The Massachusetts Post-Conviction DNA Testing Program is a collaborative effort of the following entities:
- New England Innocence Project
- Committee for Public Counsel Services
- Middlesex County District Attorney's Office
- Suffolk County District Attorney's Office and the
- Middlesex Superior Court [The Trial Court]
The purpose of the Program is to identify potentially meritorious Massachusetts cases where post-conviction DNA testing can exonerate indigent Massachusetts state defendants who are actually innocent of the crimes of which they have been convicted. The role of the Middlesex Superior Court Clerk's Office in the effort is to identify, categorize and inventory existing evidence currently retained by the Clerk's Office.
Responsibilities:
Create comprehensive database of all evidence currently retained by the Middlesex Superior Court Clerk's Office. This task will be done by reviewing existing docket entries, lists, files and catalogs of exhibits currently maintained by the Clerk's Office, as well as examining actual exhibits. Identify exhibits and location of exhibits. Identify types of exhibits that may be eligible for DNA testing and incorporate this information into the database. Work with partners of the Massachusetts Post-conviction DNA Testing Program to share findings and data. Assist partners with preparation of Semi-Annual Progress Reports. Review protocols for storage of evidence and ensure compliance. Assist attorney[s] representing clients seeking DNA post-conviction relief.
Requirements:
Strong oral and written communication skills; strong organizational and detail skills; ability to gather, analyze, and evaluate information from Clerk's Office staff and regarding evidence issues; ability to work independently; ability to maintain confidentiality and to establish effective working relationships and to work as a team member; flexibility; and administrative and computer skills including Windows and MS Word, Microsoft Excel and other similar databases, Adobe Acrobat products. Associates Degree required. Bachelor's Degree preferred. Final candidates must undergo a criminal records check.
Please note this is a grant funded position, and funding in only guaranteed for an eighteen month project period as budgeted in the grant award. While it is anticipated that additional funding will be sought in the next grant application cycle, funding for this position is only guaranteed for the duration of the project period budgeted in the current grant, which is 18 months from the start of employment.
The project start date for this position is in early January.
Salary: $30,000/year plus benefits. Hours of work to be negotiated. Employment is contingent upon passage of criminal record check.
Applicants should send a letter of interest and resume to:
Middlesex Superior Court Clerk's Office
re: Massachusetts Post-Conviction DNA Testing Program posting
200 Trade Center, 2nd floor
Woburn, MA 01801
Date of posting: December 2, 2013 to December 13, 2013.
Source: Middlesex Superior Court Clerk's Office as of December 3, 2013
