Chief - Human Trafficking and Exploitation Unit

JOB TITLE:Chief of Human Trafficking and Exploitation Unit REPORTS TO:First Assistant District Attorney and Second Assistant District Attorney COMPENSATION: starting annual salary of $116,000; commensurate with experience FLSA STATUS:Full-time/Exempt CLASSIFICATION: N/A POSITION PROFILE: The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office (SCDAO) is seeking an experienced attorney and manager with exceptional investigation and litigation skills to lead its Human Trafficking and Exploitation Unit (HTEU). The Chief of the HTEU is responsible for leading all human trafficking cases and investigations; cases involving online abuse, exploitation, and child sexual abuse materials; and pre-arrest investigations related to youth at risk for exploitation. The Chief is responsible for the day-to-day management of the HTEU, which is comprised of lawyers, advocates, and support staff. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Serve as a member of the District Attorney’s leadership team and support the District Attorney’s policy priorities by identifying opportunities to advance them through investigations and prosecutions, legislative initiatives, and collaborations with other law enforcement and community partners. Manage team of attorneys, advocates, and support staff. Represent and oversee HTEU assistant district attorneys’ representation of the Commonwealth in all stages of criminal prosecution, including investigation, grand jury presentation, pre-trial motions, trials or dispositions, and post-conviction litigation. Be available at all times for incoming emergency situations from law enforcement, the Department of Children and Families, the Human Trafficking and Exploitation team, and partner agencies. Partner with Support to End Exploitation Now (SEEN) staff of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Suffolk County during review and assignment of new child trafficking and high risk referrals, and maintain ongoing, close communication with SEEN Family Advocates/Case Managers regarding high risk and child trafficking cases. Participate as a leader in Suffolk County’s multidisciplinary response to child trafficking by: o Participating actively in child trafficking multidisciplinary team (MDT) case conferences; o Participating in team decision making regarding service plans, safety issues and investigation/prosecution strategies with MDT; o Consulting with youth legal advocates (civil and criminal attorneys) at referral, and ongoing; o Attending MDT investigative interviews of child victims; o Participate in monthly SEEN Case Coordination meetings; and o Participate in Support to End Exploitation Now Steering Committee. Work closely with victim witness advocates, law enforcement, court personnel, the defense bar, criminal justice agencies, community partners, and the public to ensure successful, holistic approach to prosecution that balances the safety and well-being of the victims, defendants, and communities we serve. Keep abreast of court decisions and legislation affecting human trafficking and exploitation. Understand applicable rules, laws, and guidelines, including the Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Massachusetts Guide to Evidence, and the mandates of the Victims’ Bill of Rights. OTHER DUTIES: Attend trainings relevant to SCDAO functions. Become familiar with, and model, SCDAO personnel policies, particularly with regard to confidentiality, sexual harassment, drug-free workplace, and usage of information technology resources. Become familiar with, and adhere to, the Massachusetts Rules of Professional Conduct. Exercise respectful and professional behavior and communication with the public, judicial and law enforcement personnel, and office staff. Liaise with law enforcement and community partners. Complete work assignments in a timely, accurate and efficient manner. Update 1st Assistant District Attorney and/or 2nd Assistant District Attorney on the status of cases and investigations regularly or as requested. Other related duties as assigned. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: Triage and assign incoming investigations to a prosecutor/advocate team. Support and supervise teams as their investigations and cases proceed. Attend senior leadership meetings and relay relevant information to the team. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time. TRAVEL:Some travel to/from various sites, including but not limited to, courthouses, law enforcement offices, and Child Advocacy Center. EEO STATEMENT: We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Required: J.D. Degree from an accredited law school, and a member in good standing of the Massachusetts bar; 10 years of prior experience as an Assistant District Attorney or equivalent experience; Tried a minimum of fifteen jury trials (in the District, Municipal, or Superior Court) to a verdict as lead counsel; Demonstrated commitment to public service and a strong academic record; Experience in written and oral advocacy and legal research, either academically or professionally; and Capacity for fairness, a strong work ethic, ability to manage a highly demanding workload, and sound problem-solving and decision-making skills. Preferred: Fluency or Conversational Abilities in Spanish, Haitian Creole, Mandarin or Cantonese Chinese, Portuguese or Cape Verdean Creole. Prior leadership or management experience. Understanding of the law enforcement and community partnerships around issues of high-risk or exploited children or youth. Job: Legal Services Organization: Suffolk DA Title: Chief - Human Trafficking and Exploitation Unit Location: Massachusetts-Boston-1 Bulfinch Place Requisition ID: 240006Z4