Civilian Background Investigator

Alachua County Sheriff's Office•Sheriff's Admin Building, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Experienced and highly responsible position requiring technical expertise in investigation, areas of liability, and prevailing laws and guidelines as applied to applicant selection and hiring personnel. Requires good interpersonal skills, self-initiative, sound judgment, attention to detail, and excellent verbal and writing skills. Position requires administering and interpreting pre-employment polygraph examinations. Assignment to this position requires a minimum three (3) year commitment and a three (3) year training agreement if selected as a Polygraph Examiner. Work is performed under the supervision of the HR Director. Performance is evaluated through observation, results obtained, oral/written reports, and appropriate employee performance appraisals.

Requirements

High School Diploma / GED Required
Four (4) or more years of experience working for a Law Enforcement agency preferred
Must have completed or be able to complete a CJSTC approved 40-hour course on Background Investigations
If not trained as a polygrapher, may be required to successfully complete/graduate from a recognized polygraph school
Current membership or eligibility for membership in the American Polygraph Association or the Florida Polygraph Association
Experience in background investigations and interview/interrogation procedures and techniques preferred
Any combination of education and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities
Current, valid Florida driver license
Sit/stand for moderate to extended periods
See/hear at a normal range
Speak, read, write, and understand English fluently
Ambulate independently
Lift/carry 25 pounds
Push/pull light to moderate loads
Manual dexterity
Drive a vehicle
Pass ACSO’s various driving tests as required
Knowledge of the principles, methods, and requirements associated with the selection and certification of both law enforcement and correctional personnel
Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations that impact public personnel selection and administration
Considerable knowledge of information gathering, interviewing, and interrogation techniques
Knowledge of agency policies, procedures, rules, and regulations
Knowledge of modern investigative methods and techniques as they apply to background investigations
Knowledge of laws and controlling court/statutory guidelines as they apply to background investigations and applicant selection
Knowledge and understanding of human behavior, particularly as it applies to job applicants and law enforcement personnel
Working knowledge of computers and computer applications such as Microsoft Word & Excel
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Ability to establish and maintain accurate and orderly files
Ability to handle confidential information discretely
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency members, the public, and a variety of law enforcement and criminal justice agencies, both locally and nationally
Ability to manage time efficiently, prioritize tasks, and reach closure on projects
Skilled in dealing with a wide variety of people
Ability to collect and organize applicant information to provide an accurate picture of past performance and behavior
Ability to operate a motor vehicle in a safe and efficient manner

Nice To Haves

Associate's Degree or better Preferred
Preferred Majors: Criminal Justice, Psychology, Human Resources, or other related field

Responsibilities

Conduct pre-employment background investigations for the Alachua County Sheriff's Office
Contact previous employers of applicants to assess work quality and habits
Contact personal references provided by applicant to assess personal habits, past behaviors, and make recommendations for hire
Contact secondary sources provided through the investigation for applicant information
Travel to location of applicants’ former and current employers to review applicants’ personnel and disciplinary files to determine past job performance
Present background findings in a concise, understandable format in a timely manner
Maintain awareness of, and adhere to, federal, state, and local laws and ordinances and agency policies and procedures which pertain to the gathering, recording, storage, and dispersal of background information
Abide by the “Law Enforcement and Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Code of Ethics”
Perform any other duties or special projects as required
Conduct pre-employment polygraph examination interviews and administer polygraph examinations, if selected as a polygraph examiner
Analyze and evaluation polygraph examination results and prepare written documentation of findings in a timely manner, if selected as a polygraph examiner