Staff Investigator

The Department of Mental Health (DMH) is seeking an extremely detail oriented Investigator to conduct comprehensive investigations into allegations of abuse and neglect, rape, death, theft, and other incidents that may be dangerous, illegal, or inhumane in nature, as well as other crimes, misconduct or administrative irregularities involving DMH clients, programs, facilities, and people with mental illness. The investigation process involves preparing an investigations plan, conducting a risk assessment, conducting interviews with the victim, alleged abuser, employees, and other relevant parties as well as reviewing relevant evidence and documents and writing the investigation report.

Our selected candidate will partner with DMH Labor Relations and personnel staff, state and local police, District Attorneys, and other law enforcement entities to successfully prosecute criminal acts. The investigations must be completed in accordance with departmental guidelines and within specific time frames. These investigations are assigned under DMH, Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC), and Title XIX regulations.

Please Note: Investigations must simultaneously meet the requirements of DMH regulations, DPPC statute and regulations, and Title XIX, and may simultaneously be investigated by other government agencies and external law enforcement officials. Standards for conducting investigations, writing reports, interviewing parties, and ensuring that there is sufficient information for corrective action to be taken, must be met with uniformity and consistency. Investigations involve highly technical areas and demand expertise in client care, malpractice, medico-legal deaths, behavioral and psychological programming, communication disorders, and sexual abuse.

Duties and Responsibilities (these are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Plans, organizes, and conducts complete investigations into complaints of alleged dangerous, illegal, inhuman, or otherwise abusive situations filed by, or on behalf of, DMH consumers.
• Interviews individuals for investigations including victims, alleged abusers, witnesses, professional staff (nurses, psychologists, etc.), parents, employees, etc.
• Identifies, collects, and analyzes information utilizing data relevant to investigations, demonstrating an understanding of information security and confidentiality issues relevant to an investigation.
• Assesses timelines for completing investigations per regulatory requirements.
• Drafts clear, accurate, and thorough investigatory reports concerning reported allegations and uses standardized methodology, including interviews, findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Promotes awareness of consumers’ human rights issues and DMH/DPPC policies and procedures by educating DMH staff, vendors and others concerning reporting requirements relative to incidents of alleged abuse of consumers, as well as other critical incidents.
• Remains current on Title XIX, state/federal regulations, and trends in the field relevant to human rights and other discriminatory practices that violate federal guidelines; interprets and communicates DMH/DPPC regulations to a variety of audiences.
• Collaborates with local law enforcement officials, state police and District Attorneys to assist in the investigations process as necessary.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Thorough knowledge of investigative techniques and investigative report preparation.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of management, including planning, organizing, directing, motivating, controlling and decision making.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and in oral expression.
• Capacity to analyze and determine the applicability of program data, to draw conclusions, and to make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to gather information by examining records and documents and by questioning and observing individuals.
• Capacity to adjust to changing situations to meet emergency requirements.
• Ability to set priorities, goals, objectives and also handle and disseminate confidential information.
• Capacity to deal effectively with pressure and shifting priorities.
• Ability to deal effectively and tactfully with others.
• Prior experience in clinical, social service, or public safety investigation and knowledge of the mental health service system.
• Solid written communication skills, including drafting concise, detailed investigation reports conveying a logical, factual treatment of complex issues.
• Record of utilizing analytical and critical thinking skills in order to question information, negotiate complicated situations, arrive at fact-based conclusions, and parse policy language effectively.
• Strong and effective interpersonal skills, including the ability to listen well, relate to others and demonstrate sensitivity and respect for individuals.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving a diverse population with cultural competence and sensitivity, as well as the ability to work with a wide range of constituencies with diplomacy and tact.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.

DMH Mission Statement:

The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights and supports mental health training and research.

Pre-Offer Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Request Form.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 Ext. #4.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

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