Background Investigator

About the role

The New York City Department of Investigation (DOI) is one of the oldest law enforcement agencies in the country; its mission is to combat municipal corruption. DOI serves the people of New York City by acting as an independent and nonpartisan watchdog for New York City government, City agencies, and City employees, vendors with City contracts, individuals and entities that receive City funds. DOI seeks two entry-level Investigators to join our Background Investigation Unit (“BIU”). Your investigations will play a vital role in ensuring the integrity of New York City's leadership as the BIU investigates City employees for some of the most critical positions. These include, but are not limited to, citywide executive management, employees with financial authority, access to the City's digital security and legal and investigative positions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive, sensitive investigations of individuals under consideration for City appointments to positions of public trust.
• Analyze, evaluate, and authenticate information obtained from the employee and diverse sources, including financial records, criminal history, employment records, education credentials, and other public and open-source intelligence.
• Prepare clear, unbiased investigative reports to support City agencies in their hiring and promotion decisions.
• Manage and complete a large caseload with time sensitive goals, within a team-driven environment.
• Apply critical thinking and sound judgment to evaluate information, resolve discrepancies, and provide accurate investigative findings.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications (one of the following):

• A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent approved by a State's Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization 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.
• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
• Education and/or experience equivalent to the above.

If selected, the candidate will be fingerprinted and undergo a background investigation. For positions that have a law enforcement and/or investigative function, the candidate's consumer credit history will be reviewed during the background investigation, as permitted by NYC Administrative Code 8-107(24)(b)(2)(A).

Residency Requirement: New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. Determine applicability with the agency representative at the time of interview.

Skills

• Excellent writing skills, ability to prepare clear, concise, organized investigative findings.
• Strong communication, interpersonal skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Attention to detail while handling multiple time-sensitive investigations.
• Professionalism and discretion in handling confidential or sensitive information.
• Investigative experience (law enforcement, legal, academic, or journalistic).

Benefits

Public Service Loan Forgiveness: As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Pay

$52,426.00 – $56,536.00