Closing Date: 11th January, 2026

Description:

Summary:
Whatcom County's Prosecuting Attorney is currently recruiting for a Deputy I or II (DOQ) to fill a key Child Support role in the department.

This position represents the State of Washington and the best interests of children in all intrastate and interstate parentage litigation, modification of child support orders, contempt of court proceedings against non-paying parents in all child support actions referred by the Department of Social and Health Services/Division of Child Support and protects the State's monetary interests in other Family Law litigation.

Provides legal services for the Division of Child Support: conducting legal research and analysis; investigating income of parents and calculating child support; drafting and reviewing legal documents; keeping up to date on federal, state, and local laws and rules; maintaining confidentiality; complying with strict security standards; appearing in Superior Court in multiple counties for hearings and trials; and using superior judgment in all aspects of child support work.

At the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney's Office (https://www.whatcomcounty.us/304/Prosecuting-Attorney), we have a clear vision: to enhance the quality of life for all citizens in Whatcom County and to be leaders of fair prosecution and progressive prevention initiatives. We pride ourselves on relentlessly pursuing delivery of outstanding results in everything we do, and we know our organization runs on the hard work and dedication of our passionate and innovative team. At the Prosecutor's Office, we welcome, embrace, and respect diversity of people, identities, and cultures. We strive to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is a reflex – not an initiative. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better results.
Whatcom County Deputy Prosecutors represent the interests of the State of Washington in legal actions commencing with the pre-filing, investigative stage and continuing through the post-filing litigation process. Case assignment may include difficult criminal prosecutions of adults for felony offenses, including: sexual assault, domestic violence, and major crimes.

Supervisor: Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

Hours of Work: Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM

2026 Salary Ranges and Full Job Descriptions:
Deputy I (https://documents.whatcomcounty.us/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=4788653&dbid=0&repo=WC&searchid=d28fdd0f-e693-4749-b64e-260ad7bd8690) Range 9 (https://www.whatcomcounty.us/DocumentCenter/View/106517/2026-Salary-Matrix---Unrepresented)

Deputy II (https://www.whatcomcounty.us/DocumentCenter/View/106517/2026-Salary-Matrix---Unrepresented) Range 11 (https://www.whatcomcounty.us/DocumentCenter/View/106517/2026-Salary-Matrix---Unrepresented)

This posting will remain open until positions are filled.
Hiring rate depends on qualifications. This position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (apx. 3.8%) subject to satisfactory performance, in addition to any negotiated Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).

We are required by State Law to list the full salary range. As a public entity and in a union-covered position, we are required to make pay decisions based on experience, qualifications, and equity with other employees. Hiring rate typically is limited to entry to mid of the posted salary range, subject to required approvals.

Qualifications:
Deputy I:

Must be a current member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association; OR must be a current member in good standing of another State Bar Association AND must become a member of the Washington State Bar Association by passing the Washington State Bar exam within one year from date of hire; OR be eligible to be admitted to practice with a limited license under APR Rule 9 AND pass the Bar within 1 years of date of hire.
Trial experience in criminal law is preferred.
Spanish language fluency is desired.

Deputy II:
Requires successful completion of two years as a Whatcom County Deputy I in the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and performance-based approval of promotion by the Prosecuting Attorney OR three (3) years of experience as a public defender, prosecuting attorney, or private criminal counsel.

Must be a current member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association; OR must be a current member in good standing of another State Bar Association AND must become a member of the Washington State Bar Association by passing the next Washington State Bar exam.

Spanish language fluency is desired.
At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.

Distinguish yourself in public service and make a commitment to our future.
Whatcom County, WA (https://www.bellingham.org/sightsee) is truly special and a great place to call home! (https://www.elocallink.tv/m/v/player.php?pid=w6awy7y3&fp=wabel17_wel_rev9_iwd)

Supplemental Information:
Whatcom County offers excellent benefits (https://www.whatcomcounty.us/183/Unrepresented-Employees) at no cost to employees, including:

Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees AND their family
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and 12 paid holidays annually. Prior related public service considered for setting accrual rate. Accrue up to 330 hours of PTO annually. Cash-out up to 40 hours over 330 maximum annually.
Employment Year Accrual - Month Accrual - Year
1st – 4th year 18.00 hours 5.4 Weeks
5th – 9th year 21.33 hours 6.4 Weeks
10th + year 24.67 hours 7.4 Weeks
Lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), with joint contributions required from the employee and the County
Voluntary Deferred Compensation Retirement with County match
$50,000 Life Insurance coverage for employees
Voluntary Term Life Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance
Long-term Disability Insurance
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available for health care and/or dependent care expenses
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Additional benefit information (https://www.whatcomcounty.us/183/Unrepresented-Employees)