Background Investigator - Variable Hour

City of Aurora•Aurora, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Background Investigator conducts pre-employment background investigations for candidates for Detentions/Courts, Aurora911, the Aurora Fire Department, and the Aurora Police Department to determine suitability for employment. The role also includes CVSA interviews and investigations and other related work as required. This is an on-call Variable Hour Non-Benefit Employee position, with work ranging from 0 to 40 hours per week. It does not provide medical benefits; the position earns sick leave in accordance with the Healthy Families and Workplace Act. The hiring rate is $33.74 per hour, with salary commensurate with experience. The investigator conducts inquiries under department and City Human Resources policies, applicable laws, and procedural requirements; reviews candidate applications and personal history statements; obtains releases; interviews candidates and their references; pursues investigative leads; and gathers, verifies, and analyzes personal, professional, financial, and educational information. The role uses databases and information systems to confirm information and identify inconsistencies, and requires preparing reports and objective findings. The investigator responds to information requests and applicant questions, may assist outside agencies, attend training, train or advise others, and may travel to interview sources and verify information. The position requires a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent; two years of experience conducting pre-employment public safety background investigations for a governmental or contract investigative agency; eligibility to obtain an OSN through the Colorado Bureau of Investigations and CVSA certification; and a valid Colorado driver’s license. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered. Work is primarily sedentary and involves sustained decision-making, concentration, public contact, and public speaking, with frequent computer and office work. Occasional driving and exposure to varied weather conditions may occur. The incumbent may need to use personal equipment such as a vehicle or cell phone. In a declared local emergency or disaster, City employees may be required to serve as essential personnel.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Two years working in a governmental or contract investigative agency performing pre-employment public safety background investigations.
Eligibility to obtain an OSN through the Colorado Bureau of Investigations.
Eligibility to obtain a CVSA certification.
Valid Colorado driver’s license.
Knowledge of investigative and research practices, including interviewing, conflict management, negotiation, identification, report writing, record keeping, statistical analysis, and data collection.
Knowledge of electronic information systems, office automation and relevant software, and applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances related to background investigations and hiring practices.
Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Windows-based programs and ability to check information for accuracy and completeness and correct errors.
Ability to meet stringent deadlines, organize and prioritize multiple tasks, and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, management, citizens, and elected officials.
Ability to handle sensitive situations tactfully and diplomatically and safeguard confidential information with sound judgment.
Ability to evaluate applicant suitability and prepare well-supported recommendations based on research and analysis.
Ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity and creatively solve problems, negotiate, and handle stressful situations positively.
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Nice To Haves

Law enforcement experience.
Experience with law enforcement and investigative databases.
Microsoft Office proficiency.
CVSA certification.

Responsibilities

Conduct thorough pre-employment background investigations in accordance with department and City Human Resources policies, applicable laws, and procedures.
Review applications, personal history statements, and other documents for completeness and request additional information when needed.
Obtain appropriate information-release documents.
Contact and conduct investigative interviews with applicants, personal references, and employment references.
Develop and pursue lines of inquiry.
Gather, verify, and analyze personal, professional, credit/financial, and educational documents.
Contact agencies, governments, and professional organizations to obtain and verify information.
Research, obtain, and review information from databases and information systems to verify details and identify inconsistencies.
Prepare letters, reports, and written summaries of findings.
Analyze investigation results and draw logical, objective conclusions about applicant suitability.
Respond to requests for information and answer applicant questions.
Assist outside agencies with background information about previous applicant investigations when appropriately requested.
Refer requests or questions to managers when appropriate.
Attend training sessions, seminars, and conferences.
Train and advise others as required.
Travel as needed to interview sources and verify information.
Conduct CVSA interviews and investigations.
Perform other related duties as assigned.