Supervising Investigator - CAFL/YAD - Statewide

About the role

The Children and Family Law and Youth Advocacy Divisions of the Committee for Public Counsel Services, the Massachusetts public defender agency, are seeking a full-time Supervising Investigator. The Supervising Investigator will be based in any CAFL or YAD office with available space depending on the needs of the Divisions and the selected candidate. This newly created position will assist the CAFL and YAD Divisions in creating a robust Investigator program throughout the Commonwealth. Supervising Investigators assist in the hiring, training, and supervision of staff Investigators in addition to their own reduced caseload. Investigators are key members of the defense team who assist in developing defense strategies for indigent persons by interviewing witnesses, investigating allegations made by the Department of Children and Families and District Attorney’s Office, and documenting crime scenes.

Responsibilities

The supervisory duties of the Supervising Investigator include:

• Monitoring investigator caseloads to ensure that each investigator’s caseload is appropriate
• 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, as well as group meetings with Investigators and other defense team staff to ensure quality investigations are occurring
• Working with the Attorneys-in-Charge to assign cases to investigators
• Collaborating with Attorneys-in-Charge of trial offices in the region on annual performance evaluations of supervisees
• Assisting the recruiting and hiring of staff Investigators to ensure quality and diversity of staff
• Working with the PDD Director of Investigations, CAFL and YAD Leadership Teams, and the Training Unit in the training of Investigators
• Meeting regularly with the PDD Director of Investigations and PDD Supervising Investigators as well as the Deputy Chief Counsel and Managing Directors to review compliance with responsibilities and to discuss regional and statewide issues
• Making and maintaining personal contact with individuals in various agencies (e.g., police, DCF, DYS, hospitals, ambulance services, courts) and community organizations to facilitate Investigators’ access to witnesses and records
• Developing familiarity with Massachusetts child welfare laws and regulations, criminal laws and rules of civil and criminal procedure
• Other duties as assigned

  The Investigation Duties Of The Supervising Investigator Include:

  • 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 Suffolk and Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office, as well as 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
  • Measuring, diagramming, and photographing locations where crimes may have taken place and/or any location appropriate to the defense strategy
  • 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, and being accountable for all aspects of the investigation
  • Networking and maintaining personal contact with individuals in various agencies, including, but not limited to, police departments, courts, state agencies, private sector agencies, and others to facilitate access to information necessary to the defense of a case
  • Reviewing and analyzing police reports and witness statements
  • 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 and other staff members
  • Evaluating individuals and factual situations to aid the attorney in preparing and presenting a defense to the criminal 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
  • Ability to work independently and outside of normal business hours as needed
  • Participating in training programs for attorneys, as well as investigators
  • Other duties as assigned

  Minimum Entrance Requirements

  Applicants for the position of Supervising Investigator must have:

  • 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

  Applicants should submit (1) a letter of interest, (2) a résumé, and (3) a writing sample. The successful candidates will be subject to a background check including CORI and driving history reviews.

  Qualifications/Skills

  • 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