Job Specification Details

As a member of Department of Human Resources Investigative Unit (DHRIU) A Senior Investigator is a recognized expert in conducting administrative investigations and in addition to personally conducting investigations is responsible for the overall operation of the DHR Investigative Unit (DHRIU). A Senior Investigator is responsible for ensuring that the DHRIU provides timely, accurate, and impartial investigations. A DHRIU Senior Investigator supervises and mentors subordinate Investigators as required. An incumbent conducts complex employment-related misconduct investigations as authorized by the Department of Human Resources, and produces written reports of investigation that may be provided to managers and/or Appointing Authorities in making decisions regarding employee discipline. Incumbents must analyze and solve complex problems which require a significant amount of evaluative thinking and judgment. Cases assigned to a Senior Investigator will primarily be more complex than those assigned to DHR Field Operations staff or the Investigator I or II classifications. A Senior Investigator must maintain current knowledge of personnel policies and procedures, bargaining unit contracts, department and agency specific policies and work rules, state and federal law, and general industry employment and legal investigative methods and best practice. A Senior Investigator must be able to work autonomously. Much of the investigative work occurs independently in the field away from direct supervision. Independent decisions made in the field by a Senior Investigator significantly impact the disposition of the employee misconduct investigation. Work will be performed under the general supervision of the DHR General Counsel, and in coordination with the Labor Relations Division.

Accomplishes managerial projects or tasks as directed.

Implements changes when appropriate into the practices and methodologies of the DHRIU, in coordination with the DHR General Counsel and the Labor Relations Division.

Actively mentors and supervises subordinate investigators in the planning and conduct of their investigations. An incumbent also reviews and edits investigative reports as assigned.

Provides advice and recommendations to the Department of Human Resources General Counsel.

Creates regularly scheduled and ad-hoc investigative summary reports for the DHR General Counsel, which may, as required, summarize activities, identify trends, and propose actions and opportunities for procedural improvements and/or management training within specific departments/agencies of the State.

Maintains, updates, and organizes comprehensive records for each ongoing and completed investigation, and other carries out other recordkeeping responsibilities as required and in accordance with DHR procedures.

Analyzes allegations of misconduct, plans investigations, collects various types of evidence including, but not limited to, conducting witness interviews. Preserves and analyzes evidence.

Drafts investigative reports. In certain cases, an incumbent may conduct investigations in collaboration with local, state, and/or federal law enforcement agencies.

Maintains, updates, and organizes comprehensive records, in accordance with DHR procedures, for each misconduct investigation they are assigned.

May provide testimony in administrative, civil and/or other legal proceedings

Provides case updates to DHR Managers, the General Counsel and the Labor Relations Division during the course of the investigation.

Assists DHR Managers and Administrators, and non-DHR managers and supervisors in planning and conducting investigations into allegations of employee misconduct. Identifies trends and proposes recommendations for improvements and or training within specific Departments of the State.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Duties require travel throughout the State, for which private means of transportation are required, including a valid driver's license. The nature of the work may create situations of potential danger and injury. Evening and weekend work may be necessary.

Thorough knowledge and understanding of investigative principles, procedures, and techniques.

Thorough knowledge of witness interview techniques.

Comprehensive knowledge of State Employees' Collective Bargaining Agreements, State Personnel Policies, individual department policies and rules, and/or applicable state and/or federal laws.

Ability to create investigative plans that identify potential offenses, the critical elements of those offenses, and relevant evidentiary sources.

Ability to conduct thorough investigations and prepare clear, concise reports in a timely manner.

Ability to analyze, evaluate, and summarize voluminous documentary evidence.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of internal and/or external customers.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to make public presentations.

Ability to work independently.

Associate's degree or higher and four (4) years or more of professional experience in a role that included significant investigatory responsibilities.

OR

High school diploma or equivalent AND six (6) years or more of professional experience in a role that included significant investigatory responsibilities.
 

OR

Two (2) years of experience as an Investigator II in the DHRIU or AHSIU.