Full Time Investigator

Investigator 3

Location: Salem – Central Office / Equitable Building

Posted on: 07/15/2026 | Application Deadline: 07/29/2026

Agency: Oregon Youth Authority

Salary Range: $5,643 - $8,299

Position Type: Employee

About the Role

The Oregon Youth Authority's Professional Standards Office (PSO) seeks an Investigator 3 to conduct high‑stakes investigations protecting the safety, rights, and trust of the youth, families, and employees served by OYA. The Investigator will receive, track, and investigate complaints of misconduct, policy violations, and PREA‑related concerns across the agency's nine close‑custody facilities and community programs statewide.

We welcome candidates from any qualifying background involving fact‑finding, evidence handling, and formal report writing, including law enforcement, insurance investigation, financial fraud investigation, or investigative trial support. Key duties include conducting interviews, analyzing evidence, and authoring investigative reports that are admissible at administrative hearings, while navigating sensitive, high‑emotion conversations with professionalism and discretion.

Responsibilities

Conduct fact‑finding investigations, including interviewing witnesses and reviewing records.

Collect and preserve evidence in accordance with the rules of evidence.

Analyze evidence and prepare comprehensive investigative reports.

Write reports suitable for use at administrative hearings, in court, or other formal reviews.

Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion and integrity.

Minimum Qualifications

Four years of recent (within the last ten years) full‑time investigative experience, including fact‑finding, evidence handling, record examination, witness interviewing, and report writing.

Background in law enforcement investigation, insurance investigation, investigative trial support, or financial fraud investigation is desirable.

College‑level courses in Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice, Law, Accounting, or Auditing may substitute on a year‑for‑year basis for up to one year of the required experience.

Special Qualifications

Valid driver license and acceptable driving record are required.

Desired Attributes

Demonstrated experience preparing clear, concise, and comprehensive investigative reports.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, including interview and explanation of complex or sensitive information.

Ability to independently manage a high‑volume workload with competing priorities and changing circumstances.

Ability to establish trust with diverse stakeholders and navigate emotionally charged interactions.

Team orientation and collaboration across organizational boundaries.

High emotional intelligence, sound judgment, discretion, integrity, and professionalism.

Required for Application

Cover letter (no more than two pages) expanding on your experience relative to the desired attributes.

Resume with month/year for each position.

Application must be submitted online by the closing date.

Pre‑Employment Checks

Background checks include criminal record, driving record, and vulnerable population abuse and neglect. Refusal to consent results in disqualification.

Benefits

Work/life balance with flexible work schedules (most positions), competitive benefits package including high‑coverage health insurance, generous time‑off, and a competitive retirement plan.

Equal Opportunity

Oregon Youth Authority is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We encourage applications from people of color, women, and members of historically underserved communities. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other protected status.

Additional Information

All positions require the incumbent to serve as a mandatory reporter of child abuse.

Visa Sponsorship

We do not offer visa sponsorship. All employees must possess legal authorization to work in the United States and complete the I‑9 form.

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