Investigator - Chesterfield

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Chesterfield, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission is hiring an Investigator for the Chesterfield Public Defender's Office to conduct investigative work for public defense cases. The role supports attorneys in preparing cases and includes fieldwork and face-to-face interactions with clients, witnesses, and other members of the public. The Investigator reports to the Chief Public Defender of the Chesterfield Office and to the attorney handling each case, and is employed at-will. The Investigator gathers information through interviews, document collection, scene investigation, photographs, measurements, social media research, and review of cell phone and other digital evidence. Duties may include serving subpoenas, visiting incarcerated clients and witnesses, preparing written case-investigation reports, and testifying in court when needed. The position requires close collaboration with the public defender team and a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends as investigations require. The IDC describes its mission as protecting and defending clients' rights and dignity through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy. It encourages qualified applicants of all identities, cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Employment is contingent on a fingerprint-based criminal background check, and candidates must be authorized to work in the United States; the agency uses E-Verify and does not provide sponsorship.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent, or prior experience in investigation.
Excellent written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Valid driver's license and a vehicle for travel wherever investigations require.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
Experience using Microsoft Office products and internet research tools.
Ability to communicate and interact with the public and office colleagues.
Ability to develop and maintain time-management and organizational skills, and to work independently and collaboratively.
Belief in the presumption of innocence and concern for protecting every person's constitutional rights.
Professional desire to serve underprivileged individuals.
Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, as investigations require.
Employment requires successful completion of a fingerprint-based criminal background check and authorization to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual ability in English and Spanish.
Experience working with marginalized communities.
Background in investigative journalism or media reporting.

Responsibilities

Interview relevant witnesses and defendants to obtain information that aids case preparation.
Plan and conduct investigations in defense of clients charged with criminal offenses.
Gather documents, take photographs and measurements, serve subpoenas, and take other steps needed for thorough investigations as assigned by attorneys.
Conduct field investigations and interact face-to-face with members of the public.
Visit crime scenes to take measurements, make drawings, and photograph the area.
Visit incarcerated clients and witnesses.
Research social media and review cell phone data and other digital evidence.
Draft written reports of case investigations for attorneys.
Appear in court and provide testimony when required.
Work closely with the public defender team and report to the attorney handling each case.