Investigator - PDD Springfield

Overview

The Public Defender Division of Committee for Public Counsel Services, the Massachusetts public defender agency, is seeking an Investigator for the Springfield Office. Investigators conduct criminal defense investigations and aid in trial preparation for CPCS Trial Attorneys in District and Superior Court cases in Hampden County.

Responsibilities

• Locating and interviewing cooperative and, at times, uncooperative witnesses, alleged victims, and clients;
• Investigating 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;
• 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;
• Evaluating individuals and factual situations to aid the attorney in preparing and presenting a defense to the criminal charges;
• 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.

Qualifications

• Associate degree with coursework in criminal justice, forensics, law or related area of study; a minimum of three years of experience in 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.

Skills

• Experience with Microsoft Office, internet databases, online searches and databases, and camera and video equipment;
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing;
• Good analytical and time-management skills;
• Bilingual abilities preferred;
• Ability to be flexible due to unexpected and times sensitive issues requiring immediate attention is essential.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree may be substituted for up to 2 years of investigatory experience.

Benefits

The successful candidate will be subject to a background check including CORI and driving history reviews.

EEO Statement

The Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran or military status, genetic information, gender identity, or sexual orientation as required by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other applicable federal and state statutes and organizational policies. Applicants who have questions about equal employment opportunity or who need reasonable accommodations can contact the Chief Human Resources Officer, Sandra DeBow-Huang, at sdebow@publiccounsel.net.