Background Investigator (Professional Staff)

City of McKinney, TX; McKinney (TX); On-site; USD 62,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

City of McKinney is seeking a Police Background Investigator to conduct interviews, field investigations, and home visits for applicants. The role evaluates references, reviews records, and coordinates testing to support hiring decisions for the Police Department.

Under supervision, you will maintain confidentiality, assist recruitment, and ensure compliance with department policies and state laws; flexibility and teamwork are essential in a dynamic municipal environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration or related field.
• Three (3) years’ experience in a law enforcement agency.
• Must pass a drug screen and background check.

Responsibilities

• Interviews personal and professional references.
• Administers applicant testing and coordination of oral boards.
• Reviews driving record, financial background, and social media content.
• Compile written investigation summaries.
• Prepares and submits documents to Human Resources for offers; confirms start dates.
• Assists with recruitment efforts.

Skills

Interviewing

Background investigations

Documentation

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration or related field

Job description

Based on experience, our typical hiring range for this position is as follows:

TYPICAL HIRING RANGE:

$61,996.87 - $70,171.77 / Annual $29.81 - $33.74 / Hourly

WORKING FOR THE CITY OF MCKINNEY

Working for the City of McKinney is more than a job. It is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. It is also an opportunity to have a hand in the development of one of the fastest growing communities in the nation. Proudly recognized on the Top Workplaces USA list by USA TODAY, our team is dedicated to making McKinney one of the best places to work, live, and raise a family. That’s why we exist. Join us and start making a difference today.

OUR CORE VALUES

City of McKinney employees work hard and at a very fast pace. However, we also look after and support one another. All new employees are guided by four employee-inspired values – Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence (RISE). We are also supported by servant-based leaders who foster and support a healthy, family-oriented culture. All new employees are expected to embrace and live by our core values and commit to helping us sustain our exceptional work environment as a high performance organization (HPO).

SUMMARY OF POSITION

Under general supervision, the Police Background Investigator is responsible for the completion of background investigations, home visits, personal interviews, and other processes necessary to make recommendations for hiring for Police Department positions.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES

In order for us to continue to achieve our primary function of making McKinney a better place to live, work, and raise a family, we hold these expectations for all employees.

• Learn and demonstrate an understanding of how team, department, and City goals are interconnected.
• Contribute to a positive work culture.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance
• Ability to assess his/her work performance or the work performance of the team.
• Contribute to the development of others and/or the working unit or overall organization.
• Ability and willingness to work as part of a team, to demonstrate team skills, and to perform a fair share of team responsibilities.
• Ability to continuously learn and develop through a mix of internal and external training opportunities, and if applicable, encourage subordinates to do the same.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducts interviews, field investigations, and home visits for applicants.
• Interviews personal and professional references.
• Administers applicant testing and coordination of oral boards.
• Reviews personal history statements for accuracy.
• Communicates with polygrapher and psychologists for testing and reviews results.
• Reviews driving record, financial background, and social media content.
• Compile written investigation summaries.
• Prepares and submits conditional and final documents to Human Resources for official job offers for employment; confirms start dates.
• Assists with recruitment efforts.
• Maintains confidentiality of departmental documentation and issues.
• Maintains Criminal Justice Security Awareness Certification.
• Complies with all written City policies and procedures.
• Adheres to assigned work schedule as outlined in City and department attendance policies and procedures.
• Must be able to work flexible hours when needed.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Completes investigations for Sworn Police Applicants when necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned or directed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND BEHAVIORS

• Ability to embrace and embody the City's core values of Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence (R.I.S.E.).
• Ability to communicate effectively with peers, supervisors, subordinates, and people to whom service is provided.
• Ability to produce desired work outcomes, including quality, quantity, and timeliness.
• Ability to plan and organize work, time, and resources, and if applicable, that of subordinates.
• Must possess strong customer service skills and the ability to communicate effectively both orally and written.
• Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills including the ability to calculate and tabulate data.
• Intermediate Microsoft Office skills including Word and PowerPoint.
• Ability to provide high level of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency and results-orientation.
• Ability to speak and deal tactfully with others and exhibit a willingness to share information.
• Skill to exercise sound judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in various situations.
• Skill to identify and implement process improvements.
• Strong negotiating skills and ability to assess proposals and contracts.
• Demonstrate a collaborative and flexible style, especially during times of change.
• Effective communicator with strong oral and written skills.
• Ability to work under time pressures and problem solve.
• Ability to operate of standard office equipment.
• Ability to work in a team environment; contribute as a team member and treat co-workers, subordinates and customers with respect.
• Build professional relationships with internal staff and customers.
• Offer flexibility and adaptability, especially during times of change.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Must maintain a strict level of confidentiality regarding law enforcement sensitive information.
• Must comply with the City Code of Conduct as well as the Police Department Code of Conduct and General Orders Manual.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any work related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the below Minimum Qualifications may be an acceptable substitute.

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration or related field, supplemented by three (3) years’ experience in a law enforcement agency.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience as a police officer recruiting applicants or conducting criminal and background investigations.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must pass a drug screen and background check.
• Must have Class C Texas Driver’s License.

Selection Process

Submitted applications will be reviewed with emphasis placed on an individual’s qualifications and overall experience in the areas directly related to the Job function. The applicants who possess the potential to meet our needs will be invited for an Interview. The selected candidate will be subject to a background investigation and drug screening.

Expected Duration

The current external job posting will remain on the McKinney Website for the duration indicated on the posting. Upon closing the process to fill the position will begin Immediately and is expected to take approximately six weeks.

Reapplication Process

All applicants who are not notified of a permanent disqualification may immediately re-apply for this position when posted by the City of McKinney.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Dynamic environment that requires one to be sensitive to change and responsive to changing goals, priorities, and needs.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed as of the date of preparation and approval. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by management. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and all requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

The City of McKinney is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) committed to an alcohol / drug free workplace and to providing equal opportunities regardless of age, race, color, gender, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.