Job Description
Salary : $55,630.22 - $70,514.50 Annually
Location : Chinook Building 401 5th Avenue Seattle, WA
Job Type: Regular, Part Time, Std Wkly Hrs Vary
Job Number: 2025SWSN25287
Department: EXEC - Executive's Office
Division: Administration
Opening Date: 08/21/2025
Closing Date: 9/4/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: Z3 : KC Personnel Guidelines
Full- or Part-Time: Part Time
Summary King County is seeking a dedicated part-time Civil Rights Investigator to conduct impartial investigations into complaints of discrimination in housing, employment, public accommodations, and contracting. This position supports the Civil Rights Program's enforcement responsibilities under King County Code, as well as its investigative responsibilities under applicable local, state, and federal laws. Additionally, this role supports the County's coordination efforts under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
Ideal candidates will have experience in investigations, policy, or legal analysis, and strong analytical, writing, and interpersonal skills. Prior experience with civil rights laws is preferred but not required; training and mentorship will be provided to those with transferable skills and a commitment to equity and social justice.
The Investigator reports to the Civil Rights Program Manager and collaborates with internal teams and community partners to advance equity across King County.
About King County
With 2.2 million residents in 39 cities and unincorporated areas, King County is the nation's 13th-largest county. It also has one of the most diverse populations in the United States. ?As the only county in the United States named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County is a vibrant community with residents who represent countries from around the world.
About OERSJ's Civil Rights Program
The Office of Equity and Racial and Social Justice (OERSJ) was established in 2015 to lead King County's efforts to embed equity into all decision-making and organizational practices. In 2017, the Civil Rights Program joined OERSJ, expanding the office's focus to enforce laws preventing discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and contracting. The program investigates complaints under King County Code (KCC 12.17, 12.18, 12.20, 12.22) and serves as the County's ADA Title II and Title VI Coordinator, supporting public access and compliance with federal civil rights laws.
Civil Rights Program Mission
Our mission is to eliminate unlawful discrimination through education, mediation, and enforcement that is responsive to a diverse King County.
Team Structure and Collaboration
The Civil Rights Program team includes a Program Manager, a full-time and part-time investigator, and an Operations Specialist. We are currently looking to add another part-time investigator. The team works closely with other OERSJ sections, including Language Access, ADA, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging and Special Projects, to advance equity across the County.
Job Duties Investigation & Case Management
- Receive, process, and respond to inquiries related to discrimination complaints via a variety of methods including website, phone, email, mail, in-person.
- Conduct thorough, impartial investigations of complex discrimination complaints
- Interview complainants, respondents, and witnesses, and analyze evidence.
- Mediate disputes when appropriate and work toward a resolution of complaints.
- Prepare clear, detailed investigative reports and maintain accurate case documentation in departmental databases.
Program Coordination
- Support the Civil Rights Program Manager in documenting procedures, improving inquiry, intake and case workflows, and identifying process improvements.
- Participate in internal team meetings and project-based collaborations.
Operational Support & Continuous Improvement
- Assist with updates to program materials, forms, and templates.
- Contribute to periodic assessments of investigation procedures and best practices.
- Build and maintain collaborative partnerships with local, regional, and national organizations to further civil rights, equity, and social justice goals.
Outreach, Training and Technical Assistance
- Assist in the development and delivery of trainings on civil rights and anti-discrimination laws.
- Organize outreach activities and events to promote awareness of civil rights and services.
- Provide basic technical assistance to internal departments, external partners, and community members on compliance with civil rights requirements, as assigned.
Other Duties
- Perform other duties directly related to investigation support and case resolution, and additional tasks and special projects as assigned to support the overall mission and goals of the Civil Rights Program, OERSJ and King County.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills Knowledge & Experience
- A strong understanding of equity, racial and social justice principles and how they apply within government or large institutional settings.
- History of successfully building and sustaining partnerships with diverse populations, including BIPOC communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, community organizations, government agencies, and advocacy groups.
- Some familiarity of federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VI, ADA (Title II), Fair Housing Act, employment, public accommodations, and/or contracting regulations - or a strong willingness to learn.
- Experience conducting impartial and thorough civil rights investigations under deadlines is a plus, but a willingness to learn and grow in this area is equally valued.
- Note: Candidates with experience in investigations, legal analysis, or policy compliance who demonstrate a passion for equity and social justice, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to learning are encouraged to apply. Training and mentorship will be provided.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking, meeting facilitation, and negotiation.
- Strong active listening skills with the ability to engage empathetically with complainants, respondents, and stakeholders.
- Skilled at fostering collaborative, respectful environments in politically complex settings.
Project & Operational Management
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines in a fast-paced, matrixed organization.
- Experience or interest in program development, strategic planning, and results-based evaluation methods, including culturally responsive approaches.
- Familiarity or willingness to learn case management systems, Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, OneDrive, and online data collection tools.
- Familiarity with change management principles, records management, and resilience in adapting to evolving structures and technologies.
Confidentiality & Ethics
- Commitment to maintaining strict confidentiality and ethical handling of sensitive information in all aspects of work.
Supplemental Information Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion, and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal, we are committed to workforce equity.
Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards.
We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
King County provides a generous employee benefits package including comprehensive health benefits, paid parental
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer To Apply Note: this is a part-time position with an anticipated weekly 20 hour week.
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully.
If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistant in the application or assessment process, or if you have questions, please contact the HR professional listed on this job announcement.
Who May Apply This position is open to qualified candidates (both current employees of King County government as well as external candidates).
Application Process The following items are required to be considered for this position:
An electronic application through or (use the "Apply" link) including work history and position duties.
- An attached resume.
- An attached letter of interest/cover letter.
Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the application. Cover letters and/or resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application. Applications that state "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.
Work Schedule This position will work onsite at the Chinook Building located at 401 5th Avenue, Seattle three (3) days per week.
Union affiliation This position is not represented by a labor union.
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what's best for themselves and their eligible dependents
- Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
- Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
- Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
- 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite activity centers
- Employee Giving Program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
For additional information about employee benefits, visit our
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
Job Tags
Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Work at office, Local area, Remote work, Flexible hours, 3 days per week,