HR Specialist, Investigations

Baltimore County Public Schools•Towson, MD

4d•$91,115 - $146,555

About The Position

The HR Specialist, Investigations investigates complaints of alleged employment discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in accordance with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws and related policies and rules. The role also investigates employee misconduct, child abuse and neglect, bullying, and criminal activity, and prepares and presents reports, findings, and determinations. The specialist coordinates employment background investigations and evaluates and resolves workplace accommodation requests under applicable laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title VII, and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). The position analyzes background records for employees, candidates, service providers, volunteers, and others, and assists in administering the Office of Investigations and Records Management and the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity. The specialist conducts interviews, reviews documents and other evidence, analyzes facts against applicable laws and policies, drafts investigative reports, responds to external agency information requests, and may testify or represent Baltimore County Public Schools at hearings and other proceedings. The position coordinates background checks and follow-up on I-9 concerns, evaluates applicants’ suitability for employment, reviews post-employment arrest alerts, and advises management on investigations and background checks. It also supports monitoring employees on administrative leave, assists with audits and procedures, provides guidance and training, and maintains investigation files and electronic databases. The work includes travel to schools, offices, and facilities throughout Baltimore County and other local jurisdictions. Employees may be called to duty in emergencies and may need to work evenings, weekends, or beyond normally scheduled hours. The position is exempt and may be eligible for comp time. The stated annual salary scale is $91,115 to $146,555, effective July 1, 2026. BCPS describes a comprehensive benefits program for eligible employees and participation eligibility in the Baltimore County Employees’ Retirement System.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Five years of progressively responsible experience in human resources investigations.
Valid Class C Maryland driver’s license or equivalent.
Knowledge of human resources investigation principles and practices; employment discrimination and EEO laws and regulations, including Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, Maryland State Government Article Title 20, and Title IX; and management principles and best practices.
Knowledge of criminal justice, law enforcement, security, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, applicable Maryland family and criminal laws, and the Criminal Justice Information System.
Knowledge of and skill with technology and office software, including database, spreadsheet, and word-processing applications, and data analysis.
Demonstrated ability to conduct personnel or employee-relations investigations and background checks.
Critical thinking, strong work ethic, organizational and time-management skills, adaptability, exceptional writing and attention to detail.
Ability to conduct thorough, professional interviews and complete investigations within established timelines.
Strong written and oral communication skills, including preparing and presenting reports and speaking before groups.
Ability to maintain confidential information, build effective working relationships, and accurately maintain files and records.
Ability to travel to schools, offices, and facilities throughout the Baltimore area.
Must meet the stated requirement for U.S. citizenship, residency, or a work visa.

Nice To Haves

Juris Doctorate or an advanced degree in English, political science, government affairs, public administration, human resources, or a related field.
Five years of demonstrated EEO investigation experience.

Responsibilities

Investigate allegations of employment discrimination, harassment, and retaliation under applicable EEO laws, regulations, and policies.
Facilitate the interactive process for workplace accommodation requests and, as the EEO Officer’s designee, issue decisions consistent with applicable laws and policies.
Investigate serious employee misconduct, including child abuse and neglect and criminal activity, collaborating with law enforcement and external agency partners as appropriate.
Investigate employee misconduct and workplace bullying under Board of Education Policies and Superintendent’s Rules.
Prepare and conduct thorough interviews of parties, witnesses, and other involved individuals; obtain affidavits when appropriate.
Review complaint files, correspondence, video footage, and other evidence; analyze facts to determine whether policies, rules, or laws were violated.
Draft investigative reports and prepare statements of position and responses to information requests from external agencies, including the EEOC and MCCR.
Prepare and present findings and determinations; testify in criminal trials and administrative hearings; and represent BCPS at hearings, mediations, and related proceedings as appropriate.
Coordinate background checks for current, prospective, and contractual employees; gather, verify, and analyze relevant data and documentation; and follow up on I-9 concerns.
Identify potentially disqualifying information, falsifications, and material omissions in employment applications; interview applicants and assess suitability for employment.
Develop procedures and practices related to background checks and investigations, and advise management on these matters for employees, substitutes, student interns, and volunteers.
Review post-employment arrest alerts, investigate cases, assess continued employment suitability, interview employees and supervisors, and draft related reports and memoranda.
Coordinate with other offices and staff to support monitoring of employees placed on administrative leave.
Travel throughout Baltimore County and other local jurisdictions to conduct special investigations.
Conduct or assist with random audits of contractor and vendor background-check records and investigation protocols and procedures.
Assist in creating and revising standard operating procedures for the Office of Investigations and Records Management and the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity.
Consult with administrators and supervisors and provide guidance on progressive discipline, employee misconduct, employee assistance, training, and other workplace resources.
Assist with preparing and presenting training programs and workshops.
Maintain files and electronic databases and document case activities from initial complaint through resolution and case closure.
Perform other duties as assigned.