Title:  Corrections Investigator

Overview

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.  

Who May Apply

This position, Corrections Investigator (Job Requisition #54008), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

If you would like more information about this position, please contact Aaron.Reichert@vermont.gov.

Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

Environmental Factors

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.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or higher, in criminal justice or a human services related field

OR

Two (2) years or more of college coursework in a human services or criminal justice field and EITHER two (2) or more years of full-time experience working directly with clients in a human service setting OR two (2) or more years in a protective services or correctional setting.

OR

High School graduation or equivalent AND EITHER four (4) or more years  of full time experience working directly with clients in a human service setting OR four (4) or more years in a protective services or correctional setting.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in conducting highly sensitive and complex investigations.

Experience in conducting confinement setting investigations.

Special Requirements

Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, except for those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Special Note: Possession of a valid driver's license is required, and a criminal background check will be performed prior to hire. Certain convictions can be disqualifying.

DOC PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) Requirements

In accordance with federal regulation, any person applying for employment in the Department of Corrections must provide relevant information.  Previous institutional employers will be contacted and required to provide information regarding substantiated incidences of sexual abuse or resignation during a pending investigation of an allegation of sexual abuse.  By submitting this online job application, you certify all information furnished is true and complete.  The information you provide in accordance with this regulation may be used, and previous employers may be contacted for the purpose of investigating and verifying your work history.

Conviction History Requirements: Candidates who have any felony conviction record or who, within the past five (5) years, have been placed under supervision or sanctioned for a misdemeanor conviction must receive a waiver from the Commissioner of Corrections in order to be considered for employment.  You may access the application and corresponding documents by clicking here.  Once you have completed the application, please send it directly to the hiring manager identified as the contact person in this job posting.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 12 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.