Investigator

Civil Rights Investigator

The individual in this position, under general supervision of the Director of Investigations & Compliance, conducts fact-finding investigations or mediated resolutions to reports or complaints submitted to the district regarding allegations of employee misconduct, harassment, intimidation, bullying (HIB), discrimination, and sexual harassment. This individual will also provide support to school building administrators who are conducting building-level investigations involving staff misconduct concerns, and who are responding to informal reports or complaints of HIB, sexual harassment, and discrimination involving students. At the discretion of the Director of Investigations & Compliance, an individual in the Investigator classification can be identified with a working title of Civil Rights Investigator (focusing on resolving civil rights complaints), Title IX Investigator (focusing on resolving reports or incidents of sexual harassment or sexual assault) or HR Investigator Specialist (focusing on resolving complaints of employee misconduct).

Essential Functions

60% Responsible, under supervision, for implementing the district's policies and procedures regarding reports of employee misconduct, harassment, intimidation, bullying (HIB), sexual harassment, and discrimination. Tasks include, but are not limited to:

• conducting intake interviews;
• collaborating with school and district administrators, Security Specialists, and others on investigations;
• conducting fact-finding tasks, including interviewing and collecting documentary evidence;
• managing complaint investigation case files, in both hard copy and electronic formats;
• drafting investigative reports and complaint resolution documents for review by appropriate district officials.
• Facilitating alternative dispute resolution options regarding student concerns in conjunction with the Director of Investigations & Compliance.

20% Develops and maintains positive relationships with students, parents, and district stakeholders and community agencies, including labor partners, Seattle Police Department, and Child Protective Services. Shares information with appropriate agencies following district and department protocol.

10% Establishes and maintains processes and standards for investigations based on best practices and current technologies. Acts as a key resource in investigative methods, and advises managers and supervisors about interview techniques and the collection/maintenance of evidence.

5% Supports on the clearance of prospective District applicants who have criminal charges associated with their fingerprints. Includes, where needed, gathering relevant documents for the Director of Investigations & Compliance to complete determination on eligibility, and working with Business Partners on whether applicant is cleared for hire.

5% Consults with school administrators, staff, and community agencies regarding identified students to develop and monitor safety and remedial action plans when needed; works collaboratively to create student intervention alternatives that are developmentally and culturally appropriate, matched with the level of identified risk and inclusive of parental involvement.

Other Functions:

• Attends meetings, conferences, and seminars to maintain current knowledge of conducting investigations, civil rights issues and employment, including workplace investigations; monitors current research, trends, issues and practices in the area of civil rights enforcement and communicates findings, as appropriate.
• May perform other related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.

District-Wide Core Competencies:

Collaboration: Develops cooperation and teamwork while participating in a group, working toward solutions which generally benefit all involved parties.

Getting Results (Action Oriented): Performs work with energy and drive; values planning, but will take quick, decisive action when an opportunity presents itself.

Decision Quality & Problem Solving: Uses analysis, wisdom, experience and logical methods to make good decisions and solve difficult problems with effective solutions; appropriately incorporates multiple inputs to establish shared ownership and effective action.

Integrity: Is widely trusted; is seen as a direct, truthful individual; presents truthful information in an appropriate and helpful manner; keeps confidences; admits mistakes; doesn't misrepresent him/herself for personal gain.

Accountability: Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely and cost-effective results; determines objectives, sets priorities and delegates work; accepts responsibility for mistakes; complies with established control systems and rules.

Relevant Competencies:

Written Communications: Is able to write clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles; can get messages across that instigate appropriate actions.

Planning: Accurately determines the length and difficulty of tasks and projects; sets clear, realistic, and measureable goals; sets priorities and time parameters to accomplish tasks and projects; anticipates roadblocks and develops contingencies to redirect tasks so momentum is not lost

Organizing: Can marshal resources (people, funding, material, and support) to get things done; can orchestrate multiple activities at once to accomplish a goal; uses resources effectively and efficiently; arranges information and files in a useful manner.

Time Management: Uses his or her time effectively and efficiently; concentrates his or her efforts on the most important priorities; adeptly handles several tasks at once

Managing Relationships: Responds and relates well to people in all positions; is seen as a team player, and is cooperative; looks for common ground, and solves problems for the good of all.

Conflict Management: Successfully mediates conflict between individuals and groups; can hammer out tough agreements and settle disputes equitably; can find common ground and obtain cooperation with minimum noise.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Working knowledge of current laws, regulations, and guidelines related to civil rights, employment, and labor law in education or educational organization.
• Must have comfort around persons of authority
• Conduct prompt and thorough investigations, including fact-finding interviews and evidence collection
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with individuals and groups from diverse communities
• Maintain confidentiality and discretion when dealing with sensitive information
• Ability to work under pressure and deadlines
• Takes individual initiative and is accountable for effort and work
• Adapts to change well and remains flexible.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with district staff

Desired:

• Training in conducting workplace, civil, or criminal investigations
• Training in conducting child forensic interviews

Other Factors:

• May occasionally be required to be available in early evenings for investigatory activities.

Benefits:

Seattle Public Schools benefits are administered by the Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA) under the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB). Click HERE for an overview of available benefit options.

Eligibility for benefits is determined by the number of hours employees are anticipated to work during the school year (September 1 through August 31). Any employee who is scheduled to work 630 hours or more in a year is eligible for benefits. Salary Schedule Please find the salary schedule associated with this role and others like it HERE.