Investigator 3

Initial Posting Date:
04/14/2025

Application Deadline:
04/24/2025

Agency:
Department of Human Services

Salary Range:
$5,505 - $8,097

Position Type:
Employee

Position Title:
Investigator 3

Job Description:

The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our Equity North Star and our vision for a positive RiSE organizational culture that advances equity and diversity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

• Preference may be given to candidates that are bilingual in Spanish

Opportunity awaits! We're in search of leaders committed to promoting and fostering a diverse and qualified workforce where individuals feel welcome, appreciated, and valued for all they bring to the organization. The Office of Training, Investigations and Safety (OTIS) has an exciting opportunity for those interested in gathering information and evidence to uncover the truth in a case, often involving interviewing witnesses, examining records, ultimately aiming to help resolve a situation with this Investigator 3 recruitment. If you are skilled in conducting investigations and collecting and analyzing evidence, consider taking on a key role in our team as the (Investigator 3, for the Office of Training, Investigations and Safety) for the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).

About the Office of Training, Investigations and Safety

The OTIS Investigations Unit is a dedicated team comprised of 30+ managers, screeners and investigators working together to ensure the safety of those we serve. We work with providers and other partners to ensure protective services are developed and implemented and investigations occur when allegations rise to the level of abuse as defined in Oregon Statute and Administrative Rule. The types of abuse and neglect OTIS investigates include, but are not limited to verbal abuse, financial exploitation, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and failure to provide care of services. Investigators are responsible for conducting thorough investigations into allegations of abuse, neglect, or misconduct, including cases involving state employees, contractors, or other staff. This role requires high levels of integrity, discretion, and expertise in assessing sensitive situations, gathering evidence, and ensuring compliance with legal and organizational standards. The Investigations Unit is committed to ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals who reside in state licensed facilities and the community by conducting prompt, thorough, objective investigations throughout the state.

Summary of Duties

As an Investigator 3, you will:

• Conduct investigations surrounding allegations of abuse and neglect to vulnerable populations in a variety of settings, including the Oregon State Hospital, Child Caring Agencies and the Stabilization and Crisis Unit, day cares and schools. Those identified as the Respondent or Accused Person include, ODHS staff, OHA staff or other union represented individuals, including represented members of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union (AFSME) and the Oregon Education Association union (OEA).
• Investigators may be required to provide testimony during administrative hearings, disciplinary proceedings, or criminal trials related to cases involving state employees or contractors.
• Prepares thoroughly for legal proceedings by reviewing case documentation and coordinating with legal representatives to present factual and unbiased testimony.
• Investigations conducted by OTIS may impact an Accused Person/Respondent's employment and may be used in termination proceedings.
• Identifies and locates alleged victims, alleged perpetrators, and witnesses to be interviewed. Reviews records or other evidence to be examined; may determine if circumstances warrant initiation or continuation of investigation.
• Receive, review, and process abuse allegations and investigation intake forms that are received from the general public, community partners, and provider agencies.
• The job involves gathering and reviewing detailed information about abuse, neglect and trauma. Conducts investigations with an understanding of collective bargaining agreements and consults applicable provisions during case analysis.

Minimum Qualifications

• Four years of recent (within last ten years) full-time investigative experience which included:
• Conducting fact finding; collecting and preserving evidence according to the rules of evidence; examining records; locating and interviewing witnesses to verify or disprove claims of suspected law violations; and writing investigation reports sufficient for use at administrative hearings or in court.
• Examples of qualifying investigation experience are in areas such as law enforcement investigation, insurance investigation, investigative trial support, or financial fraud investigation.
• College-level courses in Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice, Law, Accounting, or Auditing may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for up to one year of the required experience.

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• Communication: Experience communicating clearly and precisely, both verbally and in writing to convey information and build rapport.
• Investigative Experience: The ability to build rapport and trust with people from all walks of life in order to obtain information and cooperation.
• Caseloads: Allocate time effectively to ensure all cases receive adequate attention, managing tasks, appointments and client information.
• Investigation Interviews: Experience conducting effective interviews and producing clear and accurate investigative reports, accurately and thoroughly documenting the interview, including all relevant details and observations, to create a clear and accurate record.
• Critical Thinking: Conduct research, problem definition, root cause analysis, propose new approaches and look for ways to improve processes.
• Writing Skills: Experience conveying technical information clearly and accurately, understanding research, planning and outlining, editing, revising, spelling and grammar.
• Statutes and Administrative Rule: Experience to accurately interpret and apply Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) and Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) relevant to administrative investigations.

Attention all candidates! A cover letter is required. Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history. Failure to submit the required cover letter will result in disqualification of your application.

• Please make sure your application materials, resume and job history, are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
• The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification.

Working Conditions

• Remote work will be considered in filling this position. May be required to come to the Salem office, when training, business or operational needs are dependent on onsite activities.
• During the training period you will be working in person and in tandem with other Investigators.
• The schedule for this position may require variations of the standard 40 hours a week to accommodate agency business needs. Investigators may rotate on-call responsibility.
• Investigations occur in licensed and unlicensed settings statewide. Frequent trips to and from facility and programs are required.
• Generally, works alone with no on-site supervision.
• Overnight travel to other parts of the state may be required. Occasionally requires working unpredictable hours including evenings and weekends.
• Daily contact with individuals who have an intellectual and/or developmental disability, physical disability and/or mental illness or co-occurring disorder, some of whom may be physically aggressive.
• Daily contact with union represented staff and/or union representatives, frequent contact with union officials.
• Frequent exposure to sensitive information and evidence, such photographs and reports regarding abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults and children.
• Engages with union officials, representatives, and attorneys to ensure adherence to labor agreements and respectful interaction with unionized employees.
• Provides clear communication to union representatives and attorneys regarding case updates, findings, and procedural requirements.

Background Checks and Requirements

• If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. Additional background check information.
• The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.
• A valid driver's license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.

Benefits

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.
• Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
• Amazing benefits package.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Employment Preference

Veterans' preference:

• Veterans' preference information.
• How to submit your Veteran documents for preference. Please do not attach your Veterans' preference documentation in the Resume/CV field of your application.

General Information

• This is a permanent, full-time position and is a Management Service, Non-Supervisory position and is not represented by a union.
• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.

Contact Information

We invite you to contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions.

• The recruiter for this position is Nora Leyva Esquivel. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-178803.
• Email: Nora.L.LEYVA-ESQUIVEL@odhs.oregon.gov
• Phone (call or text): 503-269-4222