Corrections Investigator

at State of Vermont in Waterbury, Vermont, United States

Job Description

As a member of the Department of Corrections Investigations Unit (CIU) the Investigator is expected to be an expert in conducting sexual safety, death, critical incident, threat, and other complex investigations as authorized by Statute and the Department of Corrections.  This position requires a significant amount of writing and analysis of documents, and an ability to investigate multiple complaints simultaneously in an efficient and timely manner.  You will provide comprehensive written reports of investigations to managers and/or Appointing Authorities.

The Investigator must be comfortable dealing with the complex nature of incidents involving victimization, trauma, positional authority, confinement dynamics, and personnel considerations. You are responsible for ensuring that the Department provides timely, accurate, and impartial investigations that comply with personnel policies and procedures, bargaining unit contracts, department and agency specific policies and work rules, and state and federal law. 

This position ensures the Department's compliance with required Federal PREA staff and contractor sexual abuse investigation standards, so you are expected to maintain current knowledge of the Federal PREA standards, Office of Professional Regulations requirements, personnel policies and procedures, department specific policies and work rules, state and federal law, investigative protocols, and legal investigative methods and best practice.

The Investigator must be able to work autonomously. Much of the investigative work occurs independently in the field away from direct supervision. Independent decisions made in the field by the Investigator significantly impact the disposition of investigations.

You will report directly to the Director of CIU, which collaborates with Department of Corrections Office of Professional Standards & Compliance (OPSC), Prison Rape Elimination Act Unit (PREA Unit), Department of Human Resources Investigation Unit, as well as Federal, State, and Local agencies.  

This position is based in a professional office setting but also works at all DOC work locations.  Travel to field offices, correctional facilities, and other administrative offices.  This position requires the incumbent to be exposed to extreme levels of vicarious and secondary trauma.  Frequent exposure to cases involving rape, sexual misconduct, physical violence, and the trauma associated.