Investigator

Our Vision: A community that prioritizes love compassion and equity over judgment shame and division.

Investigator

Salary Range: $66538 $71378

Kalamazoo Defender is an independent non-profit organization that provides legal representation to the adult indigent population charged with a crime within Kalamazoo County. We take a holistic approach employing compassionate professionals who work with our clients to identify and address additional needs beyond their legal collaboration with our robust network of area service providers we aim to connect our clients to relevant support services.

We fight for justice in the courts care in the community and dignity in the world. Our mission is rooted in the conviction that poverty and various forms of discrimination put our clients on inequitable footing within and beyond our criminal justice system. Our job is to be their zealous defender in the face of these systemic barriers fighting for them in court organizing care for them in our community and advocating for their inherent dignity in the broader world.

THE JOB:

Kalamazoo Defender seeks a full-time Investigator to conduct investigations in support of criminal defense cases. Reporting to the Chief Investigator and working closely with attorneys and other members of the multidisciplinary defense team the Investigator supports cases from initial fact development through case resolution. The work may include interviewing clients and witnesses; reviewing and analyzing discovery records video and audio recordings and other evidence; conducting scene visits and other field investigation; locating people and information; preparing investigative reports case notes timelines exhibits and other case materials; contributing to case strategy and trial preparation; serving subpoenas; and supporting attorneys in court as needed.

The ideal candidate is a resourceful curious and adaptable professional who can move effectively between detailed evidence review and report writing collaborative case planning courtroom support and investigative work in the community. This position requires strong judgment organization situational awareness and the ability to manage competing priorities while handling sensitive case information with discretion and confidentiality. The Investigator must be able to work independently while remaining closely connected to the defense team and interact effectively and compassionately with clients witnesses and community members who may be experiencing trauma crisis or other significant barriers.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan and execute thorough investigations based on case needs utilizing appropriate investigative methods and tracking progress through departmental systems.
• Review and analyze discovery records video and audio recordings digital materials and other case-related information to identify relevant facts inconsistencies investigative needs and areas requiring further development.
• Interview clients witnesses and other relevant individuals to gather complete and accurate information while building rapport and using appropriate communication and de-escalation techniques.
• Conduct fieldwork as needed including scene analysis and documentation evidence collection surveillance photography and efforts to locate clients witnesses records or other relevant information.
• Locate obtain review analyze and summarize relevant records data and other information necessary to support the defense team.
• Analyze preserve and organize evidence and prepare investigative reports summaries timelines maps diagrams photographs visual presentations and other materials for case development and court proceedings.
• Maintain accurate well-organized case notes in electronic file systems in order to collaborate effectively with the defense team.
• Learn and effectively use case-management and evidence-management systems to ensure the proper uploading organization storage and handling of sensitive case materials.
• Collaborate with attorneys to identify investigative needs communicate findings contribute to case strategy and assist with trial and hearing preparation.
• Attend court proceedings as needed to support attorneys with investigative evidentiary witness and case-related needs.
• Serve subpoenas and testify in court regarding investigative activities and findings when necessary.
• Collaborate effectively with attorneys paralegals fellow investigators mitigation specialists client navigators reception staff and other members of the multidisciplinary defense team to support holistic client-centered representation.
• Approach investigative work through a holistic client-centered lens while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries confidentiality compassion and respect.
• Perform investigative duties outside of traditional business hours when case needs require.
• Participate in training programs and maintain current knowledge of investigative practices procedures technology and other tools relevant to the role.
• Remain available to staff members for consultation case coordination and education.
• Perform any other duties as assigned contributing to the overall effectiveness and success of the defense team.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Valid Michigan drivers license with the ability and willingness to travel.
• At least two years of experience conducting investigations in social services criminal justice law enforcement or comparable investigative work.
• Strong commitment to Kalamazoo Defenders mission and values.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations including individuals with disabilities those struggling with addiction and those experiencing mental health crises.
• Commitment to cultural awareness maintaining professionalism ensuring confidentiality and acting with compassion and integrity.
• Excellent interpersonal verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interviewing skills and the ability to document clear accurate investigative work product and case notes.
• Strong critical-thinking problem-solving and adaptability skills with the ability to exercise sound independent judgment as information priorities or circumstances change.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple investigations competing responsibilities and deadlines.
• Ability to prioritize work tasks while working both collaboratively and independently.
• Ability to locate obtain review analyze and summarize relevant records evidence and data.
• Ability to build rapport and manage high-stress or emotionally charged interactions with patience professionalism and appropriate de-escalation techniques.
• Ability to work effectively across office court and community settings using appropriate judgment and situational awareness in unfamiliar sensitive or unpredictable circumstances.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other basic office technologies and comfortable learning and working with new software systems and technology tools.
• Familiarity with court procedures and documentation or a willingness and ability to learn.
• Ability to work outside of normal office hours when case needs require.

Preferred:

• Michigan Professional Investigator license.
• Five or more years of relevant investigative experience.
• Knowledge of legal procedures and investigative techniques including interviewing and digital forensics.
• Bachelors degree in a related field.
• Bilingual abilities.

BENEFITS:

• Monthly mileage reimbursement at the IRS Standard Mileage Rate.
• Health care coverage including medical dental and vision with employee premiums covered 100%.
• Life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage with optional supplemental benefits including voluntary life accident hospital indemnity and critical illness insurance.
• Retirement program offering both 403(b) and Roth options with employer match of 5 times employee contributions up to 5%.
• Five weeks of paid time off (pro-rated for start date) paid holiday closures and additional paid parental leave program.
• Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Health Advocate services available to all household members.
• Optional Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (DCFSA).
• Health Savings Account (HSA) available with eligible high-deductible health plan.
• Kalamazoo Defender is a Michigan Tri-Share participating Qualifying employees may be eligible for childcare assistance with costs shared between the employee the employer and the state.
• An opportunity to work with like-minded mission-driven individuals in a dynamic and innovative holistic legal program backed by a county capable of maximizing Kalamazoo Defenders mission.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY:

Kalamazoo Defender is committed to fostering an inclusive respectful and supportive environment for all individuals. We uphold a policy of equal opportunity and prohibit discrimination in any form against employees employee applicants directors board members interns clients volunteers vendors or any other individuals associated with our organization.

We prohibit discrimination based on race including hairstyles associated with race such as braids locs twists afros cornrows Bantu knots etc. sex gender identity gender expression sexual orientation religion including clothing associated with religion such as hijabs turbans etc. national origin (ancestry) citizenship status age height weight pregnancy ability socio-economic background or circumstances military or veteran status marital or partnership status genetic predisposition carrier status or body art including piercings and tattoos.

We are committed to maintaining a workplace and environment free from discrimination harassment and retaliation and will comply with and aim to surpass antidiscrimination policies set forth by local state and federal laws protecting against such actions.

Kalamazoo Defender values diversity and strives to create an environment where all individuals feel valued respected and empowered to bring their unique perspectives experiences and full authentic selves into the space.

HOW TO APPLY:

Kalamazoo Defender is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Please submit your resume cover letter and three references.

If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application pre-employment testing a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process please contact the HR Department directly.

Email:

Phone:

Address: 151 S. Rose Street Ste 200
Kalamazoo MI 49007