Employee Concerns Investigator

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Educational Assistance

Relocation Assistance

Wellness Programs

Employee Discounts

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks an experienced Employee Concerns Investigator to advance the Employee Concerns Program (ECP), handling case management, fact-finding, and reporting with discretion.

You will triage concerns, conduct interviews, review evidence, draft clear investigation reports, and maintain confidential files while coordinating with management, HR, legal counsel, and experts to ensure concerns are addressed promptly and impartially.

Qualifications

• BS/BA degree in a related field.
• Minimum of six years of investigations or HR-related experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to handle confidential matters.

Responsibilities

• Receive, review, and triage employee concerns promptly.
• Conduct or support fact-finding: interviews, credibility assessments, evidence review.
• Prepare concise investigative reports and case summaries.
• Maintain complete, confidential case files per program requirements.
• Coordinate with management, HR, legal counsel, and subject matter experts.
• Support development and implementation of internal procedures and improvements.
• Assist in identifying trends and prepare reports for leadership.
• Provide training and outreach regarding ECP resources and processes.

Skills

Interviews

Report writing

Confidentiality

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

Education

BS/BA in HR, Business, Public Admin, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Communications

Tools

NAVEX or similar case mgmt systems

Document management systems

Job description

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is committed to fostering open communication and ensuring the prompt identification, review, and resolution of employee concerns. The Employee Concerns Program (ECP) provides an independent, objective, and confidential process for employees and other covered individuals to raise concerns without fear of reprisal. The program also supports compliance with DOE Order 442.1B, Employee Concerns Program, including applicable subcontractor requirements.

Reporting to the Employee Concerns Coordinator, the Employee Concerns Investigator supports the effective administration of the ECP through case management, fact-finding, investigative analysis, reporting, training, outreach, and process improvement. This position requires a high level of confidentiality, sound judgment, discretion, and attention to detail, as well as the ability to manage sensitive matters in a professional and impartial manner.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Receive, review, and triage employee concerns and inquiries in a timely manner.
• Conduct or support fact-finding activities, including interviews, credibility assessments, and review of documentary evidence.
• Prepare clear, concise, and well-supported investigative reports, case summaries, and related documentation.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and confidential case files in accordance with program requirements.
• Coordinate with management, Human Resources, legal counsel, subject matter experts, and other stakeholders, as appropriate, to ensure concerns are properly evaluated and addressed.
• Support the development and implementation of internal procedures, standard practices, and other process improvements to promote consistency and efficiency in case handling.
• Assist in identifying reporting trends, recurring issues, and emerging concerns; support preparation of program updates for leadership.
• Provide training and outreach to employees, managers, and subcontractors regarding ECP resources, reporting processes, and program requirements.
• Assist in assessing subcontractor compliance with DOE Order 442.1B and communicating results, as appropriate.
• Support maintenance and improvement of program documentation and related resources.
• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications

• BS/BA degree in Human Resources, Business, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Communications, or a related field.
• Minimum of six years of relevant professional experience in investigations, employee relations, compliance, human resources, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting or supporting workplace investigations, including interviews, evidence analysis, and report writing.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, demonstrated by producing clear investigative documentation.
• Demonstrated organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple matters and changing priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly confidential setting and handle sensitive matters with discretion, sound judgment, and professionalism.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with DOE Order 442.1B or similar compliance programs.
• Experience developing procedures, training materials, or program communications.
• Experience analyzing case trends and preparing reports for management.
• Familiarity with NAVEX or similar case management systems.
• Experience with case management systems.

Special Requirements

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.

About ORNL

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other Benefits

• Prescription Drug Plan
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Contributory Pension Plan
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Generous Vacation and Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Educational Assistance
• Relocation Assistance
• Employee Discounts

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.