Employee Relations Specialist - Administrative Investigator #ERT00330

Virginia Information Technologies Agency • Richmond, VA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Administrative Investigator supports the Virginia Department of Corrections by conducting thorough, unbiased, and well documented investigations into workplace conduct concerns that fall outside of OLES jurisdiction. This position ensures that leadership receives accurate, fact-based information needed to make fair and consistent employment decisions that uphold the Standards of Conduct and strengthen organizational integrity.

The role is responsible for interviewing witnesses, gathering and analyzing evidence, developing timelines, and producing clear investigative reports suitable for review and potential grievance hearings. The Investigator also assists facilities with complex or high-risk cases, provides guidance when local investigations require additional support, and delivers training to supervisors on fundamental fact finding and documentation practices. Through professional investigative work and strong attention to due process, the position contributes to a safe, accountable, and ethical work environment aligned with VADOC’s mission and values.

Requirements

• Knowledge of administrative investigation principles, fact finding techniques, and interview protocols.
• Understanding of workplace policies, Standards of Conduct, due process requirements, and documentation standards related to employee behavior.
• Knowledge of evidence handling, chain of custody practices, and basic investigative documentation requirements.
• Familiarity with grievance processes, hearing procedures, and expectations for presenting investigative findings.
• Understanding of confidentiality requirements and ethical standards when handling sensitive information.
• Strong interviewing skills with the ability to gather facts, establish timelines, and elicit accurate, unbiased information from witnesses and involved employees.
• Excellent analytical skills to assess evidence, identify inconsistencies, and draw objective conclusions based on policy and facts.
• Skilled in preparing clear, well organized investigative reports that outline findings, timelines, and evidentiary support.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills to present findings, provide testimony, and train supervisors on basic investigative practices.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and ability to prioritize multiple cases with competing deadlines.
• Ability to conduct thorough, impartial investigations while maintaining professionalism and neutrality.
• Ability to independently manage investigative caseloads and assist facilities with high risk or complex cases.
• Ability to interpret policies and translate findings into clear, defensible documentation for WIDG and grievance hearings.
• Ability to train supervisors and managers on fact finding techniques, documentation expectations, and proper evidence handling.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with facility leadership, HR staff, and other stakeholders while maintaining investigative independence.

Nice To Haves

• Foundational knowledge of investigative techniques, including interviewing, evidence gathering, and timeline reconstruction.
• Strong writing skills with the ability to prepare clear, well organized investigative reports.
• Comfort conducting difficult or sensitive interviews with neutrality and professionalism.
• Ability to manage multiple cases, prioritize deadlines, and maintain accurate documentation.
• Strong understanding of confidentiality, due process principles, and unbiased decision making.
• Basic familiarity with Standards of Conduct, workplace policies, or similar regulatory frameworks.
• Human Resources experience with direct exposure to employee relations or workplace conduct issues (e.g., corrective action, counseling, or case documentation).
• Administrative investigation/fact finding experience, including conducting witness interviews, evidence collection, and timeline development for policy driven cases.
• Experience interpreting and applying agency policies/Standards of Conduct, with demonstrated ability to produce clear, well organized case documentation.
• Experience preparing investigative summaries or reports for leadership emphasizing neutrality, completeness, and defensibility.
• Experience handling confidential information and exercising sound judgment in sensitive situations.

Responsibilities

• Conducting thorough, unbiased, and well documented investigations into workplace conduct concerns.
• Interviewing witnesses, gathering and analyzing evidence, and developing timelines.
• Producing clear investigative reports suitable for review and potential grievance hearings.
• Assisting facilities with complex or high-risk cases.
• Providing guidance when local investigations require additional support.
• Delivering training to supervisors on fundamental fact finding and documentation practices.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed