Employee Relations Investigator (One Year Only)

Summary Serves as an integral member of the division's employee relations investigative team to support a culture of diversity, inclusion, and respect; conducts sensitive and confidential investigations involving allegations of misconduct and equal employment opportunity violations including discrimination, harassment, and retaliation against employees or employment candidates; responsible for suitability determinations and comprehensive background checks, integral to the investigative process; ensures effective case management with all investigative documentation being thorough, accurate, and compliant with legal standards; adheres to laws and regulations related to non-discrimination, anti-harassment, and workplace misconduct. Summary Serves as an integral member of the division's employee relations investigative team to support a culture of diversity, inclusion, and respect; conducts sensitive and confidential investigations involving allegations of misconduct and equal employment opportunity violations including discrimination, harassment, and retaliation against employees or employment candidates; responsible for suitability determinations and comprehensive background checks, integral to the investigative process; ensures effective case management with all investigative documentation being thorough, accurate, and compliant with legal standards; adheres to laws and regulations related to non-discrimination, anti-harassment, and workplace misconduct. Qualifications Required Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, law, psychology, sociology, human resources, education, business administration, or related field. Four (4) years of experience in human resources, administrative or criminal investigations, education, civil rights, and/or legal services, three years of which shall have been in conducting fact-finding inquiries or investigations. Advanced degree(s) beyond the minimum degree requirement in a relevant field may be considered for some experience. May be required to work evenings, holidays, and weekends. Knowledge of current state and federal laws and regulations related to labor law compliance to discrimination and harassment such as Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, EEO, and other applicable laws, codes, and regulations. Knowledge of best practices and methodologies for conducting investigations, fact-finding, and investigative interviewing. Proficiency in the use of technology and data compilation, analysis, and reporting. Skill in or knowledge of conflict resolution and/or mediation. Ability to assess and negotiate complex, highly sensitive situations. Ability to summarize analytical findings and write clear, comprehensive reports. Ability to maintain confidentiality, remain impartial, and work under stress and tight deadlines. Ability to provide subject matter expert advice on complex issues. Ability to listen well and demonstrate sensitivity to and respect for individual needs. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with culturally diverse employees, families, management, staff, and outside government agencies. Ability to communicate complex information effectively, both orally and in writing. Preferred Master's degree or higher in a relevant field of study. Experience using trauma-informed investigation techniques. SHRM or other HR professional certification. Major Duties/Essential Functions Performs prompt and equitable investigations in response to allegations of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in employment ensuring compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws, practices, and regulations. Conducts complex and sensitive investigations relating to reported civil rights and misconduct violations, ensuring compliance with all federal and state civil rights laws as well as division regulations, policies, procedures, and mandates. Investigates and mediates allegations from the families of students related to discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on race, color, or national origin ensuring compliance with Equal Educational Opportunity practices. Partners with school-based administrators and the Department of Special Services on complaints related to Individualized Education Plan and Section 504 services. Works collaboratively with Child Protective Services and law enforcement agencies, serving as an investigative liaison in joint investigations for matters involving employee misconduct and policy violations. Conducts comprehensive background investigations, suitability assessments, and periodic reviews on employees and employment candidates, ensuring accuracy and completeness of information gathered. Conducts management inquiries, research assignments, and other related tasks as assigned. Works closely with the Office of the Auditor General on cases involving fraud, waste, and abuse. Gathers testimonial, physical, or documentary information and evidence from various sources to establish the extent and nature of violations, misconduct, or criminal behavior. Conducts thorough interviews with complainants, respondents, witnesses, and other relevant individuals to gather necessary facts and evidence. Reviews complaint files, correspondence, and other documents to determine case facts. Analyzes facts gathered during investigations to authenticate violations of division policies, regulations, and federal or state laws. Drafts comprehensive written investigative reports summarizing relevant facts and evidence, analyzing applicable laws, policies, and regulations, and detailing findings and determinations associated with the case. Follows post-investigation procedures including follow-up communications with involved parties and preparing files for administrative closure. Maintains detailed records of all investigations and communications within the case management system and provides accurate and timely status updates. Provides professional development and guidance to employees, families, management, staff, and leadership related to the response process, fact-finding procedures, civil rights privileges, and investigation approaches. Maintains confidentiality during all proceedings, as required and possible. Performs related duties as required or assigned. Work Environment/Physical Requirements This job operates primarily in a professional office environment and has a noise level of mostly low to moderate. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines. Salary Range $96,099 - $166,800 Salary Grade [Salary Information] Unified Scale-Schedule B/Grade 007-FEU-OP Office Chief Human Resources/ Employee Relations Contract Length 260-Day Contract Pay Frequency Monthly Percent Full-Time Full Time Closing Date 12-Aug-2026 Job Type Human Resources Open Until Filled Re-Adv. Position No #J-18808-Ljbffr Fairfax County Public Schools