INVESTIGATOR

Salary Range: $6,339.00 - $8,558.00 (A) / $7,306.00 - $10,609.00 (B). New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Location: San Diego County | Work Type: Permanent, Full Time | Schedule: Hybrid

About the Department

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) serves, protects, and supports the people of California experiencing need in ways that empower wellbeing and disrupt systemic inequities. The vision is to provide quality services with a commitment to an inclusive, diverse, and equitable California where all people can thrive.

Community Care Licensing promotes the health, safety, and quality of life of each person in community care through an effective collaborative regulatory enforcement system.

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, Belonging: We ensure opportunities for everyone to participate meaningfully in fulfilling the mission and vision of CDSS.
• Community Engagement: We prioritize the lived experiences of community members as a driving force behind programs and services.
• Empowerment: We engage and advocate from the understanding that each community and person has desires and capabilities to lead in their own life.
• Quality Services: We provide services that align intent and impact by ensuring they are accessible, community-driven, interconnected, and continuously improved.
• Data-Defined Outcomes: We equitably collect and analyze data, take data-driven action, and measure outcomes relevant to those we serve, ensuring transparency and accountability.

About the Role

This is a Peace Officer classification [PC 830.3(h)] subject to Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) requirements. The Department prefers applicants who are already POST Certified but may consider non-certified applicants. Non-certified applicants must complete POST training within the first year of appointment.

The Investigator, under the direction of the Supervising Special Investigator I, independently conducts the most sensitive, complex, and diverse investigations. These may include:

• Sexual and physical abuse
• Questionable or wrongful death
• Unlicensed facility operations
• Registered sex offenders in community care facilities
• Employment backgrounds and internal affairs
• Investigations involving injunctions

Duties include conducting interviews of subjects, witnesses, and victims; utilizing law enforcement databases; obtaining police, court, and analytical reports; and collaborating with local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in joint task force settings. The role requires performing a full range of peace officer duties and responsibilities, including travel across large areas of the state.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.

Requirements

• Background investigation, fingerprinting, psychological screening, and medical examination approval are required prior to hiring.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Must be able to work in a collaborative and challenging environment while maintaining high personal standards.
• Must be organized and proficient in using law enforcement databases.
• Ability to travel extensively within the state.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification. The following are required for consideration:

• Submission of a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ):
  • Typed in Arial 12-point font, not exceeding one page.
  • Describe training and work experience that has prepared you for this role, including specific examples of managing complex and sensitive investigations.
  • Include your level of experience with Microsoft products or services, if applicable.
• Completed Standard State Application (STD 678) with position number 800-819-8610-XXX in the Examination/Job Title section.
• POST Certificate/Profile (if applicable).
• Unofficial transcripts (if meeting minimum qualifications with education; official transcripts may be required if selected).

Resumes are optional and will not replace required employment history documentation.

Special Requirements

• This position is designated under the Conflict of Interest Code.
• Subject to fingerprinting clearance by the Department of Justice.
• Candidates residing outside California may interview but must provide proof of California residency prior to appointment.