Human Resources / Background Technician

Human Resources / Background Technician

Human Resources / Background Technician is an entry level full-time apprenticeship position responsible for conducting various types of investigation in accordance with generally accepted industry practices. The incumbent must possess knowledge applicable to the job such as principles of pre-employment screening, report writing, state/federal employment laws, as well as Palicon Group policies and procedures.

Under direction of company supervision and management, conducts and compiles investigations for clients and performs related duties as designated by Palicon Group.

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude it from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

1. Conduct interviews

2. Author reports or case summaries to document investigations.

3. Search computer databases, credit reports, public records, tax or legal filings, or other resources to locate persons or to compile information for investigations.

4. Conduct background investigations of individuals, like pre-employment checks, to obtain information about an individuals, character, financial status, or personal history.

5. Organizes all investigative material in accordance with established procedures.

6. Question persons to obtain information for various investigative matters.

Knowledge of:

1. State and Federal law, investigative procedures, industry best practices, and Palicon Group policy and procedures.

2. Confidentiality laws pertaining to personnel records, requests for information from other departments, the public, or the media.

3. Rationales for confidentiality sufficient to ensure the integrity and personal privacy of client files and all information contained therein.

4. Principles and practices of confidentiality sufficient to recognize actions that may compromise the integrity of the investigation or investigation file documents.

5. Various technical specialists available to assist in an investigation and when to request such assistance.

6. Basic principles of investigation methods and procedures, interviewing and interrogation techniques, Federal and State Government Code, Labor Code, Americans with Disability Act, customer service principles, and effective communication skills.

7. Modern office equipment including computer and applicable software.

8. Proper English to include correct spelling and grammar.

9. Sound safety practices.

Ability to:

1. Read, comprehend, and interpret detailed, complex written material.

2. Prepare clear and concise written reports.

3. Analyze complex ideas and information and present findings in a succinct, understandable format, both verbally and in writing.

4. Effectively evaluate suitability of a candidate and prepare sound recommendations based on research and analysis.

5. Simultaneously consider numerous facts, perceive patterns and relationships, and develop ideas about past occurrences based on numerous small pieces of information or evidence.

6. Access information through various computer systems.

7. Compare and interpret information, recognize, and examine discrepancies, and draw logical conclusions.

8. Manage time effectively to complete work within stringent deadlines; organize, prioritize, perform multiple tasks, and combine investigations to ensure timely completion; balance workload and manage several cases concurrently.

9. Use appropriate investigative techniques to capture an accurate image of various fact patterns.

10. Communicate and deal tactfully, persuasively, and effectively with coworkers, supervisors, management, clients, and the public.

11. Demonstrate cultural sensitivity through tact and courtesy when dealing with individuals from various social, cultural, racial, and economic backgrounds.

12. Work cooperatively as a part of a team.

13. Remain calm and focused when interviewing distraught or uncooperative persons.

14. Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills required to discuss matters of a sensitive and sometimes inflammatory nature with subjects and others contacted during the course of the investigation.

15. Observe body language when interviewing individuals, detecting signs of truthfulness and credibility.

16. Conduct interviews in a manner that places people at ease and encourages cooperation.

17. Keep the interview focused on the material to be covered.

18. Listen, in person and on the telephone, and pay close attention to what is being said.

19. Perceive when the person being interviewed has not understood the question.

20. Rephrase and clarify questions, and follow-up on unanswered questions or conflicting statements.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience:

Human Resources / Background technician is an entry level apprenticeship position designed for individuals pursuing a career in human resources or private investigation. Incumbents work under close supervision of seasoned investigators and are tasked with investigative assignments that require a lesser degree of specialized training and knowledge.

A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university is required.

One (1) year of experience in an information gathering or process based setting.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:

A valid California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the company's insurance policy.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, employees are regularly required to sit for prolonged periods; talk and hear both in person and by telephone; use hands repetitively to finger, handle, and feel computers and standard business equipment; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk and may be required to lift any supplies and materials weighing up to twenty-five pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employees work under typical office conditions, and the noise level is usually quiet.