The Bronx Defenders
Job Homicide Investigator (Spanish-Speaking)
The Bronx Defenders, Bronx, New York, United States, 10400
Homicide Investigator
The Homicide Investigator will work with attorneys and advocates in the Homicide Practice Group to provide a thorough investigation to defend people accused of homicide offenses in the Bronx. About half of the work of homicide investigators does not take place in the office but is carried out in the field: at private homes, in the Bronx community, and in correctional facilities where our incarcerated clients may be detained. As such, investigators must be willing to travel and will be expected to acquire a valid driver's license if they do not already have one. Responsibilities can be found below. Responsibilities include: Collaborate with attorneys to create a comprehensive investigative strategy Locate, interview, and take detailed statements from both prosecution and defense witnesses Gather and review time-sensitive video surveillance Photograph and diagram crime scenes and prepare court room exhibits Perform Department of Motor Vehicles, public record, social media and criminal background searches Accurately report on the content of interviews without the aid of notes Assist attorneys with case development Write memoranda regarding investigative efforts and results Review digital evidence, including but not limited to cellphone extractions, cellphone records, and social media Review case discovery Regularly meet with clients, including those who are incarcerated at New York Jails Work closely with social workers and attorneys to develop mitigation reports Occasionally testify in court proceedings To be eligible, applicants must have: Spanish fluency A minimum of one year working as an investigator in criminal or civil cases or otherwise relevant experience A driver's license or the ability to acquire one upon hire Applicants must demonstrate: Experience working in and with racially and socioeconomically marginalized communities targeted by carceral systems Ability to effectively and respectfully communicate, collaborate and connect with people with various backgrounds, identities and experiences Effective interpersonal skills and ability to connect with reluctant parties Ability to think critically and creatively in unpredictable environments Ability to effectively navigate the Bronx community, conduct on-site interviews and visit alleged crime scenes Ability to multitask, maintain order and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment Meticulous attention to detail Ability to be resourceful and persistent in gathering necessary evidence Ability to work well independently as well as collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team of lawyers and non-lawyers Ability to exercise excellent judgment, discretion, and confidentiality with sensitive matters Ability to receive constructive feedback, demonstrate introspection, and shift behavior accordingly Commitment to raising one's cultural consciousness and challenging oppressive practices on an interpersonal and institutional level This is an in-person role that requires contact with staff and community members. The schedule of investigators often varies according to the availability of witnesses. Thus, investigators must be flexible and available to work on the occasional evening or weekend. Salary is commensurate with experience. For candidates with 1-10 years of directly relevant experience, the salary range for this position would be approximately $64,062-$82,542. Full-time employees are also eligible for a comprehensive benefits package including but not limited to medical, dental and vision coverage; a 403(b) plan with employer contribution; and a generous vacation, sick, and parental leave policy. More specific information about salary and benefits will be provided when and if an offer is extended. This position is non-exempt. By law, nonexempt employees are compensated hourly based on their annual rate and therefore are entitled to over-time, whereas exempt employees are not. To apply, please click APPLY TO THIS JOB ONLINE and upload your resume and a cover letter in one document when prompted. Your cover letter should share why you want to do this work at our office, some key lived and/or professional experiences that have prepared you for this position, and any additional information you would like for us to consider. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and the position will be filled as soon as an appropriate candidate is identified. The Bronx Defenders is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining a workplace that embraces staff with a diversity of backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We acknowledge the ways in which systemic oppression and injustice can undermine access to professional opportunities and are committed to conducting hiring and promotion processes that are equitable and accessible to those commonly excluded from the workforce. We do not discriminate against and in fact specifically encourage applicants from marginalized communities to apply, including those who identify as Black, Indigenous, people of color, queer, transgender, gender non-conforming, disabled, neurodivergent, and those directly impacted by criminal, civil, family, and immigration legal systems. We value lived as well as professional experience and particularly welcome applications from the Bronx community that we serve.
The Homicide Investigator will work with attorneys and advocates in the Homicide Practice Group to provide a thorough investigation to defend people accused of homicide offenses in the Bronx. About half of the work of homicide investigators does not take place in the office but is carried out in the field: at private homes, in the Bronx community, and in correctional facilities where our incarcerated clients may be detained. As such, investigators must be willing to travel and will be expected to acquire a valid driver's license if they do not already have one. Responsibilities can be found below. Responsibilities include: Collaborate with attorneys to create a comprehensive investigative strategy Locate, interview, and take detailed statements from both prosecution and defense witnesses Gather and review time-sensitive video surveillance Photograph and diagram crime scenes and prepare court room exhibits Perform Department of Motor Vehicles, public record, social media and criminal background searches Accurately report on the content of interviews without the aid of notes Assist attorneys with case development Write memoranda regarding investigative efforts and results Review digital evidence, including but not limited to cellphone extractions, cellphone records, and social media Review case discovery Regularly meet with clients, including those who are incarcerated at New York Jails Work closely with social workers and attorneys to develop mitigation reports Occasionally testify in court proceedings To be eligible, applicants must have: Spanish fluency A minimum of one year working as an investigator in criminal or civil cases or otherwise relevant experience A driver's license or the ability to acquire one upon hire Applicants must demonstrate: Experience working in and with racially and socioeconomically marginalized communities targeted by carceral systems Ability to effectively and respectfully communicate, collaborate and connect with people with various backgrounds, identities and experiences Effective interpersonal skills and ability to connect with reluctant parties Ability to think critically and creatively in unpredictable environments Ability to effectively navigate the Bronx community, conduct on-site interviews and visit alleged crime scenes Ability to multitask, maintain order and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment Meticulous attention to detail Ability to be resourceful and persistent in gathering necessary evidence Ability to work well independently as well as collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team of lawyers and non-lawyers Ability to exercise excellent judgment, discretion, and confidentiality with sensitive matters Ability to receive constructive feedback, demonstrate introspection, and shift behavior accordingly Commitment to raising one's cultural consciousness and challenging oppressive practices on an interpersonal and institutional level This is an in-person role that requires contact with staff and community members. The schedule of investigators often varies according to the availability of witnesses. Thus, investigators must be flexible and available to work on the occasional evening or weekend. Salary is commensurate with experience. For candidates with 1-10 years of directly relevant experience, the salary range for this position would be approximately $64,062-$82,542. Full-time employees are also eligible for a comprehensive benefits package including but not limited to medical, dental and vision coverage; a 403(b) plan with employer contribution; and a generous vacation, sick, and parental leave policy. More specific information about salary and benefits will be provided when and if an offer is extended. This position is non-exempt. By law, nonexempt employees are compensated hourly based on their annual rate and therefore are entitled to over-time, whereas exempt employees are not. To apply, please click APPLY TO THIS JOB ONLINE and upload your resume and a cover letter in one document when prompted. Your cover letter should share why you want to do this work at our office, some key lived and/or professional experiences that have prepared you for this position, and any additional information you would like for us to consider. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and the position will be filled as soon as an appropriate candidate is identified. The Bronx Defenders is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining a workplace that embraces staff with a diversity of backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We acknowledge the ways in which systemic oppression and injustice can undermine access to professional opportunities and are committed to conducting hiring and promotion processes that are equitable and accessible to those commonly excluded from the workforce. We do not discriminate against and in fact specifically encourage applicants from marginalized communities to apply, including those who identify as Black, Indigenous, people of color, queer, transgender, gender non-conforming, disabled, neurodivergent, and those directly impacted by criminal, civil, family, and immigration legal systems. We value lived as well as professional experience and particularly welcome applications from the Bronx community that we serve.