Civilian Background Investigator - Full-time

About the Department

Are you looking to join a team that values Professionalism, Accountability, Integrity, and Responsiveness?   Do you want to be a part of a strong team dedicated to serving our community, building relationships, and creating opportunities?  Then this might be the opportunity for you!

We are looking for someone to join Team Yuma as a Civilian Background Investigator working with the department of Police. The ideal candidate will perform background investigations.

Under basic supervision, this job classification is responsible for completing confidential background investigations related to all applicants being considered for employment at the Yuma Police Department (YPD); analyzes and prepares reports related to information gathered.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Works in partnership with Human Resources to plan and oversee recruitments within the Police Department; schedules and coordinates appropriate job-related interviews, oral panels and assessment/testing exercises and instruments.
• Acts as the department point of contact to build candidate relations and the department liaison with law enforcement partners to provide or obtain information required for all background processes.
• Schedules and conducts confidential investigative background checks related to all YPD employment applicants.
• Conducts personal/phone interviews with the candidate, family members, references, and employers.
• Obtains criminal history checks, credit reports and related background information; reviews for inconsistencies related to applicant’s background.
• Assesses information received for inconsistencies related to the background information provided, conducts necessary follow-up or investigation as needed.
• Prepares comprehensive background reports and recommends hiring decisions to the hiring Supervisor.
• Assists in recruiting candidates from various sources (universities, social media, and employee referrals) and coordinates and assists in the internal hiring or promotional processes as needed.
• Utilizes computer skills to keep track of statistics in word processing/formatting, database, and spreadsheet applications (i.e. Microsoft Office) and to conduct internet/website research and navigate multiple websites.
• Supports the relationship between the City and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff; promotes the City goals and priorities, vision, values and the “Yuma Way”, and complies with all City policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Training and Experience Guidelines
High School Diploma or GED equivalent; and one year of experience performing background screening or relevant investigative work; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Law Enforcement investigative experience is preferred.

Knowledge of:

• City policies and procedures.
• AZPOST standards and guidelines.
• State and Federal laws and City policies governing HR functions.
• Recruiting, interviewing, and report writing skills and techniques.
• Principles, techniques, and methods of public sector personnel administration, confidential records management, background investigation, and effective customer service practices.
• Record keeping and file maintenance principles and procedures.

Skill in:

• Interviewing candidates and references.
• Detailed investigative techniques.
• Reviewing background records and identifying fraud, errors and omissions.
• Interacting with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Following and communicating verbal and written instructions.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Handling multiple tasks simultaneously.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
A valid Arizona State Driver's License is required. Additional technical training and certifications may be required for some incumbents, including Arizona/National Crime Information Centers (ACIC/NCIC).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in a standard office environment and in the field. Required to bend, reach, stoop, and lift objects.

POLICE DEPARTMENT AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFIERS
 The City of Yuma Police Department will automatically disqualify any individual who has at any time;

• Engaged in reported/unreported criminal behavior in such a manner that if hired would be detrimental to Yuma Police Department
• Been dishonorably discharged from the United States armed forces
• Illegally sold, produced, cultivated, or transported for sale marijuana or dangerous drugs/narcotics
• Illegally used marijuana/dangerous drugs/narcotic drugs for any purpose within the past year
• Have a pattern of abusing prescription medication
• Convicted of or adjudged to have violated traffic regulations governing the movement of vehicles with such a frequency so as to indicate disrespect for the traffic laws and disregard for the safety of other persons on the highway within the past three years
• Been previously employed with a law enforcement agency and since has committed or violated federal, state, or city laws pertaining to criminal activity
• Lied during any stage of the hiring process, falsified any information on the application or background questionnaire
• Conviction of domestic violence crime, misdemeanor, or felony or conviction of a lesser charge, which at the time of occurrence was a domestic violence crime