Job Description

Investigator - Office of Professional Standards

Reports to: Director II - Office of Professional Standards

Salary: $74,735 - $90,043

Pay Grade: 403

Duty Days: 239

FLSA Status: Exempt

PC#: 12839

POSITION PURPOSE

Conducts suitability and complex employment investigations of inappropriate behavior with possible implications of abuse, fraud, discrimination, and criminality. Serves as liaison with local, state, and federal agencies, attorneys, and others involved in the investigation process. Prepares investigation reports and other written materials needed for investigative dispositions, grievance hearings, appeals, and terminations; may represent the District during these events. Assists criminal history reviews and reviews District documents related to required State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) reporting of misconduct allegations for separating employees.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Investigations

• Conducts complex investigations of alleged misconduct, policy violations, and/or criminal histories of District applicants, employees, substitutes, volunteers, and contractors.
• Works directly with principals, supervisors, law enforcement personnel, and social service agencies as required to assist with and complete the investigation.
• Prepares / presents written and/or verbal summaries and/or hearing evidence for the District and/or local, state or federal entities for consideration and disposition.
• Conducts professional and courteous interviews with children and/or adult witnesses, victims, or alleged actors who may be emotional, hostile, and/or evasive.
• Collaborates with District staff to promote a positive, ethical, and inclusive culture and climate in all District facilitates, activities, and sponsored events to ensure a professional work and learning environment compliant with Board policies.
• Enters and maintains full and complete documents and information in District investigatory files and Office of Professional Standards (OPS) database.

Administration & Coordination

• Provides interpretation and direction to supervisors and other employees regarding District policies and OPS related procedures.
• Compiles and generates reports, statistics, timelines, tables, graphs, correspondence, and presentations; prepares periodic reports regarding related department activities.
• Prepares and presents written and/or oral summaries of investigations or other material to District leaders for consideration as required.
• Participates in strategic planning sessions, providing input and support to leadership in achieving goals.
• Researches and analyzes laws, regulations, policies, and precedent decisions to prepare for meetings and to determine conclusions, including proposed legislation and the possible impact on the District.
• Remains aware of technical, legislative, and professional trends and developments affecting OPS target populations, and best-practices for improving staff productivity and efficiency.

PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS

• All Fort Worth ISD employees must maintain a commitment to the District's mission, vision, and strategic goals.
• Exhibits high professionalism, standards of conduct and work ethic.
• Demonstrates high quality customer service; builds rapport/relationship with the consumer.
• Demonstrates cultural competence in interactions with others; is respectful of co-workers; communicates and acts as a team player; promotes teamwork; responds and acts appropriately in confrontational situations.
• Engage in professional roles and relationships with students and stakeholders that foster wellness and student success.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

• Performs all job-related duties as assigned and in accordance to the Board rules, policies and regulations. All employees are expected to comply with lawful directives in rare situations driven by need where a team effort is required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of investigation procedures, District policies, state and federal laws, rules, policies and procedures concerning the rights of employees including, but not limited to employment, discrimination, harassment, and due process.
• Knowledge of school operations.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Skill in collecting and analyzing complex data.
• Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses, to develop inferences and conclusions.
• Skill in researching and writing, with a strong knowledge of business correspondence formatting, including language, grammar, and punctuation.
• Skill in public relations, organizational systems development, communication, and interpersonal relationships, including use of tact, patience, and courtesy during interviews.
• Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure
• Ability to use software to access databases, email, create spreadsheets, and do word processing.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work, including maintaining attention to details and quality, and prioritize work while meeting multiple deadlines.
• Ability to prepare oral or written communications, such as presentations, reports, memoranda, letters, and so on.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS, WORK HAZARDS

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals.
• Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
• Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds).
• Environment: Works in an office setting; may require occasional irregular and/or prolonged hours.
• Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position.
• Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelors' degree from accredited college or university required;
• Major in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Human Resources Management, English, or Labor Relations preferred.
• Certification/License: Required: Possess a valid Texas professional license in at least one of the following in the State of Texas.
• Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC); Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC); Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT); Licensed Social Worker (LBSW, LMSW, LCSW).
• Experience: 5 years' in criminal justice, law enforcement, Texas Department of Family & Protective Services (DFPS), Child Protective Services (CPS), employment law, or employee relations.
• Language: Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

This document is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.