OEA Investigations Division Manager -Legislative Research Commission

Kentucky Personnel Cabinet•Frankfort, KY

About The Position

The Legislative Research Commission is accepting applications for the position of OEA Investigations Division Manager in the Office of Education and Accountability. This position is nonpartisan in nature and requires the ability to work with neutrality in a politically charged environment. The Legislative Research Commission provides staff support to the Kentucky General Assembly. The agency offers unique opportunities to people seeking fulfilling, challenging, and rewarding careers. LRC staff members provide diverse services and are united by the common purpose of supporting the branch of government closest to the people. This is a permanent, full-time position with benefits including health and life insurance; retirement plan; and paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. Compensatory time is awarded on an hour-for-hour basis with prior approval.

Requirements

EDUCATION: Juris Doctor degree to provide legal expertise and guidance in leading investigative efforts.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: Minimum of 5+ years in investigations, legal analysis, and other relevant work experience.
Demonstrate strong leadership skills and the ability to effectively manage and supervise investigative staff, fostering a collaborative, professional and productive work environment.
Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey legally complex information, findings, and conclusions through reports.
Ability to professionally interact with citizens to address questions and concerns, and be knowledgeable of how to guide them to appropriate people or agencies for assistance.
Knowledge of records retention requirements and education records privacy laws.
Possess exceptional research skills, including the ability to interview and collect information, conduct thorough investigations, and prepare reports with accurate findings and legal analysis.
Effectively manage a high-volume case load, ensuring efficient assignment and oversight of cases resulting in a timely resolution.
Effectively manage workloads by assigning and overseeing tasks to investigative staff, ensuring accurate and timely completion of assignments.
Detailed knowledge of Kentucky education statutes and regulations, relevant legal precedent, and continued monitoring of legislative changes.
Develop a system to train and enhance investigative staff skills to carry out duties.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Ability to work under pressure and manage workload so that complaints and calls are managed in a timely fashion.
Basic computer skills with knowledge of Windows Office products and ability to use LRC databases in tracking and maintaining case work.
Develop systems of data collection and case management that maintain the integrity and security of information collected.
Public service orientation and dedication to meeting the needs of a diverse range of individuals and groups.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Kentucky education laws and regulations as well as the Kentucky legislative process will be given added consideration.
Prior supervisory experience preferred.
Litigation experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Review all written complaints received and determine whether investigation is warranted: Carefully assess and evaluate written complaints received to determine if they meet the criteria for further investigation.
Develop and implement systems to ensure equitable assignment of investigations to team members.
Develop and implement systems to monitor investigations and other assignments to investigative staff that ensure accurate and timely resolution and reports.
Prepare and submit all required reports to EAARS on cases and complaints.
Identify and refer complaints that fall outside the purview of the OEA to other relevant agencies or authorities that have the jurisdiction and responsibility to address the specific issues raised in the complaints.
Implement systems to ensure district/school compliance with report resolutions.
Assist in the preparation and presentation of the OEA Annual Report, including preparation of findings, trends, and recommendations.
Conduct regular meetings with investigative team members to review the status of ongoing investigations, provide guidance and support, and ensure that caseloads are effectively managed and progress is being made on assigned investigations.
Thoroughly review and revise all preliminary and final investigative reports prepared by investigators, ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and clarity of the findings, evidence, analysis, and conclusions presented in the reports.
Stay updated on relevant federal, state, and local education laws, regulations, policies, and procedures to ensure a deep understanding of the legal framework within which investigations are conducted, and provide guidance to the investigators.
Establish and maintain effective communication of final reports to relevant persons, to convey the investigative findings, conclusions, and resolutions in a clear, professional, and impartial manner.
When required by the Deputy Director, represent the OEA by attending legislative committee meetings or other organization meetings.
Maintain a collaborative relationship with the Kentucky Department of Education, the Education Professional Standards Board, and the Attorney General’s Office as is required to ensure appropriate handling of complaints.
Maintain investigative staff by interviewing, selecting, orienting, and training employees.
Provide strong leadership by clearly communicating job expectations, setting goals and objectives, monitoring individual and team performance, providing constructive feedback, coaching, and taking appropriate disciplinary actions.
Assist complainants in resolving concerns without the need for an investigation when appropriate.
Fulfill any additional responsibilities or tasks assigned by superiors or as required to support the effective functioning of the OEA and its investigative operations.
Other duties as assigned.
Travel as required for work-related duties.