What are the responsibilities and job description for the Investigator, Juvenile Division position at Harris County?
Position Description
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provides assistance to attorneys representing clients of the Public Defenders.
- Makes outside, face-to-face and collateral contact with clients, witnesses, school staff, and law enforcement as required.
- Gathers evidence and discovery.
- Outside visits may require evening and weekend hours.
- Receive cases and work them up (i.e. meet with attorneys to strategize defense theory), begin locating and investigating witnesses by conducting backgrounds and preparing interviews.
- Research on possible evidence on social media platforms, cell phones (i.e. submitting cell phones for extractions and subpoenaing cell phone records) and reviewing/charting that information.
- Write summaries of interviews and keeping attorneys constantly apprised of case findings.
- Travel to scenes and conduct canvassing of same to include photographing and personally locating surveillance videos and extracting same with either a prior subpoena or without subpoena but consent of custodian of video.
- Retrieval of discovery from local law enforcement, forensic labs, schools; travel out of county/state when pertinent witnesses must be interviewed.
- Search and provide mitigating information and witnesses for the possibility of punishment; meet with Clients and their families either in-office, in jail or other locations.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Requirements
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Above average written and oral communication skills required.
- Effective organizational and time management skills required to successfully execute job duties.
- Must possess the skill to manage a demanding caseload of cases using interviewing and evidence-based practices.
- Exceptional witness interview skills required, as well as ability to testify confidently in courtroom settings.
- Advanced computer skills required (including all Microsoft Office programs).
Licensure:
- A valid driver's license is required (must obtain a Texas driver’s license before date of hire).
NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
Preferences
- Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.
- Three (3) years of criminal case investigation preferred.
- A Bachelor's degree conferred by an institution of higher education accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, is preferred.
General Information
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
- Regular Full-time
- Hours may vary on the business needs of the department.
- Weekend and evening hours are routine.
Salary:
- Depends on qualifications
- Based on 26 pay periods
Work Environment and Physical Demands:
- Working in an office, working outdoors. Possible exposure to inclement weather or various temperature changes.
- Sitting, lifting, driving.
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
BENEFITS
Harris County offers a competitive benefits program, including comprehensive group health and related benefits plan as well as defined benefit retirement plan.
The following list of benefits is offered only to employees in regular (full-time) positions:
- Medical Coverage
- Dental Coverage
- Vision Coverage
- Wellness Plan
- Life Insurance
- Long-term disability
- Employee Assistance Program
- Ten (10) days of vacation each year for the first five (5) years of service
- Accrual rates increase based on years of service
- Eleven (11) County-observed holidays and one (1) floating holiday
- Professional development opportunities
- Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
- Healthcare Reimbursement Account
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
The following benefits are also available to regular (full-time) employment and may be available to part-time employees:
- Retirement Pension (TCDRS)
- Flexible schedule (varies by department)
- Transportation Assistance (Metro RideSponsor Program)
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, Group Health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County benefits website:
https://benefitsathctx.com/
