Investigator - Hampton

DHRM•Hampton, VA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission is hiring an Investigator for the Hampton Public Defender’s Office. The Investigator performs investigative work for public defense cases, helping attorneys prepare cases through interviews, field investigations, evidence gathering, and written reports. The role involves close interaction with the public defender team and the public, including face-to-face work with clients, witnesses, and other individuals. The Investigator reports to the Chief Public Defender of the Hampton Office and to the attorney handling each case, and is employed at-will. The position requires fieldwork, including visiting crime scenes and incarcerated clients and witnesses. Investigators may need to testify in court and must be willing to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, as investigations require. The VIDC describes its mission as protecting and defending clients’ rights and dignity through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy, and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent, or prior experience in investigation.
Excellent written communication skills and effective oral communication skills.
Valid driver’s license and a vehicle for travel as investigations require.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and to work independently and collaboratively.
Ability to communicate and interact effectively with the public and office colleagues.
Ability to develop and maintain time-management and organizational skills.
Experience using Microsoft Office products and internet research tools.
Familiarity with electronic media, body-camera evidence, social media, and similar platforms.
Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, as investigations require.
Belief in the presumption of innocence and concern for protecting the constitutional rights of every person.
Professional desire to serve underprivileged individuals.
Authorization to work in the United States; employment is contingent upon successful completion of a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English and Spanish skills.
Experience working with marginalized communities.
Background in investigative journalism or media reporting.
Familiarity with the City of Hampton.

Responsibilities

Plan and conduct investigations for clients charged with criminal offenses.
Interview relevant witnesses, defendants, clients, and other individuals to gather information for case preparation.
Conduct scene investigations, including taking measurements, making drawings, and photographing crime scenes.
Gather documents, take photographs and measurements, serve subpoenas, and take other steps needed for thorough investigations as assigned by attorneys.
Conduct social media research and review cell phone data and other digital evidence.
Visit incarcerated clients and witnesses.
Draft written investigation reports for attorneys.
Appear in court and provide testimony when needed.
Work closely with public defender team members and the attorney handling each case.