Lead Investigator - Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI)

JOB PURPOSE: The purpose of this position is to serve as Lead Investigator for the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) grant-funded work within the Office of the Cumberland County District Attorney. This position will perform diverse work that is related directly to the grant goals and objectives. This work includes completing an inventory of stored kits and conducting case investigations that arise from victim reports and kit testing results using a comprehensive and victim-centered approach. Only work which fulfills the SAKI grant objectives is permitted under this grant. A period of training related to SAKI best practices will be required before any casework begins. This is not a patrol position.

This position is full-time with a full benefits package. Pay for this position is a range of $75,00-80,000 per year. This range reflects the County’s good-faith estimate of pay for this position at the time of posting. Starting pay is determined based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity in alignment with the County’s compensation system and grant limits.

Please note this is a federal grant-funded position that is limited in time and scope and is scheduled to end in October 2027. There is a possibility, but not a guarantee, that the position could be extended past that date. 

This position is housed in, and supervised by, the Office of the District Attorney. Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. The County is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy/Blue Pin;
• Minimum of two (2) years full-time law enforcement experience, must be a non-probationary employee;
• High school diploma or equivalent, Associate Degree in Criminal Justice preferred;
• Experience investigating criminal cases;
• Ability and willingness to learn new investigative techniques and stay current on best practices and technology;
• Possess valid Maine driver’s license and lack of driving convictions;
• Successful applicant will be required to undergo a background check as well as a polygraph examination before hiring is finalized;
• Must have excellent communication and team building skills;
• Moderate knowledge of Microsoft systems, moderate knowledge/ability to be trained on law enforcement software systems, evidence sharing systems, and case-tracking systems (Spillman / Summit / Flex / JustWare / Sharefile / Axon);
• Successful applicant must be self-motivated, victim-centered, and willing to learn and apply best practices to sexual assault kit-related investigations.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate and help manage a county-wide inventory of sexual assault kits, maintaining chain of custody throughout.
• Send or transport kits for testing to a private lab and/or the Maine State Police Crime Lab.
• Conduct investigations in partnership with the originating agency of ‘cold cases’ related to SAKI work.
• Work collaboratively with the Lead Prosecutor to fulfill grant timeline and goals.
• Participate in a multi-disciplinary team and help develop best practices for case work related to SAKI.
• Enter applicable cases information into the FBI’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Program (ViCAP) database.
• Develop and maintain good relationships with all community partners.
• Keep supervisor fully updated on case work and grant goals, which may include written progress reports.
• Respect limits of confidentiality and follow all applicable work guidelines, policies, and procedures, including Cumberland County Government and District Attorney’s Office Policies and Procedures.
• Increase accountability for serial offenders and public safety.
• Maintain full-time law enforcement requirements of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy as coordinated through the District Attorney’s Office.

Cumberland County offers an excellent and comprehensive benefits package and is proud of its talented and dedicated workforce. Come join our team and culture of engaged employees. Our strong management team is dedicated to providing employees with inspiring leadership, a positive and friendly workplace, support, encouragement and the necessary tools for success. We offer tuition reimbursement, wellness program, and professional development and training opportunities.

Position will remain open until filled.

Cumberland County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected Veteran status.