POSITION TITLE : Junior Investigator
DEPARTMENT : Public Safety
STATUS : Non Exempt
SALARY : $43,000 - $46,000 annually, dependent upon experience
ABOUT THE WHA :
At the Worcester Housing Authority (WHA), our mission is to enhance the Worcester community by creating and sustaining decent, safe, and affordable housing that champions stability and self-sufficiency for our residents.
As the second largest housing authority in New England, widely recognized for our innovative and progressive programs, we’re not just providing housing we’re building futures.
We’re looking for candidates who are mission-focused, goal-driven, and passionate.
The WHA is committed to developing and supporting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community both inside and outside of the workplace.
Representation is important; our clients come from all walks of life and, not unintentionally, so do our staff. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our agency stronger.
ABOUT THE POSITION :
The Junior Investigator reports directly to the Assistant Vice President of Public Safety and provides support to the Public Safety Department to ensure the safety and security of residents, employees, visitors, and assets of the Worcester Housing Authority.
The Junior Investigator will review and analyze recorded full motion video in response to submitted incident and suspicious activity reports.
They will write detailed and accurate reports while maintaining confidentiality and collect and log pertinent information using video feeds and surveillance software.
At the direction of the Assistant Vice President of Public Safety the Junior Investigator will additionally perform a variety of general investigative duties to help combat fraud, waste, and abuse at the WHA.
Unauthorized occupants, illegal dumping, and audits of both public and leased housing programs will comprise the majority of these investigations.
This is a full-time, fully benefitted, onsite (not remote) position. Hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8 : 00 a.m.
4 : 30 p.m. located in Worcester, MA. Driving to various sites is required, so the position requires a valid, insurable driver’s license.
Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the position is required, with or without accommodation. Occasional overtime may occur during evenings or weekends during emergencies.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :
- Analyze recorded, full motion video in response to submitted incident and suspicious activity reports.
- Review camera feeds regularly and immediately report any camera malfunctions, outages, blind spots, tampering, or other problems pertaining to the video equipment.
- Maintain records and prepare professional, detailed, and thorough investigative and status reports and related paperwork for the Chief Executive Officer, the courts, the police, and related parties.
- Multitask between collecting and logging pertinent information utilizing video feeds and software in a fast-paced environment.
- Respond to complaints from residents, internal department leadership, and outside agencies and officials to preserve the safety and security of WHA properties, as well as the integrity of WHA programs.
- At the direction of the AVP collect evidence, interview witnesses, conduct home / site visits, analyze reports and documents, conduct background, social media, and internet searches, and perform other investigative fieldwork as required.
- Meet with supervisors to present investigative findings and develop recommendations to strengthen internal controls and protocols to prevent future similar violations.
- Perform clerical duties, including filing, photocopying, mailing, and other functions related to assigned investigations.
- Maintain the highest level of professionalism and confidentiality at all times.
- Performs similar job-related duties as assigned.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED :
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of investigations.
- Basic computer software and hardware knowledge, particularly Microsoft Office products.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to seek root causes and implement workable solutions.
- Ability to compile and summarize data and prepare records and reports of facts in a clear, concise, logical, and objective manner.
- Ability to multi-task, establish priorities and work in a fast-paced environment, whether as a team member or an independent contributor, to achieve objectives.
- Excellent time management skills to organize, prioritize and complete assignments under tight deadlines.
- Ability to maintain composure and function effectively under pressure; ability to use independent judgment.
- Consistent, high level of integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
- Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English fluently. Bilingual (Spanish / English) preferred.
- Valid, insurable driver’s license.
- Ability to be relied upon to be available for work, including overtime during emergencies.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :
- Ability to spend prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Ability to spend frequent periods standing and walking, climbing stairs, as well as balancing, stopping, kneeling, crouching, and / or crawling.
- Ability to occasionally lift, push, or pull up to 20 pounds.
- Ability to bend, handle materials, tools, or equipment, and reach with hands and / or arms.
- Ability to work in a public housing environment (within occupied and unoccupied units, common spaces, boiler rooms, elevators, other closed areas of properties) in all weather conditions.
May encounter undesirable pests.
- Ability to occasionally work in an environment with conditions such as sleet, snow, dust, and dirt, as well as cramped quarters and high places.
- Ability to work in environment with conditions, which may include fumes, odors, gasses, chemicals, dust, grass, weeds, and pollen as well as noise in the range of 30 65 decibels.
- Work may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation to a known disability.