Bilingual Investigator (Spanish)

Massachusetts; Lawrence (MA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Bilingual Investigator to conduct critical investigations related to child safety in licensed care settings. This role involves assessing risks, interviewing parties, and analyzing information to ensure compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, a Bachelor's degree, and significant experience in the childcare field. Join a team dedicated to promoting the well-being of children and families while fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. This position offers an opportunity to make a real impact in the community.

Benefits

Comprehensive employee benefits

Professional development opportunities

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience in childcare or related fields.
• 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations into allegations risking children's safety.
• Write comprehensive investigation reports and coordinate with agencies.
• Testify in hearings and assist in policy formulation.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Documentation

Evaluation

Monitoring

Organizing

Synthesis

System evaluation

Perception

Computer skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Job description

The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves, fostering collaboration, innovation, and connections to realize our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment, where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.

Investigator Role Overview

Investigators conduct statewide investigations involving allegations of serious injury, abuse, or neglect of children in licensed care. These investigations are complex, involving significant risks to children's health and safety. Investigators must be experts in various regulations, combining knowledge of child development and care settings with observations and information analysis to evaluate the appropriateness of the child care environment. Responsibilities include assessing risks, interviewing involved parties, reviewing documents, writing detailed reports, citing violations, recommending enforcement actions, and serving as witnesses in administrative hearings. Investigators coordinate with social service and law enforcement agencies and must understand investigative theories, interviewing techniques, and the criminal justice system, including joint investigations with law enforcement.

Position Details

The Bilingual Investigator will serve the Lawrence and Quincy regions.

Key Responsibilities

1. Receive and review referrals from the Associate Commissioner for Field Investigations.
2. Conduct investigations into allegations risking children's safety, including death, injury, abuse, or neglect in child care programs.
3. Develop investigation strategies.
4. Assess the fitness of child care staff and providers.
5. Write comprehensive investigation reports.
6. Coordinate with other agencies.
7. Research relevant topics as needed.
8. Apply knowledge of issues such as SIDS, domestic violence, substance abuse, and child abuse or neglect.
9. Analyze information to validate allegations, identify violations, and recommend enforcement or legal actions.
10. Participate in developing and implementing deficiency correction orders, complaints, hearings, and court proceedings.
11. Testify in hearings and court cases.
12. Assist in policy formulation and develop training programs for providers and officials.
13. Advise providers on staffing, ratios, training, and personnel policies.

Preferred Qualifications

Subject Matter Knowledge:

• Criminology, early childhood and elementary education, psychology, sociology.

Skills and Processes:

• Analytical thinking, documentation, evaluation, monitoring, organizing, synthesis, system evaluation, perception, computer skills.

Language Proficiency

• Proficiency in Spanish (oral and written) is required.

Travel will be required for this position.

Questions regarding this position or the application process should be directed to [e-mail].

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements

Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree or higher and at least five (5) years of professional experience in the childcare field or related areas, with two (2) years in a leadership or supervisory role. A valid driver's license may be required.

Benefits

When you join the Commonwealth, you receive a comprehensive suite of employee benefits supporting your well-being and future. Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards for more information.

We are an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or other protected classes. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.