Background Investigators; Part-Time

Overview

The Division of Institutional Planning & Operations (IP&O) employs a workforce of approximately 2,700 staff, represented by 15 collective negotiation agreements, and is responsible for institutional strategic initiatives and operations across the State of New Jersey. These include planning and construction, facilities, public safety and emergency operations, environmental health and safety, transportation, housing, and auxiliary/retail operations.

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Background Investigator for Rutgers Police.

• Review completed background interview forms of public safety candidates, checking for inconsistencies, errors, omissions, falsifications, and minimum requirements to ensure accuracy before initiating initial candidate interviews.
• Obtain and review records from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice, and state and municipal law enforcement records where the candidate has resided to determine the candidate’s role in any crime (witness, victim, suspect, or perpetrator), as well as credit reports to evaluate financial responsibility.
• Obtain and review arrest reports, witness statements, discipline, employment records, and other relevant documents to determine candidate compliance with Rutgers University policies and federal and state law as applicable.
• Conduct background investigations by interviewing employers, co‑workers, neighbors, law enforcement officials, military personnel, family members, and personal references.
• Make additional inquiries to assist in determining the credibility of statements.
• Prepare detailed and complete interview statements for each person interviewed to allow reviewers to draw reasonable and logical conclusions about the prospective candidate.
• Prepare final background investigation package for presentation to supervision and management by organizing all investigative material in accordance with established procedures.
• Meet regularly with management and/or candidate to keep them apprised of the status of the investigation(s).
• Complete background packages for review and final recommendation.

Hourly: $24.00 – $34.00.

Benefits include medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage; paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs; competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax‑deferred savings options; employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable); life insurance coverage; employee discount programs.

Part‑Time;

Working Hours:

19.5 hours per week.

Payroll Designation:
People Soft.

Terms of Appointment:
Temporary Staff Appointment – Hourly.

Minimum

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Valid driver’s license.

• Read, comprehend and interpret detailed, complex written material.
• Prepare clear, concise written reports.
• Analyze complex ideas into smaller parts; prioritize investigations; handle multiple cases simultaneously.
• Apply appropriate investigative techniques to produce a holistic view of the candidate’s background.
• Communicate tactfully, persuasively, and effectively with coworkers, supervisors, management, and the public.
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity when dealing with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Work cooperatively as part of a team; remain calm and focused when interviewing distressed or combative persons.
• Develop pertinent questions, rephrase/clarify when necessary, and keep the interview focused on relevant material.
• Apply positive selection standards and automatic disqualifiers as established by New Jersey law, Rutgers University policy, and the Police Training Commission Act.
• Understand confidentiality laws and handle informational requests appropriately.
• Recognize actions that may compromise investigation integrity and maintain confidentiality.
• Apply principles and practices of personnel investigations, including interview techniques, fingerprinting procedures, criminal history checks, and social media review.

• Prior certified law enforcement officer or civilian associated with a law…