Employee Relations Investigator

Position Summary: The Employee Relations Investigator will support the overall investigative and administrative operations for the Office of Employee Relations within the Division of Human Resources (DHR). Drawing on strong legal knowledge, investigative experience, organizational skills and knowledge of data systems, the Employee Relations Investigator will support all facets of Employee Relations with an emphasis on background investigation and reasonable accommodations processes.

The Employee Relations Investigator will ensure that all employees, volunteers and vendors have been timely and accurately vetted to work with New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) students, and will coordinate all related investigative activities, conduct interviews and carry a caseload. In addition, the Employee Relations Investigator will support the Office of Disability Accommodations on their caseload, including general case management and technical support. Performs related work.

Reports to: Deputy Director, Office of Employee Relations

Direct Reports: Administrative Support Staff

Key Relationships: Executive Director of Employee Relations, Offices within DHR, Office of the General Counsel, HR Directors, Office of School Support and Supervision, HR Connect, and School Administrators.

Responsibilities

Supports the background investigation process, including nominations, reviews, communications, and ongoing security clearance issues.
Ensures that employees, volunteers and vendors have been timely and accurately nominated in NYCPS systems.
Plans and coordinates investigative activities, including case distribution and assignments, interviews, case follow-up, and maintenance of all related files for applicants.
Handles emergency and special investigation matters, as needed.
Ensures compliance with all policies, procedures, regulations, and standards of practice.
Carries a caseload for background investigations and performs related tasks- including initial interviews with applicants, documents and records review and analysis, reference checks, employment verifications communication with applicants, and all related matters concerning character and fitness for the position.
Works strategically with the investigation teams on workload and distribution of available staff to ensure regular coverage and timely closure of cases.
Monitors and tracks the implementation of discipline stemming from investigations in a case tracking system.
Supports the reasonable accommodations process, including opening cases, tracking applications, gathering information, sending communications, and following up on processes.
Drafts written recommendations and follow-up reports for case review for both employment applicants and accommodation cases.
Prepares written and statistical reports for the Executive Director of Employee Relations.
Utilizes various computer systems to assist in the processing of applicants, cases, and data.
Works with confidential, high-level matters.
Supports other NYCPS-related work for processing applicants.
Supports other Employee Relations initiatives and projects assigned.
Works off-site, as needed, throughout the five boroughs to support any related-NYCPS events.
Varies work schedule to meet the needs of various stakeholders and provide coverage of events.
Attends citywide meetings as a representative of the NYCPS.

Qualification Requirements:

Minimum

A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and four years of satisfactory full-time experience in an industrial or governmental agency in the field of investigation, auditing, law enforcement, security, inspections, or in a major operational area of the agency in which the appointment is to be made; or
A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college; or
Education and/or experience equivalent to “1” or “2” above.

Plus

Demonstrated legal experience.

Preferred

Knowledge of NYCPS, City, and State rules and regulations.
Strong customer service focus and ability to collaborate across multiple offices and agencies.
Strong investigative experience, including interview and case management skills.
Strong database and spreadsheet experience, particularly with Microsoft.
Able to work flexible hours.
Able to travel throughout the five boroughs.
Excellent organizational skills.
Ability to make decisions and recommendations.
Experience managing highly confidential information of a sensitive nature.