APD Background Investigator

Overview

General Description and Classification Standards
:
Under the direction of the Atlanta Police Background and Recruitment Commander, conducts background investigations of applicants to determine suitability for employment and performs other related work as required.

• Conducts thorough and complete background investigations on multiple applicants at one time according to department policies, applicable laws, and procedural requirements
• Reviews applications/personal history statements (and other documents, as required to determine suitability) for completeness and directs applicants to provide additional information if needed
• Obtains proper information release documents
• Conducts investigative interviews of applicants, applicant personal references and applicant employment references
• Develops and pursues lines of inquiry
• Gathers, verifies, and analyzes personal, professional, credit/financial, and educational documents
• Contacts other law enforcement agencies, governments, and professional organizations to obtain and verify information
• Researches and reviews data from various databases and information systems to verify information and/or check for inconsistencies related to applicant information
• Prepares memorandums, reports and written summary of findings
• Analyzes investigation results and draws logical and objective conclusions while conferring with Atlanta Police supervisors and Command Staff
• Makes recommendations regarding suitability for employment
• Responds to requests for information, assists outside agencies when appropriately requested to provide background information regarding previous applicants
• Attends training sessions, seminars and conferences
• Trains and advises others as required within the Background and Recruitment Unit
• Travels on a frequent basis during recruiting events to potential applicants
• May perform other duties as assigned

• Advanced knowledge of screening and interviewing techniques
• Advanced knowledge of sourcing, recruitment and selection techniques including the use of social media technology
• Advanced knowledge of behavioral interviewing skills and competency-based selection
• Thorough knowledge of relevant governmental/regulatory requirements (EEO, ADA, etc.)
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including oral and written communication skills
• Excellent PC skills, including knowledge of applicant tracking systems (ATS) and spreadsheet applications
• Ability to organize multiple activities which require close attention to detail
• Advanced knowledge of interviewing techniques, conflict management, and methods/techniques of negotiation
• Thorough knowledge of electronic information systems to access data; principles of identification, and report writing
• Thorough knowledge of record keeping and reporting
• Basic knowledge of computers, modern office automation technology and computer software programs relevant to department operations
• Advanced knowledge of relevant federal, state and local laws, codes, and ordinances related to the legal requirements of background investigations and hiring practices of applicants

• High school diploma or GED equivalency from an accredited institution
• One (1) year experience in police support activities
• Must meet Atlanta Police Department background investigation requirements
• Must be willing to travel throughout Georgia & the United States when needed
• Must be flexible to work evenings and weekends when recruiting events dictate

None required.

• At least 2 years working in a law enforcement environment
• Experience conducting investigative background interviews
• At least 2 years performing applicant employment investigative work in a government or contract investigative agency
• Or
• Four years experience as a full-time paid peace officer conducting investigations (Completion of a Peace Officers Standards and Training POST approved Background Investigator course preferred)

Required physical, lifting, and sensory capabilities are requirements to perform the job successfully. Typical environmental conditions associated with job.

Sedentary work:
Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

The City of Atlanta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran’s status or national origin, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.

It is the policy of the City of Atlanta (“COA”) that qualified individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against because of their disabilities regarding job application procedures, hiring, and other terms and conditions of employment. The COA provides reasonable accommodations to…