Investigative Officer 1/Investigative Officer Trainee (NY HELPS), WCB Item #1263

About the Role

Under the direction of an Investigative Officer 2 within the Enforcement Unit, this position provides the support needed to efficiently accomplish the Enforcement Unit’s mission and objectives.

Responsibilities

• Visit individuals, businesses, and agencies to gather information/documentation and secure employer cooperation and compliance.
• Demonstrate mastery of relevant information technology, including the Investigator Mobile Application, IC2, CIS, Insurance Compliance Investigation Maintenance, research engines, and Workers' Compensation Law as it relates to enforcement procedures and claims processes.
• Stay current with enforcement-related Workers' Compensation Board program requirements.
• Properly use Board-issued equipment, such as iPad and iPhone, as outlined in enforcement procedures and manuals.
• Make phone calls, send emails, faxes, and written correspondence to gather or report information.
• Complete a minimum of three full field days per week.
• Write clear, concise, and factual reports.
• Serve all legal documents, including stop-work orders and subpoenas, in a timely manner.
• Answer routine public inquiries politely and professionally.
• Complete investigations and corresponding reports promptly.
• Proactively investigate suspected non-compliance and respond decisively to perceived problems.
• Maintain strong working relationships with supervisors and coworkers.
• Report difficulties with assignments to supervisors immediately and support team members to maximize unit effectiveness.
• Maintain a professional attitude and appearance at all times.
• Keep accurate records of activity using the Investigator Mobile Application.
• Safeguard the confidentiality of records, procedures, and individuals.
• Exercise sound judgment in preserving safety, assessing feasibility, predicting outcomes, and refining investigative techniques.
• Attend all required agency/unit meetings and training sessions.
• Complete all mandatory SLMS training classes on time.

Requirements

This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). For the duration of the program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, meaning no examination is required, but candidates must meet the minimum qualifications. At a future date, non-competitive employment status may convert to competitive status without further examination.

Investigative Officer Trainee (SG-13)

• Four years of experience gathering and securing information and evidence from various sources through independent, non-structured activities, including preparing and submitting detailed narrative reports.
• Experience in auditing, interviewing, building security surveillance, traffic enforcement, or routine inspections/surveys does not qualify as investigative experience.
• Substitutions: An associate degree can substitute for two years of specialized experience; a bachelor’s or higher degree can substitute for four years of specialized experience.

Investigative Officer 1 (SG-16)

• Five years of experience in a field investigative position conducting interviews, taking written statements and affidavits, collecting and analyzing physical and documentary evidence, and preparing detailed written reports of findings.
• Qualifying experience includes roles such as police detective, insurance investigator, licensed private investigator, federal/state/municipal investigator, child protective services investigator, or military investigations.
• Non-qualifying experience includes routine police patrol, security guard, tax collector, credit checker, legal assistant/attorney, hotel/store detective, loss prevention officer, parole officer, correction officer, or foster care/adoption placement.
• Substitutions: An associate’s degree in criminal justice or a related field may substitute for two years of qualifying experience; a bachelor’s degree in a related field may substitute for four years of qualifying experience. Related fields include cyber security, law enforcement, police science, criminal justice administration, criminology, criminal investigation, police studies, public justice, forensic accounting, forensic psychology, forensic science, economic crime management, or homeland security.

Additional Pathways

• Individuals certified under the 55b/c program for persons/veterans with disabilities may also qualify. A copy of the eligibility letter must be provided.
• For civil service list appointments, candidates must be reachable on the appropriate Civil Service eligible list.
• Transfer candidates must have one year of permanent competitive or non-competitive 55b/c service as an Investigative Officer 1 or be eligible to transfer under Section 70.1 or 70.4 of the Civil Service Law.

Benefits

• Holiday & Paid Time Off:
  • Thirteen paid holidays annually.
  • Thirteen days of paid vacation leave in the first year, increasing to 20+ days with additional service.
  • Five days of paid personal leave annually.
  • Thirteen days of paid sick leave annually for PEF/CSEA; eight days for M/C.
  • Annual professional and educational leave opportunities for eligible staff.
• Health Care Benefits:
  • Eligible employees and dependents can choose from a variety of affordable and generous health insurance programs.
  • Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost.
• Additional Benefits:
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
  • Enrollment in the New York State pension system or an Optional Retirement Defined Contribution Plan with an 8% salary match (eligibility requirements apply).
  • NYS Deferred Compensation and an exclusive 403(b) Optional Retirement Savings Plan.
  • Paid Parental Leave for all employees and Paid Family Leave (M/C only).
  • Eligibility for various life insurance options.
  • Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Program.
  • Flexible Spending Program for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.

Pay

For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range). Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules, and negotiated union contracts.

Appointment title depends on the qualifications of the selected candidate. Candidates may be required to serve a one-year traineeship leading to the SG-16 position, starting at the SG-13 Trainee level. After successful completion, the incumbent advances to SG-16.

Schedule

This position requires both in-office and remote work. A hybrid telecommuting schedule can be discussed with the hiring manager during the interview.