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SalaryThe 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 like rape, 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.
- 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/dppcabuser-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. #4.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
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!
Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.
