Investigator

Investigator

Working in coordination with attorneys and other investigators of the Ethics Commission conducting confidential ethics investigations of complaints that allege violations of the Rhode Island Code of Ethics by public officials and employees.

The Investigator reports directly to the Chief of Investigations and to the Executive Director/Chief Prosecutor and his/her designated prosecutors in individual complaint matters.

Illustrative examples of work performed:

• Meeting with the public and potential complainants concerning allegations of unethical conduct and possible Code of Ethics violations committed by public officials and employees.
• Coordinating with the prosecuting attorneys to gather evidence in pending complaints, including issuance and service of subpoenas, obtaining documentary, digital, and video evidence, interviewing witnesses and preparing witness statements, analyzing financial data, preparing investigative reports, and maintaining organized investigative files.
• Assisting prosecuting attorneys at adjudicative hearings before the Rhode Island Ethics Commission.
• Daily interaction with the public and public officials via in-person meetings, email, and telephone concerning financial disclosure compliance and the application of the Code of Ethics to specific situations.
• Performing such administrative tasks as may be assigned by the Chief of Investigations relative to investigations and complaints, financial disclosure compliance, education, and the general administration of the Ethics Commission.

Required qualifications for appointment:

Knowledge, skills and capacities:

This candidate must have the totality of education, experience, and knowledge that provides the Ethics Commission with a candidate having a high degree of professionalism, competence, and communications skills to perform these tasks and responsibilities with little direction.

Education and experience:

Such as may have been gained through graduation from a college of recognized standing with a bachelor's degree; and experience as may have been gained through prior employment in an investigative field, law enforcement, regulatory compliance, or any combination of related education and experience.

The successful candidate must have experience in conducting complex investigations with particular emphasis on the interviewing of witnesses, gathering of evidence, analyzing complex financial transactions, and preparing investigative reports. This candidate must have ability and experience to testify professionally in summarizing the investigation and to accurately explain the evidence obtained, and to answer any questions that the Ethics Commission members may have.

The successful candidate must be comfortable and enthusiastic working within a small office setting with a contingent of professionals, consisting of dedicated attorneys, investigators, and administrative staff, that strongly works with a team concept, all focused on the mission of the Rhode Island Ethics Commission and service to the people of Rhode Island.

The successful candidate also must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and will also be able to conduct internet research, proficiently use Microsoft Office, and effectively interact with public officials, subjects, complainants, and witnesses. Prior experience working with law enforcement and/or civil regulatory agencies is also desired.

Special requirements:

The Ethics Commission is an independent, non-partisan entity and its employees are prohibited from holding public office or participating in political campaigns pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 36-14-8(f).

The successful candidate must also be a person who is guided by, and committed to, principles of professionalism, honesty, integrity, and confidentiality.

The successful candidate will be expected to quickly become an expert in all aspects of the Code of Ethics and its investigative procedures, and to be knowledgeable in all aspects of the state law and state regulations as it relates to the Code of Ethics.

Application requirements:

Applications must include a cover letter/letter of interest, resume, and a list of three references. Finalists will be subject to a background investigation including reference checks. All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory conclusion of the background investigation.