Technician Investigations Background

JOB SUMMARY
Assists in ensuring the AACPS employee background investigations program is in compliance with federal and state laws. Assists with the coordination of background interviews monitors critical law enforcement agency alerts and maintains the employee volunteer and chaperone background investigations database and records. Assists the Director of Investigations and Compliance with employee discipline/background case management and general office processes. Maintains and utilizes the employee misconduct investigation database; performs research for individual cases; composes sensitive and confidential correspondence; and interacts with and advises a large number of individuals in the school system including administrators and other managers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists in all background investigations requests and processes informational reports received. Maintains records and reports for background checks pursuant to Section 6-113.2 of the Education Article Annotated Code of Maryland. Supports the daily operations of the background investigations program.
• Serves as a primary point of contact in Human Resources for Maryland Unemployment claims. Researches employment history and participates in Unemployment Hearings as needed on behalf of AACPS.
• Researches and provides background case information reports for use by the Board Superintendent AACPS management and administrative hearing officers. Maintains records and files as required.
• Maintains a centralized (system-wide) background investigations automated database system for investigative staff members and volunteers/chaperones.
• Intakes initial complaints/reports and evaluates incoming data in accordance with employment disqualification criteria.
• Conducts subject interviews with new applicants with possible disqualifying background histories and determines new applicant eligibility for employment. Takes appropriate action to exclude disqualified applicants from further consideration.
• Serves as a secondary point of contact for NASDETC (National Association of State Directors of Teachers and Certification) and Child Protective Services background checks and maintains records for each applicant.
• Serves as primary point of contact for the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Drug and Alcohol Clearing House and a secondary point of contact with the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) other Board personnel police department and the Department of Social Services.
• Serves as back up to the Background Investigations Support Specialist and the Employee Investigations Support Specialist.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for Vector Solutions Vector Trainings.
• Performs other related duties as assigned within the same classification or lower.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

• Associates Degree in related field of education from a regionally accredited college or university required;
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge skills and abilities deemed sufficient to prepare the employee to successfully perform the duties of the position.

Experience

• Three (3) years administrative experience preferably in Pre K-12 education envrionment required;
• One (1) year experience in database management preferred;
• One (1) year new employee intake processing in an investigative environment preferred.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge skills and abilities deemed sufficient to prepare the employee to successfully perform the duties of the position.

Knowledge Skills Abilities and Other Characteristics

• Knowledge of criminal and employment law desired.
• Demonstrated ability to manage highly confidential matters and make decisions independently.
• Excellent spelling grammar organizational and planning skills.
• Ability to exercise tact and good judgment in dealing with Board of Education and external personnel.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in database usage reporting and management.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work and communicate with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated proficiency with business technology applications (e.g. Video/Web Conferencing Microsoft Office Suite -Word Excel Outlook and/or PowerPoint preferred).

Licenses and Certifications
Employee must retain active licenses certifications and enrollment as a condition of employment.

• Hold or be eligible for Notary Public issued by Maryland Secretary of State preferred.

Driving Requirements

• N/A

CAREER LADDER REQUIREMENTS

Qualification Requirements for Employment in Higher Grade as a New Hire or Transfer requires:

• Two (2) additional years continuous successful experience required.
• Achievement of Professional Certification or Certificate in Business or Human Resources Associates degree in Business Administration or Human Resources or Completion of coursework or workshops leading towards professional certification as determined by the supervisor required.

Eligibility for Consideration for Advancement from Lower Grade to Higher Grade requires:

• Two (2) years continuous successful experience in the position at the Lower Grade level.
• Mastery of all responsibilities and duties of the position.
• Evidence of completion of additional training that may be recommended by supervisor and/or participation in approved professional development programs or courses approved in advance by the supervisor. Successful completion of a minimum of one professional development within the last two years is required. Successful completion of job specific professional developments identified on the job description performance evaluations and/or the supervisors documented recommendation are required.
• Achievement of identified goals as they relate to the needs of the district and as established by the supervisor.
• Consistent maintenance of an effective and orderly work environment.
• Consistent compliance with general office procedures such as standards contained in the AACPS Employee Handbook; demonstration of discretion and excellent customer service; regular and punctual attendance; and building dress code including wearing AACPS ID badge.
• Above Satisfactory overall job performance for the two most recent consecutive years of Probationary and Performance Ratings. Probationary Ratings completed after January 2 2024 will be accepted.
• Letter of Recommendation written by the supervisor.

Additional Requirements for Advancement from Lower Grade to Higher Grade requires:

• Achievement of Professional Certification or Certificate in Business or Human Resources Associates degree in Business Administration or Human Resources or Completion of coursework or workshops leading towards professional certification as determined by the supervisor required.

LEADERSHIP ROLE

• N/A

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS
The physical demands and working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

• Standing: under 1/3 of the time
• Walking: under 1/3 of the time
• Sitting: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• Keyboarding: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• Talking: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• Hearing: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• As required by the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Vision
The vision demands with correction described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• No special vision requirements

Work Environment
Location

• Office school or similar indoor environment: over 2/3 of the time

Noise Level

• Moderate: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time

Weight & Force
Lifting and carrying requirements

• Up to 20 pounds: under 1/3 of the time

Travel Requirements

• N/A

JOB INFORMATION

ORGANIZATION

HR JOB INFORMATION

VR# 26056

Required Experience:

IC