Staff Investigator

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Investigations Unit is actively searching for an inquisitive, thorough, and committed Staff Investigator. The DDS Investigations Unit receives more than 6,000 allegations of abuse and mistreatment per year on behalf of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Allegations range in severity from those alleging low-level program issues that pose no immediate risk to criminal conduct including sexual assault, indecent touching, assault and battery, and theft. A DDS Staff Investigator is charged with fairly, thoroughly, and efficiently investigating complaints of abuse, abuse per se, assault, and financial exploitation to determine whether an allegation is substantiated or not based on the evidence gathered. The investigations may involve, but may not be limited to, omission of care, human rights violations, injuries of unknown origin, failure to provide for basic needs, and various crimes against the person or property.

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

• Review allegations to create an investigative plan and perform an immediate risk assessment to ensure that timely recommendations for protective services are made to protect DDS clients who are alleged victims.
• Travel to and from various sites throughout the Commonwealth to conduct interviews and gather documentation and other evidence to aid in determining whether an allegation is substantiated or not.
• Gather and review all relevant documentation and evidence, including but not limited to Individual Service Plans, Behavior Plans, DDS and DDS Provider Incident Reports, police reports, medical records, surveillance videos, and pictures.
• Review the totality of information to prepare concise yet thorough investigation reports, detailing findings in accordance with MGL c19C and/or 115 CMR 9.00.
• Collaborate with state and local law enforcement authorities to successfully investigate criminal acts.
• Testify during DDS employee hearings and provide court testimony in criminal cases as requested.
• Prepare concise yet thorough reports and make recommendations designed to enhance the health and welfare of not only individual victims but all DDS clients including clients at provider organizations.
• Available after normal work hours to respond to emergencies in various community and facility settings.
• Contributes to the agency's mission by identifying factors that may adversely impact the welfare of its clients.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of M.G.L. c. 19C, 115 CMR, 118 CMR.
• Ability to conduct an effective investigation.
• Knowledge and proper use of English grammar and syntax.
• Highly effective organizational skills.
• Bachelor's Degree preferably in Criminal Justice or Human Services.
• Ability to interact appropriately with people in an office environment and in the field.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, attention to detail, and adaptability while maintaining a hands-on and proactive approach.
• Experience in conducting interviews and investigations.
• Knowledge of DDS management hierarchy and functionality.
• Ability to be tactful and diplomatic with other DDS employees, family members of DDS clients, and any other individuals with whom a Staff Investigator must communicate.
• Ability to conduct thorough and effective interviews with persons with developmental and intellectual disabilities, the staff responsible for their care, and other members of the public.

About the Department of Developmental Services:

The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports. The agency directly oversees and manages $3 billion in public funds ($2.7B operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government.

For more information about our agency and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dds

To Apply: Please upload a cover letter and resume for the Staff Investigator requisition.

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 and click on "Information for Job Applicants."

Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes:

• Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dppc-abuser-registry
• Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
• National Background Checks, Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014, conduct fingerprint-based check. https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-fingerprint-background-checks

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

Education and license/certification information provided 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 Online 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. #2.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) four (4) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, professional internship, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

II. An Associate's degree in a related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

III. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.

IV. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required experience.

V. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience.

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.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

COVID Vaccine: As a condition of employment, depending on job assignment and location, employees may be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination and/or other vaccinations, or to have been approved for a vaccination exemption prior to their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment. 

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.