APD Background Investigator I

Salary: $51,035.56 annually

About the Role

Under the direction of the Atlanta Police Background and Recruitment Commander, this position conducts background investigations of applicants to determine suitability for employment and performs related work as required. Works under very general supervision, may work independently or with other workers, and is responsible for completion of assigned tasks.

Responsibilities

• Conducts thorough and complete background investigations on multiple applicants simultaneously according to department policies, applicable laws, and procedural requirements.
• Reviews applications, personal history statements, and other documents to determine suitability; directs applicants to provide additional information if needed.
• Obtains proper information release documents.
• Conducts investigative interviews of applicants, their personal references, and employment references.
• Develops and pursues lines of inquiry.
• Gathers, verifies, and analyzes personal, professional, credit/financial, and educational documents.
• Contacts 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 check for inconsistencies.
• Prepares memorandums, reports, and written summaries of findings.
• Analyzes investigation results, draws logical and objective conclusions, and confers with Atlanta Police supervisors and Command Staff.
• Makes recommendations regarding suitability for employment.
• Responds to requests for information and assists outside agencies when appropriately requested to provide background information regarding previous applicants.
• Attends training sessions, seminars, and conferences.
• Trains and advises others within the Background and Recruitment Unit.
• Travels frequently during recruiting events to engage potential applicants.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

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

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.
• Four years of experience as a full-time paid peace officer conducting investigations (completion of a Peace Officers Standards and Training POST-approved Background Investigator course preferred).

Skills

• 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 (e.g., EEO, ADA).
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Excellent PC skills, including knowledge of applicant tracking systems (ATS) and spreadsheet applications.
• Ability to organize multiple activities requiring close attention to detail.
• Advanced knowledge of interviewing techniques, conflict management, and negotiation methods.
• Thorough knowledge of electronic information systems, data access, principles of identification, and report writing.
• Thorough knowledge of record-keeping and reporting.
• Basic knowledge of computers, modern office automation technology, and relevant software programs.
• Advanced knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances related to background investigations and hiring practices.

Work Environment

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

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