Background Investigation Officer (As-Needed)
Location:1685 Main St, Santa Monica, California 90401
Posted Date: 01-06-2022
Description:
Completes background investigations of potential applicants under consideration for hire within the Police Department and other City Departments
MAJOR DUTIES:
Conducts background investigations on prospective sworn safety (police officer) applicants and civilian applicants to work within the Police Department and other City Departments.
Obtains and reviews criminal history records from Federal Bureau of Investigations, Department of Justice, Department of Motor Vehicles, State and Municipal law enforcement agencies and other applicable resources.
Reviews applicant financial history and obtains credit report, when necessary.
Interviews and gathers personal information from prospective applicant, applicant's employers, co-workers, neighbors, landlords, family and personal references and develops additional references using investigative techniques.
Writes final synopsis regarding applicant and prepares complete background file for hiring approval by the Chief of Police or designee.
Performs other related duties, as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:
Knowledge of:
Selection standards set forth by P.O.S.T. (Peace Officer Standards & Training).
Laws pertaining to hiring practices.
Report writing.
English grammar and composition.
Effective customer service techniques.
Ability to:
Keep accurate records and prepare clear concise reports.
Maintain confidentiality of personal information.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Follow written and oral instructions.
Use law enforcement telecommunications databases in an appropriate manner.
Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills when acquiring sensitive information from reference sources.
Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees, and the public.
Provide effective customer service.
Skill in:
Reading, writing and communicating at an appropriate level.
Using a personal computer and applicable software applications.
Dealing with a variety of culturally sensitive issues.
Education, Training and Experience:
High school graduation or the equivalent.
Two years of paid work experience as a Police Officer with investigative/detective experience in a California law enforcement agency recognized by P.O.S.T. Specialized training in a P.O.S.T. approved Background Investigation School and notary public commissioned is desirable.
Licenses and Certificates:
Possession of a valid Class C driver license.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION:
SELECTION PROCESS: An on-line City application and required supplemental questionnaire must be completed to be considered for this position. All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified for the position on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process.
The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly-talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.
The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!
Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only).
Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.