BACKGROUND INVESTIGATOR

NOTE: The selection process includes a comprehensive background investigation 

This position's work location is flexible due to the nature and scope of the duties encompassed.

The contractual Background Investigator [Administrative Officer I] requires regular use of independent judgement and analysis in applying and interpreting Criminal History Information.

Travel to the Regional worksite for interviews and administrative tasks will be required and based upon work assignments:

Western Region - MCI-H: 18601 Roxbury Road Hagerstown, Maryland 21746

Eastern Region - ECI: 30420 Revells Neck Road Westover, Maryland 21890

Central Region - RPOC: 6774-C Reisterstown Road Baltimore, MD 21215

Working hours per week will be contingent upon case load.

This recruitment will be used to fill current vacancies for the position and may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification/function. Future vacancies may also be filled via other recruitments. The resulting eligible list will be maintained for one year.

equivalent to Grade 13

Flexible Work Locations with the Headquarters location at

6774-C Reisterstown Road Baltimore, MD 21215

The position functions as a Background Investigator for the DPSCS. The incumbent is responsible for the completion of comprehensive background investigations for prospective agency employees as well as Vendors and contract employees. These investigations are reviewed by the Unit Director in order to determine an applicant's suitability for employment with the agency.

Conducts background investigations based on information supplied by candidates. Provides candidates with a variety of forms and evaluates information obtained. Develops other lines of inquiry in accordance with Federal and local guidelines. Ensures that candidates are fingerprinted, photographed, and queries appropriate criminal information. Performs other related functions in support of the applicant hiring process.
Schedules and interviews applicants for mandated public safety positions; obtains information regarding past employment, residences and criminal activity; explains the background process to candidates; obtains required forms and signed releases. Accesses CJIS, NCIC and other systems to determine any criminal convictions. Reviews documents to determine validity and authenticity, including educational records.
Investigates candidate's place of past employment; reviews personnel records, interviews supervisors. Investigates neighborhoods of candidates and conducts interviews. Prepare comprehensive and confidential background reports to include candidate’s work history and other related factors necessary to construct an employment profile. Use of a personal computer and/or mobile device is required for daily work inputs. Safely operates a motor vehicle to make in-person visits to other law enforcement agencies, employers, and other areas which are required to complete an in depth background investigation. Contact law enforcement agencies to obtain call history or application details for perspective candidates.
Participates as a member of oral interview boards. Participate and assists in large/group hiring events for correctional officer candidates.

Education: Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university.

Experience: One (I) year experience in administrative or professional work.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute additional experience in administrative staff or professional work on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

2. Candidates may substitute additional graduate level education at an accredited college or university at the rate of 30 semester credit hours for each year of the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer involving staff work that included regular use of independent judgment and analysis in applying and interpreting complex administrative plans, policies, rules or regulations or analysis of operational programs or procedures with recommendations for improvement on a year-for-year basis for the required education and experience.

1) Candidate must possess five years of experience conducting comprehensive background investigations for Law Enforcement/Public Safety Agencies.

and/or

2) Candidate must have successfully completed a Law Enforcement/Public Safety Academy and be able to present certification of completion.

The following qualification is preferred, not required:

1) Experience with conducting records checks using NCIC, CJIS, MVA, or other criminal history databases 

2) Experience working in a recruitment process with a public safety agency conducting mandated and non-mandated (civilian) background investigations simultaneously 

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

If qualifying for this position utilizing the Selective Qualification of successful completion of a Law Enforcement/Public Safety Academy, the candidate must be able to, before being employed in this classification, provide proof of completion.

Please make sure that sufficient information is provided on your application to show that you meet the minimum qualifications and the selective qualification for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. Information submitted after the closing date will not be considered.

For education obtained outside the United States, you will be required to provide proof of the equivalent
American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service. This evaluation must be
submitted with your application. Failure to provide this information will result in disapproval.

Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.

Leave may be granted to a contractual employee who has worked 120 days in a 12 month period. This leave accrues at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.

To submit qualifying documents; the preferred method is to upload them using the "other" tab on the online application. However, if you’re unable to upload your documents, please fax requested information only to 410-585-0570 (providing a cover sheet with your contact information, recruitment name, recruitment number and the number of pages faxed). We will not consider information submitted after the closing date of this announcement.

Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the online or paper application.

Online applications are STRONGLY recommended; if you do not have internet access, please mail your application by the closing date to:

HRSD-Correctional Centralized Hiring Unit

ATTN: Holly Winchester

6774-C Reisterstown Road Baltimore, MD 21215

For questions or more information, please call 410-585-3478

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country