HR Investigator - Req. 6219

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Reporting to the Director of Employee & Labor Relations, the HR Investigator will be responsible for conducting thorough, professional, and timely investigations of alleged violations of University policies, work rules, and guidelines. This includes, but is not limited to claims of misconduct such as workplace violence, bullying and abusive behavior. Related allegations may include whistleblower and discrimination complaints based on any protected category, and sexual harassment made by UCLA employees against a staff member. These responsibilities involve identifying compliance issues, assessing the scope of the investigation, and conducting fact-finding, recordkeeping, and report-writing efforts in accordance with University policy and best practice investigative standards. In carrying out these duties and responsibilities, the HR Investigator will be required to interview a wide variety of witnesses and collaborate with other campus units including department Human Resources personnel, the Title IX office, University legal counsel, the Civil Rights Office, Internal Auditors, Whistleblower Office, and University Police.

Although this position is hybrid, the candidate will be expected to work onsite at the Westwood campus at least twice a week or more often as needed.

Please submit a cover letter. COVER LETTER IS REQUIRED.

Required:

• 5 years Advanced experience in planning and conducting workplace and/or compliance investigations; demonstrated investigative and interviewing skills, with experience in research
• Excellent written/oral communication skills to communicate effectively with stakeholders; the ability to write comprehensive and legally defensible investigative reports. Skill in communicating with tact, diplomacy, discretion, and professionalism with witnesses, whistle-blowers, and respondents.
• Strong emotional intelligence and conflict management skills.
• Ability to interact and communicate with persons from various cultural, social, economic, and educational backgrounds in a culturally competent manner.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with only general direction to accept ambiguous circumstances and take appropriate action where answers to a problem are not readily apparent.
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize information and interpret legal and policy requirements across the range of complex policy and compliance issues that may arise within the University. Ability to maintain and convey neutrality, independence, and objectivity in all investigations.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws related to investigations, evidence, confidentiality, and whistle-blower reporting and retaliation matters. Demonstrated ability to interpret and effectively explain complex policies and procedures to all levels of students, academic, and staff personnel.
• Ability to work cooperatively and professionally with senior management and staff in a complex and diverse environment and with confidential and sensitive matters.
• Demonstrated skill in conveying facts, analyses, conclusions, and recommendations, orally and in writing, with appropriate attention to detail but clearly and concisely. Strong attention to all work detail and record keeping. Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive work-related info.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments and meet deadlines by effectively planning and prioritizing among multiple concurrent investigative assignments. Demonstrated ability to function under frequent interruptions, distractions, changing priorities, multiple deadlines and frequent heavy workload.
• Strong computer and internet skills including proficiency in Microsoft applications with an emphasis on Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and social media platforms.
• Willing to work extended hours, including weekends, and travel to perform investigations and/or to attend University-sponsored training and conferences.

Preferred:

• Basic understanding of the relevance of trauma in the context of sexual violence (for example, the neurobiology of trauma and trauma-informed investigation techniques).