Investigator I

JobAps; New Castle (DE); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) in Delaware seeks an Animal Welfare Officer to enforce dog control, animal cruelty, and rabies laws across the state. You will conduct investigations, collect and analyze evidence, interview witnesses, and issue citations as needed.

You will prepare reports, testify before boards, and provide information to the public while delivering excellent service to diverse communities.

Qualifications

• Coursework, training, and/or work experience in conducting investigations including interviews to obtain confidential information, gather evidence and document findings.
• Six months' data collection experience from multiple sources (files, records, databases, staff, etc).
• Associate degree or higher in Biology/Environment, Criminal Justice or related field.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations of alleged or probable violations or compliance issues.
• Collect, control, and evaluate evidence such as records and items.
• Formulate questions and interview witnesses to ascertain facts.
• Interpret and ensure compliance with laws, rules, regulations and policies.
• Make judgments and may recommend enforcement action.
• Use information systems to research and report investigative data.
• Document calls, inquiries, and interactions during investigations.
• Prepare clear investigative reports with findings and actions taken.
• Testify and present evidence before boards or courts.
• Deliver customer service to internal and external customers.
• Communicate effectively across cultures and diverse populations.
• May conduct surveillance or on-site inspections and assist with arrest or warrants.

Skills

Investigations

Interviews

Evidence handling

Compliance knowledge

Public safety

Education

Biology/Environmental

Criminal Justice

Job description

Introduction

Make a Difference with DHSS Our mission at the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is to improve the quality of life of Delaware citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. We prioritize personal and family independence by assisting individuals and families in a variety of life areas. We offer numerous career opportunities and are dedicated to attracting and retaining highly talented individuals who are ready to make a difference in their community today. DHSS is a great place to kick-start your profession. For more information, please visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ today!

Summary Statement

This position is for an animal welfare officer with the Office of Animal Welfare. The AWO will enforce laws related to dog control, animal cruelty, and rabies control throughout the state to ensure animal protection and public safety. Duties include animal capture, rescue, care, and transportation; enforcing laws and issuing citations; providing animal welfare information and education to pet owners; conducting investigations; assisting during disasters and emergencies.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, employees can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Conducts investigations of alleged or probable violations or compliance issues by identifying, obtaining, verifying, and analyzing relevant information or evidence.
• Collects, controls, and evaluates evidence such as physical, financial, background, and other records, documents and items.�
• Formulates questions and conducts interviews to obtain information and ascertain facts from witnesses, complainants, victims or other parties.�
• Interprets, explains and ensures compliance with applicable state and federal laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
• Makes judgments after evaluating all available facts and recommends appropriate action to authorities, commissions, or technical supervisors, and may take enforcement action as necessary.�
• Uses commercial and proprietary automated information systems, computer software, and the internet to research, document, verify and report on investigative/intelligence data and related information.
• Documents details of all calls, emails, inquiries, interviews, and other interactions during the investigation and may be assigned to respond to hotlines.
• Prepares and submits investigative reports that clearly and accurately document findings, supporting facts, and action taken.
• Testifies and presents evidence before boards, commissions, administrative bodies, or courts.
• Delivers excellent customer service to internal and external customers and the public in person, electronically, or by written communication.
• Communicates and interacts effectively with people across cultures, ranges of ability, genders, ethnicities, ages, and races.
• May conduct surveillance, undercover investigations, and on-site inspections on assigned cases; and may make arrests or obtain search warrants pertaining to an investigation.��
• May make recommendations to subpoena information.

Job Requirements

• Office of Animal Welfare only:
• JOB REQUIREMENTS for Investigator I
• Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:
• Coursework, training, and/or work experience in conducting investigations which may include conducting interviews to obtain confidential information, gathering evidence, and documenting findings.
• Six months' experience in data collection such as collecting, compiling, and maintaining data from multiple sources such as files, records, databases, customers, staffor others.
• OR
• Possession of an Associate’s degree or higher in Biology, Environment, Conservation, Veterinary Technician or related field.� �
• OR
• Possession of an Associate’s degree or higher in Criminal Justice, Corrections, Law Enforcement, Legal Studies, Criminology, or a related field.

Conditions of Hire

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our Job Seeker Resources DHSS does not provide employment-based sponsorship. As a condition of hire you must possess a valid driver's license (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving). Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire. The recruiting agency may require the applicant to pay for the criminal background check as part of the conditional offer of hire. All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment. Sessions are held at designated locations in Kent or New Castle County. As a condition of hire you must possess or obtain an Animal Welfare Officer certification within 60 days of hire. Training will be provided by the Office of Animal Welfare.

Benefits

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

Selection Process

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.� It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.� For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.�� Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements. Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.� Please keep your contact information current.� You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. Individuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling [phone] or by visiting delawarerelay.com. If you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call [phone] or email [e-mail]. The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.