Background/Professional Standards Unit Investigator

Job Description

PURPOSE SUMMARY. Conducts administrative investigations for Detention Center. The investigations include inquiries into misconduct, malfeasance, and nonfeasance employment issues. Conducts pre-employment background inquiries. The background checks focus on employment history, educational background, motor vehicle history and criminal background with the goal of researching the skills and behaviors of applicants to establish whether the applicant will be a good fit for the organization and what type of risk they might pose to the organization.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES. 

1. Receive, investigate, document, and present internal and external complaints involving uniformed personnel (lieutenant and below), civilian staff and contract personnel, including but limited to non-criminal misconduct, malfeasance, and/or nonfeasance.

• Conduct prompt, thorough investigations as assigned.

• Interview staff and other parties as necessary and maintains records of such.

• Meet all timelines as required by department or County policy.

• Prepare detailed and concise reports that include accurate summaries of witness statements and material documents.

2. Conducts pre-employment background inquiries.

• Coordinate, schedule, and conduct lie detector exams for all uniformed and civilian applicants.

• Maintains certification in EyeDetect.

• Conduct all pre-employment background interviews for all contract applicants.

3. Serve as the facility NCIC Terminal Agency Coordinator (TAC).

• Responsible for achieving and maintaining TAC Certification.

• Adhere to all NCIC federal regulations and requirements.

• Oversee record management and retention in accordance with state and federal law.  

ADDITIONAL DUTIES.  Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS. 

A. Education.  Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, human resources, industrial relations, social/behavioral sciences, criminal justice or related field.

B. Experience.  Three (3) years full-time experience in a correctional institution, law enforcement, or similar type programs, with at least one (1) one year of investigations experience.  

C. Education/Experience Substitution. In accordance with County policy.

D. Licenses/Certifications.  Non-restricted valid driver’s license and must maintain a satisfactory driving record in accordance with county policy.  Must obtain and retain New Mexico National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Terminal Agency Coordinator (TAC) certification within six (6) months of hire.  Must obtain EyeDetect (lie detector) certification to administer lie detector exams within three (3) months of date of hire.

E. Other (e.g., post-offer, medical exam, polygraph, background check, driver's license  record, etc.). Post-offer, NCIC/Law Check, Lie Detector Examination, Background and driving record check.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION:

Must have knowledge of:  Modern principles, methods, and procedures used in investigations; local, state, and federal labor and civil rights laws and statutes, orders and court rulings affecting the region and regulations governing governmental entities; discrimination theories; personnel and employment practices; business English, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and basic arithmetic; and methods to maintain accurate records.

Must have skill in:  Organizing and implementing a wide variety of activities which requires considerable attention to detail; supporting County rules and regulations in a positive manner; interpreting and applying pertinent state and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations; writing reports which are detailed, accurate, clear, and concise; utilizing necessary computer applications at an advanced level; communicating effectively in oral and written form; maintaining accurate logs and establishing and maintaining effective and cooperative working relationships with law enforcement entities and others.

Must have ability to: Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing. Apply active listening techniques to obtain complete and accurate information. Maintain neutrality during inquiries and subsequent report writing. Exercise good judgment in safeguarding confidential or sensitive information.

Compensation Range

$49,032.55 - $81,072.70

Doña Ana County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to abide by all federal and state laws prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of a person’s race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, disability, serious medical condition, genetic information, ancestry, spousal affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other unlawful criteria, except where a reasonable Bona Fide Occupational Qualification exists.

Doña Ana County will make reasonable accommodation(s) for the known physical or mental limitations of an applicant with a disability, upon request, unless the accommodation(s) would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the County. Please see http://www.donaanacounty.org/ada/ for our Public Notice and to get the Testing/Interview Accommodation Request Form or call 575-647-7210 for assistance.