Investigator - Family Justice Advocates/TAY - Children & Family Law Division

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. FJA is CPCS’ Children and Family Law Division (CAFL) “conflicts office.” 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, including care and protection proceedings, child requiring assistance cases, actions to terminate parental rights, guardianship-of-a-minor cases, and any other child custody proceeding where the Department of Children and Families (DCF) is a party.

About the role

This newly created position will conduct investigations and aid in trial preparation for CPCS Trial Attorneys in Worcester and Hampden County. The Investigator will also provide 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.

CPCS is committed to protecting the fundamental constitutional and human rights of its clients through zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, and excellent legal representation. The agency embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values, ensuring a work climate that is respectful and supports success while promoting the dignity and well-being of all staff members.

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 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 online 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 police departments, courts, state agencies, private sector agencies, and others to facilitate access to information necessary for case defense.
• Reviewing and analyzing police reports and witness statements.
• Maintaining open lines of communication with attorneys regarding 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 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.
• Working independently and outside of normal business hours as needed.
• Participating in training programs for attorneys and investigators.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate degree with coursework in criminal justice, forensics, law, or a related area of study; a minimum of three years of experience in juvenile or criminal defense investigations or a related investigative field involving interviewing persons, obtaining facts, inspecting records, and writing reports; or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and skills.
• A bachelor’s degree may substitute for up to 2 years of investigatory experience.
• Valid and active Massachusetts driver’s license and full access to a dependable automobile.
• Access to home internet sufficient to work remotely.
• Successful completion of a background check, including CORI and driving history reviews.

Office Locations

Worcester Office: Centrally located in Worcester, within walking distance of Union Station (WRTA bus service and MBTA commuter rail). Worcester is New England’s second-largest city, home to the Worcester Red Sox (WooSox), Worcester Railers hockey team, a vibrant restaurant and event scene, eight colleges and universities, and affordable rents.

Springfield Office: Located in Springfield, the third-largest city in Massachusetts, along the Connecticut River. Springfield is the birthplace of basketball and home to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Springfield Thunderbirds hockey team, and several colleges and universities. It is centrally located near Northampton, Hartford, Worcester, Boston, and New York City.

Transition Age Youth (TAY) Office: A new advocacy unit providing multidisciplinary support for transition age youth across the state. This office will be located in the Framingham or Boston Metro area.