Investigator

The individual in this position, under general supervision of the Director of Investigations & Compliance, conducts fact‑finding investigations or mediated resolutions to reports or complaints submitted to the district regarding allegations of employee misconduct, harassment, intimidation, bullying (HIB), discrimination, and sexual harassment. The role also provides support to school building administrators conducting building‑level investigations involving staff misconduct concerns and responding to informal reports or complaints of HIB, sexual harassment, and discrimination involving students. At the discretion of the Director, the investigator may hold a working title of Civil Rights Investigator, Title IX Investigator, or HR Investigator Specialist.

Essential Functions

• 60% – Implementation of district policies and procedures: Conduct intake interviews; collaborate with school and district administrators, Security Specialists, and others on investigations; perform fact‑finding tasks, including interviewing and collecting documentary evidence; manage complaint investigation case files in both hard copy and electronic formats; draft investigative reports and complaint resolution documents for review; facilitate alternative dispute resolution options regarding student concerns in conjunction with the Director of Investigations & Compliance.
• 20% – Relationship building: Develop and maintain positive relationships with students, parents, district stakeholders, and community agencies (including labor partners, Seattle Police Department, and Child Protective Services); share information with appropriate agencies following district and department protocol.
• 10% – Process and standards development: Establish and maintain investigative processes and standards based on best practices and current technologies; act as a key resource in investigative methods; advise managers and supervisors on interview techniques and evidence collection/maintenance.
• 5% – Applicant clearance support: Assist in clearing prospective district applicants with criminal charges associated with their fingerprints; gather relevant documents for the Director to determine eligibility and coordinate with Business Partners on hiring decisions.
• 5% – Student safety and remediation: Consult with school administrators, staff, and community agencies regarding identified students; develop and monitor safety and remedial action plans; create developmentally and culturally appropriate student intervention alternatives that involve parental participation.

Other Functions

• Attend meetings, conferences, and seminars to maintain current knowledge of conducting investigations, civil rights issues, and employment matters, including workplace investigations.
• Monitor current research, trends, issues, and practices in civil‑rights enforcement and communicate findings as appropriate.
• Perform other related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.

Core Competencies

• Collaboration: Develops cooperation and teamwork; works skillfully in difficult situations with internal and external groups; builds respectful and productive relationships.
• Getting Results (Action Oriented): Performs work with energy and drive; takes quick, decisive action; maintains urgency in solving problems; assumes responsibility for starting and finishing work with minimal supervision.
• Decision Quality & Problem Solving: Uses analysis, experience, and logical methods to make good decisions; incorporates multiple inputs; weighs consequences; displays self‑confidence and focuses on facts and solutions.
• Integrity: Widely trusted; presents truthful information; keeps confidences; admits mistakes; represents data accurately and completely.
• Accountability: Holds self and others accountable for high‑quality, timely results; sets priorities, delegates work, and accepts responsibility for mistakes; aligns activities with broader organizational needs.

Relevant Competencies

• Written Communications: Writes clearly and succinctly in various settings; organizes information in a clear, convincing manner; tailors writing to audience; uses correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Planning: Accurately determines task length and difficulty; sets clear, realistic, measurable goals; anticipates roadblocks and develops contingencies.
• Organizing: Marshals resources to accomplish goals; arranges information and files logically; keeps accurate, current records accessible to all.
• Time Management: Uses time effectively; concentrates on top priorities; handles several tasks simultaneously.
• Managing Relationships: Responds well to people at all levels; creates win‑win scenarios; shares appropriate information to find common ground.
• Conflict Management: Mediates conflict; reaches equitable agreements; expands areas of agreement and narrows disagreements; seeks win‑win solutions.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Working knowledge of current laws, regulations, and guidelines related to civil rights, employment, and labor law in education.
• Comfort interacting with persons of authority.
• Ability to conduct prompt, thorough investigations, including fact‑finding interviews and evidence collection.
• Effective verbal and written communication with diverse individuals and groups.
• Maintain confidentiality and discretion with sensitive information.
• Work well under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Take individual initiative and be accountable for effort and work.
• Adapt to change and remain flexible.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with district staff.

Desired Qualifications

• Training in conducting workplace, civil, or criminal investigations.
• Training in conducting child forensic interviews.

Other Factors

• May occasionally be required to be available in early evenings for investigatory activities.

Benefits

Seattle Public Schools benefits are administered by the Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA) under the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB). Eligibility for benefits is determined by the number of hours employees are anticipated to work during the school year (September 1 through August 31). Any employee scheduled to work 630 hours or more in a year is eligible for benefits.

Salary Schedule

The salary schedule associated with this role and similar positions is available through the district’s compensation resources.