Background Check Investigator Jobs in California

Salary: $3,534.00 - $4,294.41 Biweekly
Location : William R. Ridgeway Family Relations Courthouse, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-12303A
Department: Court Wide
Opening Date: 08/25/2026
Closing Date: 9/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Definition
Under general supervision, conducts professional investigations matters regarding persons and issues related to pending matters before the Probate Court. Prepares comprehensive reports and makes recommendations to the Court.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This is the experienced working level in probate investigation work. Duties are performed with substantial independence based on established policies, procedures and standards. Probate Investigators make regular contact with internal and external parties to furnish or obtain information. Erroneous decisions or failure to achieve objectives can result in serious delays and considerable expenditure of resources, and the possibility of serious effects on individuals who are the subjects of Court decisions. Probate Investigators do not typically lead or supervise the work of others.
Examples of Duties
(Note: The following duties are performed by most incumbents, but other related duties may also be performed; not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual.)
Conduct comprehensive field investigations and assessments with individuals from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds, often in difficult or strained circumstances of guardianship/conservatorship petitions by locating and interviewing involved parties, relatives, friends, attorneys, medical and psychiatric staff, various County departments and State agencies, and other concerned parties; obtain statements, affidavits, and other evidence bearing on the matter; organizes evidence and prepares detailed reports and recommendations; evaluate suitability of proposed guardian/conservator and prepares written reports of findings and recommendations for judicial review as required under the Probate Code; confer with judge and may be present during judicial interviews of minors in guardianship petitions; coordinate and mediate issues with concerned parties to resolve disputes prior to trial; prepare status reports as ordered by the Court; assess and evaluate termination and resignation petitions as ordered by the Court to determine if the guardian/conservator is acting in the best interest of the ward/conservatee; attend Court to distribute reports, explain and mediate the issues, and provide general assistance; testify in contested cases on investigative findings and recommendations; provide general information to the public, outside agencies, and other concerned parties.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: A bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree in a science, a social science, a behavioral science, liberal arts, or nursing from an accredited educational institution.
-And-
Experience: Two (2) years of employment experience performing casework or investigations in a legal, financial, law enforcement, or social services setting.
Knowledge of:
Welfare and Institutions and Probate Codes sections pertaining to conservatorship and guardianship; principles of individual and group behavior; interviewing, mediation, and counseling techniques; report writing and recordkeeping techniques; investigative methods and procedures; basic computer applications related to work.
Ability to:
Understand, interpret, and apply relevant codes, policies, and procedures related to conservatorships and guardianships; obtain evidence and recognize relevant and significant facts; evaluate potential issues relating to care, custody, and control of the elderly or incapacitated persons or minor children; communicate complex information, both orally and in writing, in a manner that is understandable to others; write clear and accurate correspondence and reports; perform basic arithmetical calculations; deal effectively with citizens and public officials in circumstances requiring tact and good judgment; analyze situations and determine effective courses of action; establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds, often in difficult or strained circumstances.
Other Information
Possession of a valid California Drivers License.
Must be able to pass a criminal history information background check.
To view the Sacramento Superior Court's Benefits Summary Sheet please click
The following is an explanation of the benefits, which apply to those employed in regular or limited-term positions:
Vacation: Vacation with pay varies depending upon the employee representation unit. New employees typically earn 10 days per year and accrual rates normally increase according to years of service.
Holidays: The Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento recognizes 14 holidays and 5 floating holidays per year.
Sick Leave: Employees accrue 5.0 hours per bi-weekly pay period.
Parental Leave: Employees with at least 1 year of service are eligible for paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child.
Retirement: Employees are covered by the Sacramento County Employee's Retirement System (SCERS) and Social Security.
Group Health Insurance: The Court offers several choices of employee and dependent health insurance coverage, with a significant portion paid by the employer.
Dental and Vision Services Plan: Employee and dependent dental and vision insurance plans are provided at no cost.
Life Insurance: Basic employee life insurance is provided at no cost to the employee with additional optional life insurance available at the employee's cost.
Medical and Childcare Flexible Spending Accounts: The ability to deduct a portion of your salary before taxes to apply toward medical expenses and/or child care expenses.
Deferred Compensation: The Court offers a Deferred Compensation Program.
Sacramento Credit Union: The credit union offers loan facilities and systematic savings plans through payroll deduction.
Tuition Reimbursement: The Court reimburses up to $3,000.00 dollars of an employee's educational expenses as outlined in its Tuition Reimbursement policy.
Long Term Disability: A Long Term Disability (LTD) plan is provided at no cost to employees.
Transit Subsidy: The Court provides a transit subsidy to eligible employees based on current policy.
01
Please list your degree(s) in a science, a social science, a behavioral science, liberal arts, or nursing. Submit a copy of your degree(s) with your application. You must provide your degree(s) verification prior to the close of the position to receive consideration.
02
Describe your work experience related to casework or investigations, performing casework or investigations in a legal, financial, law enforcement, or social services setting, including your job title and number of years of experience. Provide a concise and detailed description of the tasks and duties performed in the course of casework or investigations you conducted.
03
Provide an example of a report or document you completed related to an investigation or casework you conducted. (Please ensure that confidential information is redacted).
Required Question