Director of Investigations

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Investigations oversees all incident investigations assigned by OPWDD and/or the Justice Center for the agency with the Metro and Creative Lifestyles Divisions, which are conducted by Incident Management Investigators. This role provides coordination and management oversight of the investigation workflow for Incident Management Investigation Specialists (I & II) and Investigator(s). The Director ensures that the Investigations Division within the QA/QI Department conducts investigations into situations that may involve violations of individual rights or protections, and provides training to staff across the agency on matters relating to the protection of individual rights and incident management and reports to the Senior Director of Investigations.

POSITION DUTIES:

• Collaborates with the Senior Director of Incident Management to ensure all incidents reported are properly classified and categorized and investigations are thoroughly completed.
• Assigns all investigations into Serious Notable, Reportable Significant and Reportable Abuse incidents to Incident Management Investigators.
• Interviews, hires, evaluates, supervises and provides guidance to Incident Management Investigators and Incident Management Investigations Specialists (I&II).
• As needed, conducts investigations into situations which may violate the rights and/or protection of people receiving services. These situations include but are not limited to: allegations of abuse, mistreatment, neglect, and violation of civil or human rights.
• Monitors the investigative process for Incident Management Investigations Specialists and Investigators to ensure all investigations are conducted and managed appropriately and regulatory timeframes are met.
• Oversees tracking systems and addresses any obstacles to completing investigations timely including but not limited to: providing guidance to IMISs and Investigator(s) and communicating with program leadership to overcome obstacles.
• Reviews all investigative records prior to submission to Incident Review Sub-Committee to ensure that all required documentation and investigative process was completed as required and after the Sub-Committee meets to ensure all corrections and recommendations are addressed .
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum BA/BS in related Human Services Field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum five (5) years’ experience in conducting investigations required.
• Completed an approved OPWDD investigative training course
• Experience in the identification, prevention and reporting of abuse and investigative techniques.
• Thorough knowledge of state regulations governing incident reporting (14 NYCCR Part 624 and 625, Article 20 of the Executive Law and Article 11 of the Social Services Law) and Protection of Individual in Programs certified by OPWDD (Part 633 regulations).
• Performs all job responsibilities in full compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Adheres to the agency’s corporate compliance program, including the code of business conduct, the NYS and federal false claims acts, whistleblower protections and mandatory reporting. Completes corporate compliance training at least annually. Fully cooperates in all corporate compliance investigations and reviews.

Supervises

Incident Management Investigator (1)

Incident Management Investigator Specialist – Level I (2)

Incident Management Investigator Specialist – Level II (2)