Public Safety Background Investigator

Job Announcement

This position serves as a Civilian Background Investigator for the Sheriff's Office; assigned to the Administrative Services Division:
Applicant Recruiting & Screening. Conducts background investigations of applicants seeking employment with the Sheriff's Office. As assigned, assists in applicant recruitment, testing, and initial screening. Flexible worksite/hours.

The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position description.

• Conduct thorough background investigations through interviews with applicants or related parties;
• Verify references, reports, evaluations, and/or other documents in conjunction with the background investigation;
• Assist in recruiting prospective applicants;
• Assist in testing and processing applicants;
• Prepare written recommendations and review comprehensive background summaries with supervisor.

The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and techniques of law enforcement investigative principles and interview techniques;
• Knowledge of principles and practices of Public Safety departmental procedures;
• Knowledge of statistical methods;
• Knowledge of equal employment opportunity laws;
• Ability to present ideas effectively both orally and written form;
• Ability to conduct detailed analytical evaluations and to prepare related reports and recommendations;
• Ability to maintain a high level of ethical standards;
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of integrity and to be truthful at all times.

Minimum Qualifications: Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:
An associate's degree with major course work in Human Resources, Police Science, or related field;
Plus 3 years' experience in investigations or law enforcement.

Certificates and Licenses

Required:

• Must obtain certification as a Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) Operator Level B within 6 months after appointment.
• Driver's License (Required)
• May be required to provide copies of driving record periodically for verification of driving status.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three (3) years of employment experience;
• Experience using law enforcement databases (VCIN, NCIC, Linx) and open-source materials to conduct investigations, bilingual, exceptional communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing,
• Experience using Microsoft office products and internet research tools.
• Experience as a law enforcement officer for a local, state, federal agency, or military.

Necessary Special Requirements: The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, driving record check, polygraph exam, and psychological exam to the satisfaction of the employer.

Physical Requirements: Ability to operate a motor vehicle & keyboard-driven equipment. All duties may be performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

Selection Procedure: Panel interview; may include exercise.

Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others). We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY .

EEO/AA/TTY.