Youth Advocacy Division

Committee for Public Counsel Services•Pittsfield, MA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Children and Family Law and Youth Advocacy Divisions of the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), the Massachusetts public defender agency, are seeking a full-time Investigator for the Northampton and Pittsfield Offices. This newly created position will conduct investigations and aid in trial preparation for CPCS Trial Attorneys in Care and Protection, Children Requiring Assistance, Guardianship of Minors, Delinquency and Youthful Offender criminal cases in Berkshire and Hampshire County Juvenile Courts. The Investigator may also cover Hampden County cases as needed. Investigators are key members of the defense team who assist in developing defense strategies for indigent persons by interviewing witnesses, investigating allegations made by the Department of Children and families and District Attorneys Office, and documenting crime scenes. CPCS is committed to protecting the fundamental constitutional and human rights of our assigned clients through zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, and the fullness of excellent legal representation. The agency provides representation in criminal, delinquency, youthful offender, family regulation, guardianship, mental health, sexually dangerous person, and sex offender registry cases, as well as in appeals and post-conviction and post-judgment proceedings related to those matters. The CAFL Northampton office is comprised of the AIC, five staff Trial Attorneys, a Social Worker, and an Administrative Assistant and provides public defense in family regulation matters in Franking and Hampshire Counties. The CAFL Pittsfield Office provides public defense in family regulation matters and is located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Investigators are key members of the defense team and are responsible for conducting defense investigations and trial preparation for staff attorneys as well as assisting in developing defense strategy for indigent persons in Care and Protection, Children Requiring Assistance, Guardianship of Minors, Delinquency and Youthful Offender criminal cases in Juvenile Court. Key responsibilities of Investigators are locating and interviewing persons, obtaining facts, inspecting records, writing reports, documenting crime scenes, searching databases and social media, summonsing witnesses to court, and shepherding witnesses through the trial court process. The Investigator's role is critical to maintaining or reunifying families and keeping children out of the juvenile justice system. The Investigator will be seated in the CAFL Northampton Office or the CAFL Pittsfield Office and will report to the Attorney in Charge of the office. The Investigator will also work under the direction of Supervising Investigator, and will work collaboratively with other staff attorneys, investigators, and others as appropriate. The Investigator may also cover Hampden County cases as needed.

Requirements

Associate degree with coursework in criminal justice, forensics, law or related area of study
A minimum of three years of experience in juvenile or criminal defense investigations or a related investigative field which primarily involves the interviewing of persons, obtaining facts, inspection of records and writing reports; or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and skills
Must possess a valid and active Massachusetts driver’s license and have full access to a dependable automobile
Access to home internet access sufficient to work remotely
The successful candidate will be subject to a background check including CORI and driving history reviews

Nice To Haves

A bachelor’s degree may be substituted for up to 2 years of investigatory experience

Responsibilities

Locating and interviewing cooperative and, at times, uncooperative witnesses and/or alleged victims
Investigating and documenting allegations made by the Department of Children and Families and the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office, as well as crime scenes, commonly located in neighborhoods that have been designated as ‘high crime areas’ by local law enforcement agencies
Preparing and presenting oral and/or written reports based upon interviews and/or information obtained during the course of the investigation
Conducting surveillance
Measuring, diagramming, and photographing locations where crimes may have taken place and/or any location appropriate to the defense strategy
Utilizing computers for on-line access to the Registry of Motor Vehicles, public records, databases, social networking sites, and various online searches
Keeping accurate records of all phases of the investigation, and being accountable for all aspects of the investigation
Networking and maintaining personal contact with individuals in various agencies, including, but not limited to, police departments, courts, state agencies, private sector agencies, and others to facilitate access to information necessary to the defense of a case
Reviewing and analyzing police reports and witness statements
Maintaining open lines of communication with attorneys as to investigative updates and case strategy and meeting all deadlines associated with cases
Maintaining professional and productive relationships with attorneys and other staff members
Evaluating individuals and factual situations to aid the attorney in preparing and presenting a defense to the criminal charges
Advising attorneys regarding changes and developments in investigative tools and techniques
Developing familiarity with Massachusetts child welfare laws and regulations, criminal laws and rules of criminal and civil procedure
Serving summonses on witnesses and document record keepers
Arranging timely appearance of witnesses at court by keeping them “on call” and when necessary, providing transportation for clients and/or witnesses to court or other facilities
Preparing exhibits for trials and hearings
Ability to work independently and outside of normal business hours as needed
Participating in training programs for attorneys, as well as investigators
Other duties as assigned