Investigator - Family Justice Advocates/TAY

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Worcester, MA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), the public defender agency for Massachusetts, is seeking a full-time Investigator for its Family Justice Advocates (FJA) offices located in Springfield and Worcester. This position will also support the statewide Transition Age Youth (TAY) Office which will be located in Framingham. FJA provides legal representation to children and indigent parents in family regulation cases. This newly created position will conduct investigations and aid in trial preparation for CPCS Trial Attorneys in these types of cases in Worcester and Hampden County. The Investigator will also provide some services for cases in counties where the Transition Age Youth office represents parties in the Juvenile or Probate and Family Courts. Investigators are key members of the defense team who assist in developing defense strategies for children and indigent parents by interviewing witnesses and investigating allegations made by the Department of Children and Families or other parties on the case.

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