MCSO Public Records Program Specialist

Multnomah County • Portland, OR

1d • $38 - $47 • Hybrid

About The Position

This position within MCSO’s Communication Unit is responsible for leading and coordinating all public records requests for MCSO, to include public records requests related to body-worn camera footage. The role serves as MCSO’s subject matter expert on public records and will be expected to work with all MCSO divisions as a single point of contact to support receiving public records requests, carefully reviewing them, conducting applicable redactions, and then releasing them in accordance with Oregon law, MCSO policy, and to make sure the documents protect sensitive information while also providing community members, including media, with appropriate access to public records.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. In lieu of a degree, additional qualifying experience will be considered on a year-for-year basis.
• One (1) year of responsible work in a program which must include:
• Advanced knowledge of Oregon’s public records laws and exceptions to provide nuanced legal analyses of exemptions, balancing tests, and case law precedents to defend release decisions.
• Advance understanding of criminal case workflows, investigative timelines, and digital evidence handling.
• Ability to research and retrieve video records in Evidence.com, Versaterm, Oregon eCourt, and other platforms, and to review and redact records in accordance with applicable rules, policies, and laws.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid driver’s license by time of hire.
• Must pass a criminal records and employment references check.

Nice To Haves

• Related public sector experience.
• Demonstrated experience processing public records requests within a public agency.
• Experience reviewing, redacting, and releasing sensitive records, including police reports, audio/video files, and other digital evidence.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage high request volumes, competing deadlines, and detailed documentation for record purposes.
• Resilient and able to manage pressure in a professional manner.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the subject matter expert and program lead for the Sheriff’s Office public records and BWC disclosure program, providing strategic oversight on public records requests.
• Responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations of MCSO’s public records and BWC release program providing direction, policy guidance, and operational oversight.
• Develops, implements, and maintains program policies, procedures, and training materials to ensure compliance with Oregon public records law, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS), and other applicable statutes.
• Conducts thorough research and retrieval of records, including BWC video in Evidence.com, Versaterm, and other platforms, and performs redaction or review processes when needed and in accordance with applicable rules, policies, and laws.
• Works with MCSO leadership to identify grant funding or alternative funding sources for BWC public records and other day-to-day public records requests.
• Will be asked to use subject matter expertise to draft proposals to secure funding to help secure upgrades and software licenses to ensure MCSO is staying updated on best technology practices as it relates to receiving, tracking, and producing public records requests.
• Works with the Communications Unit to produce public-facing information, such as infographics, or FAQs, explaining public records processes.
• Serves as MCSO’s primary contact for most public records inquiries from media, attorneys, and community members.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Holiday Leave: You are eligible to receive 12 paid holidays per fiscal year. This includes 10 county observed holidays and 2 floating holidays.
• Paid Sick Leave: You will accrue paid sick leave at the rate of .05 hours for each hour worked (for a full-time/40 hours per week employee, it is approximately 104 hours per year).
• Vacation Leave: You will start accruing paid vacation leave at 4.67 hours per pay period as long as you remain in paid status and a full-time employee (approximately 112 hours per year for full-time employee).
• Paid Increases: Local 88 employees are considered for an annual step increase each year on their progression date until they reach the top of the range. They are also eligible for annual COLA increases when approved by the Board of County Commissioners.
• Deferred Compensation: All new employees in regular and limited duration Local 88 positions will be automatically enrolled in the County’s Deferred Compensation program, at the rate of one percent (1%) of their pre-tax wages, unless they choose to opt out.
• Comprehensive health and dental packages with most full-time employees paying only 5-10% of the monthly cost of the coverage, depending on plan selection and bargaining unit.
• Retirement contributions of 12% to the State's retirement system (PERS/OPSRP) and no financial contributions from the employee.
• Free TriMet pass.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level