Investigator in Special Defense Units

Looking to make a difference! Become a Defender! 

The Defender Association of Philadelphia is looking for experienced investigator to work in both the Homicide/Special Defense Unit and Juvenile Special Defense Unit. This is an opportunity to work on complex and high stakes cases with a highly skilled multi-disciplinary team of attorneys, mitigation specialists and administrative team. Investigators are responsible for conducting all investigative tasks necessary to prepare a criminal case for trial.   Investigators must demonstrate a commitment to working on behalf of indigent criminal defendants and be prepared to spend a large amount of time conducting investigations in the neighborhoods where our clients live. 

What You’ll Do

• Locate and interview witnesses in the field, office and custody
• Photograph clients’ injuries and crime scenes
• Communicate with clients concerning necessary investigative tasks
• Conduct investigations via searching various social media sites (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tango, etc.)
• Access and review client cellular phone accounts, review incoming and outgoing call logs and messaging programs, and secure (screenshot, copy and/or forward) messages and case relative conversations and threads to secure as evidence
• Travel to neighborhood businesses to ascertain availability of video equipment and recordings; when videos are available, review videos, download, transfer and/or copy to flash drive 
• Obtain records: medical, birth, school, employment, arrest photos, CAD’s (police assisted radio dispatch printouts)
• Transcribe radio tapes upon request
• Accompany attorneys to crime scene upon request
• Assist and consult with attorneys in various aspects of trial preparation 
• Testify in court when necessary
• Assist with preparation of exhibits for court hearings
• Prepare prompt, clear, concise and grammatically correct investigation reports and other documents that may be used in court proceedings
• Prepare and serve subpoenas and other court orders

What You’ll Need

• High school diploma,/GED required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice, preferred
• Ability to independently investigate and pursue leads to their logical conclusion 
• Must possess knowledge pertaining to principles and techniques of investigation
• Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to read and understand case files
• Must possess excellent interviewing skills 
• Familiar with video equipment, and possess the ability to transfer or copy audio/video files from video equipment and make copies to disk or flash drives
• Ability to recognize inconsistencies/discrepancies indicated in case files and information obtained through interviews 
• Strong proficiency in identifying, verifying, and preserving relevant social media content to support case investigation, witness location, and mitigation development. Proficient in advanced search techniques and tools for collecting open-source intelligence within legal and ethical guidelines.
• Ability to understand the intricacies of social media and use information obtained via networks (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tango, Skype etc.) to develop and/or support client defenses
• Ability to review, interpret and produce (duplicate records/reports) records and conversations conducted using media such as text messaging programs, chat rooms, and blogs
• Ability to effectively interact with Defender staff members, clients, witnesses and other agencies
• Commitment to working as a member of a team striving to provide the best representation to Defender clients.
• Must be willing to work evenings, holidays and weekends when necessary
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be in compliance with Defender’s insurability requirements
• Must complete a background check
• Must be willing to travel to various locations throughout the city
• Spanish language skills a plus, but not required.

Benefits & Perks

• Generous and rich benefits plan offering many employer paid benefits
• Substantial paid time off- close to 35 days off plus all federal holidays
• Retirement Savings Employer Match
• Six weeks paid parental leave
• Free Septa Anywhere Key Card
• Public Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer
• Meaningful Work 
• Wellness Benefits such as free Calm app
• Ongoing Training and Development of You

To apply

Please apply online and include resume and cover letter

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. Our unique model and approach give our staff with the skills and support they need to get the best outcomes for our clients. Come join our team! For more information, go Defender’s website and follow  us @PhillyDefenders (Twitter, IG, 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. 

Salary : $54,000