachelor's degree and four years of experience in investigative and advocacy duties or paralegal work? Alternatively, do you hold a certification from a nationally accredited paralegal training institution and have five years of related experience, OR a combination of education, training, or experience that provides an equivalent background necessary for the work?
- Yes
- No
02
How many years of experience do you have leading projects or teams from diverse backgrounds, and are they community-oriented with a commitment to addressing disparities in underserved communities?
03
The City and the Seattle City Attorney's Office have a commitment to ending institutional racism. Describe a time you took action to further equity.
Required Question