Professional Standards Investigator - Fire Rescue

Polk County Board of County Commissioners•Bartow, FL

11h•Onsite

About The Position

To conduct complete and thorough internal Polk County Fire Rescue Division investigations as directed by the Director of Polk County Fire Rescue, Fire Chief and in accordance with county policies, collective bargaining agreements and applicable state and federal laws. An essential function of the position is a positive and unbiased attitude while conducting investigations and interacting with co-workers, internal and external customers, and administration personnel. Work as a team member, displaying superior interpersonal communication skills and professionalism while functioning under intense pressure and responding in a positive manner to supervisors.

Requirements

Thorough knowledge of the principles and methods for conducting internal or administrative investigations.
Knowledge of the Polk County BoCC’s Employee Handbook and/or the ability to learn and apply the relevant policies.
Knowledge of PCFR Standard Operating Procedures, Clinical Care Guidelines, Collective Bargaining, state and federal laws pertaining to internal or administrative investigations.
Must be able to read and write English, communicate effectively both verbally and written, comprehend instructions and interpret written reports.
Must be able to operate office and investigation equipment, including performing data entry keying.
Knowledge of Florida traffic laws and the skills to drive in a safe and prudent manner are required.
The skills needed for this position include interpersonal, computer, organizational, report writing, investigative, interviewing and basic English grammar and basic mathematical skills.
Graduate of an accredited four (4) year college or university with a degree in public administration or management, public safety, business administration, or a related field and have a minimum of five (5) years progressively responsible investigation experience, including three (3) years of experience conducting internal/administrative investigations and/or criminal investigations.
In lieu of the four (4) year college degree requirement, an applicant must possess a minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience conducting internal/administrative investigations and/or criminal investigations to be a qualified candidate.
Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s License at the time of employment and meet the following driving history requirements: Have not accrued 12 points within 36 months or 18 points within 48 months. Have not been convicted on alcohol/drug related offenses within 36 months. Have not been convicted of two (2) alcohol/drug related offenses within 10 years. Have not had a suspension, revocation, or restriction due to moving violations or alcohol/drug related problems, including failure to take a breath test within the 36 months prior. Must provide proof of insurance.
Must obtain Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Awareness Certification through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
Must possess a minimum of forty (40) hours of credible training in investigative methods and practices.

Responsibilities

Advise and assists the Fire Chief regarding Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) Division professional standards investigations.
Receives and assesses complaints involving PCFR employees, excluding discrimination/sexual harassment complaints, worker’s compensation or Human Resources matters (such as employee relations, FMLA, workplace violence).
Keeps detailed records of complaints and confers with the Fire Chief. Prepares accurate, detailed investigation reports and submits them to the Fire Chief.
Conducts professional, thorough interviews and maintains records.
Confer with Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) and County Attorney’s Office as needed.
Attends meetings, administrative hearings, and other proceedings, as required.
Maintains confidentiality and only shares information with those who have a need to know, as directed by the Fire Chief and in accordance with relevant policies and laws.
Develops, updates, and communicates the daily mission of professional standards in the PCFR and the complaint and investigation process and procedures, in consultation with the Equal Opportunity Administrator.
Develops, documents and implements a fire rescue PCFR staff inspection and investigation process and procedures that will ensure the staff’s conduct is aligned with the BoCC policies, procedures and practices.
Performs related duties as required.