Director of Student Safety Investigations

Los Angeles Unified School District

11d

About The Position

We are LAUSD. We are at the forefront of innovation in public education, focused on a clear and inspiring vision of the future for all of our students as they venture forward on their journey as lifelong learners. Here, you will have the opportunity to exercise your potential in a role supporting the business of education. Our work directly contributes toward the goal of ensuring that our students graduate ready for the world – ready to thrive in college, career and life. LAUSD is the second largest school district in the nation with an enrollment of nearly 575,000 students. We serve an area totaling 710 square miles, with over 1,190 schools and educational centers, and we employ over 74,000 individuals, making us one of the largest employers in our city. LAUSD EMPLOYEES: Please be advised that all LAUSD employees must sign in to the GlobalProtect Virtual Private Network (VPN) in order to submit an application from an external network outside of an LAUSD location. For assistance with installing the GlobalProtect virtual network, please contact Information Technology Services at [phone] or [phone] or via their page (https://www.lausd.org/helpdesk) The Director of Student Safety Investigations plans, develops, and directs the operations of the Student Safety Investigations Unit (SSIU) andoversees staff engaged in complex and sensitive investigations of employee misconduct involving students.

Requirements

• Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor’s degree. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis, provided that the requirement of a high school diploma or evidence of equivalent educational proficiency is met.
• Five years of experience conducting investigations pertaining to background, fraud, employee misconduct, or abuse in a public agency, including three years of supervisory or management experience.
• A valid driver’s license to legally operate a motor vehicle in the State of California and the use of a motor vehicle.

Nice To Haves

• The ideal candidate for Director of Student Safety Investigations is a highly skilled and strategic leader with extensive experience managing and directing complex, sensitive, and high-stakes investigations in a large public-sector environment. This individual brings a deep understanding of investigative procedures, theories, and techniques, along with strong working knowledge of child abuse reporting requirements and the State and federal laws—particularly the Education Code and Government Code—that govern school district operations.
• The ideal candidate demonstrates mastery of laws, rules, regulations, court decisions, and legal interpretations related to employee misconduct, as well as familiarity with legal terminology, administrative hearing processes, rules of evidence, and expert witness protocols. They possess a strong grasp of District organizational structures, programs, and operational procedures and employ effective office management methods to support efficient investigative workflows.
• This leader excels in setting investigative priorities, assigning and guiding investigative personnel, and ensuring that all casework is conducted with the highest level of accuracy, confidentiality, and professional integrity. They are adept at analyzing and interpreting sensitive and complex data and communicating findings clearly and persuasively—both orally and in writing—to a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• The successful candidate will be skilled in developing, interpreting, and implementing regulations, policies, and procedures, as well as creating strategic plans that strengthen investigative processes and promote student safety. They will demonstrate the ability to prepare and supervise the preparation of clear, concise, and conclusive investigative reports while maintaining strong working relationships with District staff, administrators, legal representatives, and the public.
• A commitment to public service, sound judgment, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality of investigative records are essential qualities for success in this role.

Responsibilities

• Directing, planning, and coordinating employee misconduct investigations involving violations of District policies.
• Directing and overseeing the establishment and effectiveness of policies, guidelines, requirements, and strategies for employee misconduct investigations.
• Ensuring that the investigations are thorough, timely, and conducted with the highest level of integrity and discretion.
• Directing the department in analyzing cases, establishing timelines, gathering and examining evidence, interviewing witnesses or person(s) of interest, and accurately writing the reports.
• Directing and supervising the District’s forensic unit.
• Reviewing all preliminary and final investigative reports, summaries, and statements to ensure compliance with investigative protocols, standards, and guidelines.
• Ensuring the protection, storage, and confidentiality of all documents and information concerning the parties and witnesses involved in investigations consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and Public Records Act (PRA).
• Serving as the District lead in State Audits of Reassigned Employees under investigation for allegations of misconduct.
• Supervising and coordinates the external contracted bench of investigators.
• Coordinating with law enforcement agencies and the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to release information for employee criminal cases.
• Consulting and advising District management and local district and school administrators to resolve discrepancies identified in investigations and improve management and operational controls and procedures.

Benefits

• Insurance: District paid premiums for your choice of several medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents; and life insurance plans.
• Retirement: Membership in the California Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS).
• Vacation: 24 days each year.
• Paid Holidays: Up to 13 days

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees