Supervising Investigator - PDD Central Region

Committee for Public Counsel • , MA

4d • $80,598 - $118,361 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Public Defender Division (PDD) of the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), Massachusetts' public defender agency, is seeking a Supervising Investigator for its Central Region, which covers Suffolk and Norfolk Counties. This role involves assisting in the hiring, training, and supervision of Investigators, while also managing a reduced personal caseload. The primary work location will be a CPCS office within the Central Region. CPCS is dedicated to fighting for equal justice and human dignity by supporting clients in achieving their legal and life goals through zealous advocacy and promoting just public policy. The agency provides representation in a wide range of cases, including criminal, delinquency, youthful offender, family regulation, guardianship, mental health, and sexually dangerous person cases, among others. CPCS values courage, accountability, respect, and excellence, and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming for a staff that reflects a broad range of human differences and experiences and fostering a respectful work climate.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree and at least three years of experience as a criminal investigator or criminal defense attorney, preferably in cases involving the provision of defense services to indigent defendants; or an equivalent combination of education, training, experience, and skills.
• Insured, reliable, and available transportation, and a valid MA driver’s license.
• Access to home internet access sufficient to work remotely.

Nice To Haves

• A demonstrated commitment to anti-racism and to reducing racial and ethnic disparities in the criminal legal system.
• A demonstrated commitment to the principles of zealous advocacy and community-oriented defense and the ability to promote the provision of excellent representation by staff members.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, internet databases, social media, online searches and databases, surveillance technology, imaging and audio and video equipment.
• A demonstrated knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of criminal investigations, including gathering, preserving, and presenting evidence, basic identification techniques, creating and utilizing demonstrative evidence, and methods of operation.
• Strong leadership skills and qualities.
• Strong written and oral advocacy skills, and analytical, interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• A demonstrated ability to develop, support, and mentor staff.
• Ability to work successfully with courts and other personnel in the criminal legal system.
• A demonstrated knowledge of criminal law and courtroom procedures; interviewing and interrogation techniques; and, forensics, including scientific developments used for investigation and prosecution of crimes.
• Flexibility to work outside of regular business hours, e.g. on nights and weekends, if required.
• Bilingual language skills preferred.

Responsibilities

• Monitoring investigator caseloads to ensure appropriateness.
• Maintaining statistics relative to investigator caseloads.
• In-the-field supervision, including accompanying supervisees on witness interviews, examining and photographing crime scenes, jail visits, and court appearances.
• Reviewing report writing of Investigators.
• Attending regular one-on-one meetings with individual Investigators and group meetings with Investigators and other defense team staff.
• Working with Attorneys-in-Charge to assign cases to investigators.
• Collaborating with Attorneys-in-Charge on annual performance evaluations of supervisees.
• Assisting in the recruiting and hiring of staff Investigators.
• Working with the Director of Investigations, PDD Leadership Team, and the Training Unit in the training of Investigators.
• Meeting regularly with the Director of Investigations, other Supervising Investigators, Deputy Chief Counsel, and Managing Directors.
• Making and maintaining personal contact with individuals in various agencies (e.g., police, hospitals, ambulance services, courts) and community organizations.
• Developing familiarity with Massachusetts criminal laws and rules of criminal procedure.
• Maintaining a reduced caseload of cases and providing back-up coverage for Investigators.
• Locating and interviewing witnesses, alleged victims, and clients.
• Investigating crime scenes, including measuring, diagramming, and photographing scenes.
• Preparing and presenting oral and/or written reports.
• Conducting surveillance.
• Measuring, diagramming, and photographing locations.
• 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.
• Testifying in court as needed, including preparing exhibits for trials and hearings.
• Serving summonses on witnesses and document record keepers.
• Arranging timely appearance of witnesses at court.
• Providing transportation for clients and/or witnesses to court or other facilities.
• Other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level