POSITION SUMMARY: The New York City Department of Education‘s Office of Pupil Transportation is seeking qualified Confidential Investigators to manage investigations in the area of pupil transportation. The Office of Pupil Transportation is dedicated to providing the students of New York City with safe, clean, dependable, efficient, cost-effective and prompt transportation. The Office of Pupil Transportation is responsible for supporting the educational process through the provision of out-of-classroom services which are essential for the education of children.

The selected candidates will have wide latitude for independent action and decision-making, in the performance of highly confidential and sensitive investigations into allegations of corruption, misconduct, and/or other illegal, unethical, or improper activity conducted by contracted transportation personnel. The Confidential Investigator will be expected to: conduct victim (specifically students), witness, and subject interviews; author comprehensive reports of his/her findings; and testify, when necessary, at administrative hearings and/or trials. This position is highly sensitive in nature and requires candidates to have extensive investigative duties of a delicate nature. Performs related work.

REPORTS TO: Director, Investigations

DIRECT REPORTS: N/A

KEY RELATIONSHIPS: Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies, District Attorney Offices, Corporation Counsel and the Department of Education’s Office of Legal Services.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct background checks on contract providers, including a review of work history and any arrest records for drivers and matrons prior to employment
• Investigate allegations of misconduct related to bus drivers, escorts and students on yellow school buses. Interview participants and review witness statements.
• Appear at court or by request of the Special Commissioner of Investigations regarding cases, and represent the Department of Education for expert advice, where needed.
• Open cases and conduct complex and confidential investigations, based on incidents or complaints.
• Prepare, review, evaluate, refer and/or act upon allegations of wrongdoing.
• Conduct interviews of all relevant parties to a complaint, including, but not limited to: the complainant/victim, witnesses, students of varying ages, parents of students, subjects of the investigation, and Department of Education employees.
• Write comprehensive reports of his/her investigative findings and conclusions for supervisory review and approval.
• Testify at hearings, trials, and administrative proceedings.
• Make recommendations as to the appropriate action to be taken prior to and following an investigation.
• Maintain confidentiality of investigations and of the investigative process.
• Prepare related reports.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

MINIMUM

1. A four year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and four years of satisfactory full time experience in an industrial or governmental agency in the field of investigation or as law enforcement officer conducting criminal, special victims,  white collar crime and/or administrative investigations, or,
2. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, or education and/or experience equivalent to the above.

PREFERRED

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Access, Excel and PowerPoint) and other commonly used web applications.
• Experience or working knowledge of the public sector and/or interest in public education.
• Extensive experience with investigative duties of a delicate nature.
• Experience interviewing vulnerable populations, particularly minors and/or persons with disabilities.
• Ability to organize and track large amounts of case-related data.
• Ability to maintain chain of custody of all evidence gathered during the course of investigations for possible criminal or administrative prosecution.
• Strong strategic thinking capabilities, attention to detail, and ability to proactively identify key issues.
• Internal candidates preferred.

SALARY: $55,558+

(Internal candidates who are selected for this position and who currently hold comparable or less senior positions within the DOE will not make less than their current salary.)

APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED THROUGH SEPTEMBER 9, 2018 UNTIL 3:00 P.M.

NOTE: THE FILLING OF ALL POSITIONS IS SUBJECT TO BUDGET AVAILABILITY AND/OR GRANT FUNDING.

It is the policy of the Department of Education of the City of New York to provide educational and employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, alienage, citizenship status, age, marital status, partnership status, disability, sexual orientation, gender (sex), military status, prior record of arrest or conviction (except as permitted by law), predisposing genetic characteristics, or status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual offenses and stalking, and to maintain an environment free of harassment on any of the above-noted grounds, including sexual harassment or retaliation.  Inquiries regarding compliance with this equal opportunity policy may be directed to: Office of Equal Opportunity, 65 Court Street, Room 1102, Brooklyn, New York 11201, or visit the OEO website at http://schools.nyc.gov/OEO

Required Skills Required Experience