Background Investigator #10114269-21800, Full-Time, Perm in Albuquerque, NM

Opening Date: 09-11-2026 - Close Date: 09-25-2026 | # of Positions: 1 | Location: Albuquerque, NM

About the role

Under general supervision of the Pretrial Services Supervisor, this position works within the AOC Background Investigation and Public Safety Assessment Unit in Albuquerque, NM. The unit provides critical background investigation reports and Public Safety Assessment outcomes to courts statewide. The investigator conducts thorough criminal background investigations on individuals arrested statewide and charged with criminal offenses prior to their initial hearing, arraignment and/or detention hearing; receives and responds to correspondence from detention centers and courts; updates daily logs tracking work progress and performance; and acts as a designee authorized to make pre‑trial defendant release decisions based on program criteria.

Responsibilities

• Interview offenders to obtain and verify necessary background information for criminal history investigations.
• Provide detailed reports to the court including recommendations for release.
• Assess offender’s threat level to self and others.
• Make appropriate recommendations for release and bonds based on criminal history.
• Defend developed release or program recommendations and challenges to those recommendations.
• Prepare written reports including detailed chronological criminal history, conditions of release, treatment referrals and future recommendations.
• Attend court proceedings as necessary and present defendant profile, criminal history information and conditions or release recommendations to the court.
• Provide release information to judges, involved parties and community members.
• Compile and report statistical data.
• Communicate with District Attorneys and other government and court agencies.
• Participate in conferences, training and community outreach or educational programs related to court programs.
• Complete detailed offender behavioral profile by contacting references and verifying information regarding employment, home, work, and school status.
• Contact and interview victims.
• Document interactions with defendants in the case management system and maintain current case files.
• Perform scheduled and unannounced site visits (home, work, school, or other location) to obtain or verify background information.
• Serve as the Terminal Agency Coordinator (TAC) and ensure compliance with security requirements.
• Recognize patterns of drug, alcohol, and anger issues and make appropriate referrals to community treatment providers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Must obtain and maintain National Crime Information Center (NCIC) certification within six (6) months of hire.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice, Social Sciences, Counseling, or a directly related field.
• Education Substitution: Four (4) years of directly related or relevant experience may substitute on a year‑for‑year basis.
• Experience: Three (3) years of experience conducting background investigations or a related field.

Skills

• Knowledge of state statutes, rules, and constitutional rights governing release