Background, Recruitment & Retention Coordinator

Background, Recruitment, & Retention Coordinator

The Background, Recruitment, & Retention Coordinator manages the Police Department's applicant selection process conducts comprehensive pre employment background investigations and develops recruitment and retention initiatives to support departmental staffing needs.

The position is responsible for evaluating candidate suitability for public safety employment, maintaining the applicant pipeline, coordinating hiring processes, and supporting employee retention efforts. The position serves as a liaison between applicants, department personnel, city administration, and external service providers while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, standards, and departmental policies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

These duties are not exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required or assigned.

Background investigations and Candidates Suitability:

• Conduct comprehensive pre-employment background investigations for Police Department applicants, including sworn, city civilian staff, and volunteer positions as assigned
• Review and verify applicant information, including employment history, education, criminal history, driving records, and references.
• Conducts interviews with applicants, references, employers, neighbors, and other relevant sources to obtain and verify information.
• Identify discrepancies, inconsistencies, or potential disqualifying factors and conduct follow-up inquiries.
• Evaluate information to determine applicant suitability for public safety employment based on established standards and department criteria.
• Prepare clear, objective investigative summaries and hiring recommendations for command staff review.
• Maintain confidential investigative records and ensure secure handling of sensitive personal information.
• Coordinate with external professionals and agencies involved in the hiring process, including testing services, medical providers, and evaluations professionals.
• Maintain applicant background files and ensure proper record retention in accordance with the department and legal requirement.

Recruitment and Applicant Pipeline Management:

• Develop and implement recruitment strategies to meet current and anticipated staffing needs.
• Represents the Police Department at job fairs, community events, educational institutions, and recruitment initiatives.
• Provide information to prospective applicants regarding employment opportunities, qualifications, benefits, and hiring processes.
• Review employment applications and screen applicants for minimum qualifications.
• Maintain communication with applicants regarding hiring status and next steps in the selection process.
• Coordinate and schedule hiring process activities, including interviews, testing processes, and selection procedures.
• Develop recruitment materials, job postings, and outreach initiatives to promote employment opportunities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with educational institutions, training programs, and community organizations to enhance recruitment efforts.

Retention and Employee Engagement Initiatives:

• Assist command staff in developing and implementing employee retention strategies.
• Analyze recruitment and retention data to identify trends and recommend improvements.
• Assistant in onboarding processes for new employees and support integration into department operations.
• Support initiative designed to enhance employee satisfaction, engagement, and organizational effectiveness.

Compliance, Policy and Administrative Functions:

• Ensure recruitment and hiring practices comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Interpret and apply department policies and procedures related to recruitment, selection, and employment practice.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to hiring, background investigations, and personnel processes.
• Prepare reports, statistical data, and documentation related to staffing, recruitment efforts, and retention initiatives.
• Coordinate with City Human Resources and other departments regarding personnel processes and requirements.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding personnel information and investigative materials.

Minimum Training and Experience Required:

• Prior law enforcement experience or experience conducting investigations, personnel background investigations, or recruitment activities are required.
• Sworn law enforcement experience strongly preferred.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience conducting public safety background investigations.
• Experience and police recruitment or personnel administration.
• Knowledge of public sector hiring practices.
• Experience analyzing staffing or retention data.
• Knowledge of investigative methods and interviewing techniques.
• Knowledge of law enforcement hiring standards and public safety employment requirements.
• Knowledge of applicable employment laws and regulations.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Ability to evaluate information objectively and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to prepare detailed investigation reports and documentation.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to engage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to represent the department professionally with the public and external agencies.

Supervision:

None

Physical Demands:

Work is primarily performed in an office environment with occasional travel for interviews and recruitment activities. Duties involve sitting, standing, walking, and operating standard office equipment. Reasonable accommodation may be made.