Background Investigator

PURPOSE OF CLASSIFICATION

The Background Investigator is a non-sworn, full-time position that is assigned to efficiently complete, conduct and compile personal and professional background investigations and screenings for police department candidates (sworn, non-sworn, volunteers, etc.) and report on the findings. Under the administrative direction of the assigned officer, this classification will provide technical and diversified administrative support as needed for staff in the Police Department. Duties include, but are not limited to, office support, and assistance preparing for presentations, publication of reports, news releases, interviews, digital information, graphics, and newsletters.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Conduct interviews, retrieve records, conduct research, and prepare reports of investigation in compliance with federal standards, all laws, and other required federal agency regulations.

Conduct thorough personal and professional interviews for potential candidates. May involve interviews with the applicant, references, neighbors, coworkers, friends, and associates in accordance with established departmental policies and procedure.

Complete record searches at law enforcement agencies, courthouses, mental health, financial and educational institutions.

Compile information in a clear, concise report that helps determine employment suitability and security clearance eligibility via a standardized reporting format (in accordance with investigative standards).

Meet quality, timeliness, and production metrics for all work assigned in a rapid, time-sensitive setting.

Collaborate with Human Resources and recruitment staff to facilitate the seamless transition of applicants through the hiring process.

Interact with City Hall to ensure thoroughness of investigations and processes.

Handle complex, sensitive and confidential information.

Schedule, coordinate, and monitor designated phases of the hiring process to include the physical abilities / interview, polygraph assessment, psychological assessment, medical examination and final processing scheduling.

Maintain all department files for the hiring process.

Attend recruiting events.

Fulfill records request from other agencies for mutual, disqualified or prior employee’s records.

Keeps appointment calendar and schedules appointments and meetings.

Performs both routine and non-routine administrative/clerical support duties as needed to support staff of the Police department.

Enters variety of routine, technical, and specialized data into department computer system.

Operates a variety of modern office equipment, such as facsimile machines, computers, copy machines, video equipment, recording equipment.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education, Training and Experience)

High School diploma or acceptable equivalency required with an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university. Preferred candidates will have at least 2 years of full-time general investigative/employment experience performing background investigations, evaluating and verifying information concerning character and fitness for employment, etc. Previous experience as a law enforcement officer for a local, state, federal or military agency is an asset. Experience using law enforcement databases (NCIC, FDLE, etc.) to conduct investigations is preferred.

Must have completed or be able to complete an approved background investigator course within one year of being hired.

Proficient in Microsoft Application (Word, Excel, Outlook)

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires the ability to obtain and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license. Must pass a driver’s license check, drug test, criminal history background check, periodic CJIS background checks and other related checks for the police department.

PERFORMANCE APTITUDES

Data Utilization: Requires the ability to extrapolate, compile and integrate data and/or information. Requires the ability to compile relevant information to make and support judgments.

Human Interaction: Requires the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the department and other City employees, and the public as needed. Requires the ability for significant internal and external professional interaction. Requires the ability to communicate effectively with people of all ages, race and socioeconomic status and to tailor oral and written presentations to the designated target audience.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate and control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools and/or materials utilized in performing essential functions. Require proficiency in the utilization of computer technology, word processing and media presentation platforms and software. Requires the ability to type with speed and accuracy.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a variety of descriptive and advisory data and information, such as policy and procedure manuals, plans, statistical reports and standard operating procedures. Strong written and verbal skills and ability to communicate with a diverse public. Ability to understand and communicate, both orally and in writing, the policies, procedures, issues and services of the City’s Police Department.

Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform general addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; and calculate decimals and percentages.

Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to apply principles of logical or synthesis functions. Ability to deal with several concrete and abstract variables, and to analyze problems that require planning for interrelated activities that can span one or several work units. Ability to organize and implement a communication plan.

Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity in critical, emotionally charged and/or unexpected situations involving high risk to the department and organization. Ability to develop working plans and solve problems.

ADA COMPLIANCE

Physical Ability: Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (up to 5 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Tasks may involve performance under stressful situations.

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require visual perception and discrimination. Tasks regularly require oral communications ability.

Environmental Factors: Tasks are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, toxic agents, violence, disease, or pathogenic substances.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

The work performance of non-supervisory personnel of the City of Daytona Beach is routinely evaluated according to the performance criteria outlined herein:

Knowledge of Job: Has comprehensive knowledge of the methods, procedures, and policies of the City of Daytona and the Police Department as such pertain to the performance of the essential duties of the Background Investigator. Has comprehensive knowledge of the laws, ordinances, standards, and regulations pertaining to the essential duties and responsibilities of the position. Has comprehensive knowledge of the organization of the department, and of related departments and agencies. Has comprehensive knowledge of terminology and related professional languages as such pertain to work responsibilities. Knows how to maintain cooperative and effective relationships with intra- and interdepartmental personnel, as well as external entities with which position interacts.

Quality of Work: Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Maintains high quality communication and interaction with internal and external entities with whom the position interacts.

Quantity of Work: Performs described essential functions and related assignments efficiently and effectively to produce quantity of work which consistently meets established standards and expectations.

Dependability: Assumes responsibility for completing assigned work. Completes assigned work within deadlines in accordance with directives, policy, standards, and prescribed procedures. Maintains accountability for assigned responsibilities in the technical, human, and conceptual areas.

Attendance: Meets attendance requirements. Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absenteeism and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to upper management with respect to vacation time and leave requests.

Initiative and Enthusiasm: Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant, and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be accomplished and initiates proper and acceptable action for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Judgment: Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies issues or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to issues or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice where appropriate and research issues, situations, and alternatives before exercising judgment. objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences is justified (i.e., poor communications, variance with established policies or procedures, etc.). Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation intra- and inter-departmentally.

Relationships with Others: Shares knowledge with managers, supervisors, and co-workers for mutual benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships inter- and intra-departmentally, and with external entities with whom the position interacts. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions, and complaints to establish and maintain goodwill. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image.

Coordination of Work: Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of work elements and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends required meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.

Safety and Housekeeping: Adheres to all established safety and housekeeping standards. Ensure such standards are not violated.

The City of Daytona Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Daytona Beach will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.