Investigates incidents resulting in tort claims against the State of Washington including gathering and preserving evidence, interviewing witnesses or other involved parties, developing case files, testifying in court concerning the findings of the investigation, and negotiating and settling claims involving the State of Washington.

Conducts complete and comprehensive investigations into circumstances of incidents giving rise to tort claims or lawsuits;

Locates and interviews all persons having any knowledge of incident, determines extent of that knowledge and preserves such information by obtaining narrative statements;

Interviews state employees, public officers and others to gather, preserve and present evidence for the defense and adjustment of claims arising from alleged tortious conduct of state employees to include maritime losses and vehicle tort claims for all state agencies;

Recommends settlement in cases of definite liability when advantageous to the state; negotiates the adjustment and settlement of tort claims;

Conducts detailed inspection of incident scene and/or vehicle or equipment involved and arranges for preservation of physical evidence through photography or actual custody of such evidence, assembles facts and exhibits for trial;

Inquires into applicable state agency rules, regulations and standards pertinent to allegations set forth in claim or lawsuit, as well as interrogation of responsible or involved parties within a particular agency as to agency records and procedures;

Makes detailed reports of investigations;

During discovery and trial preparation, prepares tentative answers to interrogatories; gathers materials in response to requests for production; interviews appropriate parties and otherwise conducts research for response to requests for admission;

Investigates and verifies the qualifications of expert witnesses whose testimony is needed on behalf of the state;

Testifies in court;

Processes claims for reimbursement of damages to state property occasioned by negligent third parties to include all state-owned vehicles;

Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge of: claims and settlements; laws of negligence as they apply to state liability and legal liability for damages; interviewing techniques and investigative practices; state of Washington Motor Vehicle Codes; civil court procedures; and rules of evidence.

Ability to: gather, preserve and present relevant and pertinent evidence; recognize, record and analyze basic facts which control liability for damage; make accurate photographs; establish and maintain good public relations.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

A Bachelor's degree and four years' experience in civilian or military law enforcement investigative work. 

OR

A Bachelor's degree and four years' experience in the adjustment and investigation of claims to determine liability for personal injuries and property damages. 

Additional qualifying experience in law enforcement investigative work or adjusting and investigating claims to determine liability for personal injuries and property damages may be substituted, year for year, for education. 

A valid driver's license is required.

5-28-69
Revised definition, minimum qualifications and general revision: 2-9-79
Revise definition, minimum qualifications, title and code change (formerly Tort Claims Investigator, 4728): 114-83
Revises minimum qualifications: 11-13-87
New class code: (formerly 46580) effective July 1, 2007

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.