Job Description

Background Investigator

Background Investigator is a part-time 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 state/federal laws, as well as Palicon Group policies and procedures.

Palicon Group is a Southern California based firm specializing in workplace investigations, security, and public safety consulting.

Class Title: Background Investigator

Salary: $30.00 to $35.00 Hourly

Job Summary: Background Investigator is a part-time 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 state/federal laws, as well as Palicon Group policies and procedures.

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

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Author reports or case summaries to document investigations.
• Search computer databases, credit reports, public records, tax or legal filings, or other resources to locate persons or to compile information for investigations.
• Conduct background investigations of individuals, like pre-employment checks, to obtain information about an individual’s character, financial status, or personal history.
• Organizes all investigative material in accordance with established procedures.
• Questions persons to obtain information and evidence for various investigative matters.
• Coordinates his/her schedule to ensure efficient use of time while traveling.

General Qualifications:

Knowledge of: State and Federal law, civil and criminal investigative procedures, industry best practices, and Palicon Group policy and procedures.

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

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

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

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

Basic principles of police 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.

Modern office equipment including computer and applicable software.

Proper English to include correct spelling and grammar.

Sound safety practices.

Ability to: Read, comprehend, and interpret detailed, complex written material.

Prepare clear and concise written reports.

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

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

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

Access information through various computer systems.

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

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.

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

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

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

Work cooperatively as a part of a team.

Remain calm and focused when interviewing distraught or uncooperative persons.

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.

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

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

Keep the interview focused on the material to be covered.

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

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

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

Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience: A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is graduation from high school or a G.E.D. equivalent.

Two (2) years of law enforcement experience with a minimum of one (1) year of investigation experience in a public safety environment.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements: A valid California driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the company’s insurance policy.

Certificate of completion from a California POST approved background investigation course.

Physical Demands: 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: Employees work under typical office conditions, and the noise level is usually quiet. The employee is also required to work in outside conditions, exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, where the noise level may be loud.

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