<p>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, where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates who are 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.</p> <p>Investigators conduct investigations statewide involving allegations of serious injury to, abuse of, or neglect of children in all types of licensed care. These investigations are of a complex nature involving serious risk to the health and safety of children. In addition to being expert in several different sets of regulations, investigators must combine their knowledge of the development and needs of the children in each type of care with observations and other information to evaluate the appropriateness of the child care setting. Investigators assess the level of risk posed to children; interview child care staff, children, parents and collateral contacts; observe and review documents; write detailed investigation reports on findings; cite regulatory violations; recommend enforcement action up to and including emergency suspension or revocation of a license; serve as witnesses in administrative hearings involving the licensing status of the child care program and the investigative practices and procedures of the agency and coordinate investigations with social service and law enforcement agencies. Investigators must understand and practice the basic theory of investigations and interviewing and have an understanding of the state criminal justice system and its procedures. Investigators must be able to successfully conduct joint investigations with law enforcement personnel and investigators from other agencies.</p> <p>The Bilingual Investigator will serve Lawrence and Quincy regions.</p> <p>Key Responsibilities:</p> <ul> <li>Receive and review referrals made by the Associate Commissioner for Field Investigations </li><li>Conduct investigations involving allegations that place children at serious risk of harm, including death, serious injury, abuse or neglect of children in child care programs </li><li>Develop investigation strategies </li><li>Determine the fitness of child care staff and providers to provide safe and developmentally appropriate services to children </li><li>Write extensive reports documenting investigations </li><li>Coordinate contacts with other state and local agencies </li><li>Conduct research as needed into applicable topics </li><li>Apply knowledge of issues such as sudden infant death syndrome, domestic violence, substance abuse and child abuse or neglect that may be related to investigations </li><li>Compile and analyze information to determine the validity and severity of allegations, determine violations of regulations that govern the program and recommend enforcement or legal action </li><li>Participate in the development and implementation of deficiency correction orders, formal complaints, pre-hearing conferences, hearing proceedings and Superior Court proceedings </li><li>Testify at hearings and in court matters </li><li>May assist in the formulation of licensing and investigation policies and procedures and develop training programs, workshops, conferences, and seminars for child care providers, state and local officials, and other interested groups </li><li>Recommend training needed by licensed providers in providing care to children </li><li>Advise child care providers on staffing patterns, optimal staff to child ratios, staff training, staff development, and personnel policies and procedures </li></ul> <p>Preferred Qualifications:</p> <p>Subject Matter Knowledge:</p> <ul> <li>Criminology: the study of crime as a socio pathological phenomenon, the behavior of criminals, the psychological and social bases of criminal law and criminal justice systems, penology, rehabilitation, and recidivism </li><li>Early childhood and elementary education: learning and teaching at the early childhood and elementary levels, including teaching methods, program planning, and subject matter. </li><li>Psychology: the study of individual and collective behavior, including its physical and environmental bases, the analysis and treatment of behavior problems and disorders, research methods, and psychological assessment and testing methods </li><li>Sociology: group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, cultures, ethnicity, and origins. </li></ul> <p>Complex Skills and Processes:</p> <ul> <li>Analytical Thinking: analyzing information, and using logic to address work or job issues and problems </li><li>Documenting/Recording Information: entering, transcribing, recording, storing or maintaining information in either written form or by electronic/magnetic recording </li><li>Evaluating Information against Standards: evaluating information against a set of standards and verifying that it is correct </li><li>Monitor Processes, Material, Surroundings: monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, often to detect problems or to find out when things are finished </li><li>Organizing, Planning and Prioritizing: developing plans to accomplish work; prioritizing and organizing one's own work </li><li>Synthesis/Reorganization: reorganizing information to get a better approach to problems or tasks </li><li>System Evaluation: looking at many indicators of system performance, taking into account their accuracy </li><li>Systems Perception: determining when important changes have occurred in a system or are likely to occur </li><li>Knowledge and ability to use relevant computer software </li></ul> <p>Language Proficiency:</p> <ul> <li>Oral and written proficiency in Spanish is required </li></ul> <p>Travel will be required for this position.</p> <p>Questions regarding this position, or the application process, should be directed to Martine.laine@mass.gov.</p> <p>First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.</p> <p>Minimum Entrance Requirements:</p> <p>Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree or higher and (A) at least five (5) years of full-time or equivalent part-time professional experience in the childcare field, including early childhood education in a nursery school, kindergarten, child development center or educational institution, family childcare or school age childcare; in residential or human services; or investigative, law enforcement or regulatory administration work, of which (B) two (2) years must have been in a leadership or supervisory capacity which may include classroom supervision and operating a child care program.</p> <p>Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to assignment.</p> <p>Comprehensive Benefits</p> <p>When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.</p> <p>Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!</p> <p>An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.</p> <p>The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.</p>