What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Director of Investigations position at Defender Association of Philadelphia?
Assistant Director of Investigations
Make a difference! Become a Defender!Are you a dynamic leader passionate about justice and effective teamwork? The Defender Association of Philadelphia is seeking an Assistant Director of Investigations to partner with our Director in leading our dedicated investigation unit. In this supervisory role, you. Will help manage day to day operations, guide individual investigators, and ensure our legal teams have the robust support they need to secure the best possible outcomes for our clients. The Assistant Director must be willing to expand upon and be creative about data collection efforts and work with management to create reports for both internal and external purposes.
What You’ll Do
- Assist in supervision of the day-to-day activities of the Investigators and administrative staff; assign cases and supplemental requests and monitor investigator workload
- Regularly monitor case progress through case conversations with team members, review of DCM compliance, and surveys of the internal investigations database
- Assist with the establishment, implementation, and monitoring of internal policies and procedures for unit efficiency and standardization
- Review investigation files, work product, and documentation in DCM and the Investigator database, prior to closing cases
- Collect data and create data reports, as directed by the Director of Investigations
- Conduct one-on-meetings with staff on a regular basis at the direction of the Director
- Work closely with the Information Technology department on ensuring optimal use of existing technology and explore implementation of new/advances in technology as it pertains to the Investigations unit
- Assist with developing and implementing a training curriculum for investigators on investigative practices, techniques, and ethical considerations
- Stay updated on the latest developments in science, technology, and forensics as it relates to investigations work
- Provide regular performance evaluations, as needed
- Work with the Director of Investigations and HR to address issues in a timely manner
- Performs other related duties as required
What You’ll Need
- Minimum of 1 year of significant experience conducting and/or working directly with investigative practices that support criminal defense strategies, preferred
- Demonstrated leadership which could include prior supervisory experience, or proven track record of exceptional, accelerated performance.
- Track record of utilizing clear, positive and collaborative communication to foster a supportive teamwork environment or demonstrated potential to develop this competency. This includes the demonstrated ability to deliver constructive feedback, navigate professional challenges positively, and collaborate seamlessly with diverse teams (e.g. attorneys, social workers, colleagues, and leadership).
- Ability to independently manage multiple competing priorities without compromising work quality or deadlines.
- Proficient in Google Drive, Microsoft Office Suite or similar software, and computer literacy including the ability to learn and utilize multiple internal and external computer systems Must be able to travel to crime scenes, courtrooms, local and statewide prisons if needed
- Must be able to travel independently to various sites throughout the city, sometimes on short notice in a timely fashion
Benefits & Perks
- Comprehensive Benefits: Affordable medical care options plus employer paid vision, dental, life and long- term disability insurances
- Generous Time Off: 25 days of paid time off (PTO) annually, in addition to all federal holidays
- Wellness Initiatives: Dedicated, separate sick leave policy alongside organizational programming to support your physical and mental health
- Family Support: 10 weeks of paid parental leave
- Retirement: Generous retirement savings plan with Employer Match
- Commuter Benefits: Free Septa All Access Key card
- PSLF: We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer
- Culture: Meaningful, mission-driven work within a supportive, learning-focused, and collaborative environment.
To apply
Please apply online with resume and cover letter detailing your interest and relevant experience.
Who is the Defender Association?
The Defender Association of Philadelphia is more than just a law firm. We’re the community’s lawyers. The Defender team – more than 500 attorneys, social workers, investigators, administrators, and other staff – make sure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to high-quality defense when facing criminal charges. Our mission-driven, client-centered model focuses on outcomes that support a system that is fundamentally fair and creates safer, stronger communities. Follow us @PhilllyDefenders (Twitter, Instagram & TikTok) and on LinkedIn.
The Defender Association provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, The Defender Association complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.