Background Check Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Division/Unit: Special Victims Division, Early Engagement Team

Civil Service Title: Senior Rackets Investigator

Position Title: Senior Rackets Investigator

Salary Range: $81,905 - $81,905

Job Description

The New York County District Attorney's Office (DANY) has an opening for an Investigator in the Special Victims Division. In this position, under supervision and with some latitude for independent judgment and initiative, the Investigator is responsible for conducting a wide variety of investigations.

The Investigator will be assigned to the Special Victims Division and will work as part of the Early Engagement Team (EET), a pilot initiative that reviews misdemeanor intimate partner violence cases pre-arrest to improve investigations, enhance case outcomes, and connect survivors to services at the earliest stage. In addition, the Investigator will support Assistant District Attorneys in other Intimate Partner & Sexual Violence (IPSV) cases, assisting with interviews, evidence gathering, and all aspects of case preparation.

This is a sworn police officer position. The candidate must meet all qualifications to be certified as a police officer on the NYS DCJS Police Registry. This position requires successful completion of police academy training in New York State and passing a mandatory background check to carry a firearm.

Please note: We are only looking for candidates who have experience working with Special Victims, and Spanish fluency (both spoken and written) is required for this position.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Conduct pre-arrest investigations in misdemeanor intimate partner violence cases for the Early Engagement Team (EET) and support Assistant District Attorneys in other Intimate Partner & Sexual Violence (IPSV) cases by interviewing survivors and witnesses, collecting and analyzing evidence, and drafting investigative reports.
• Collaborate with prosecutors, advocates, and community partners to advance investigations and ensure survivor access to services.
• Execute search warrants and assist in evidence gathering.
• Testify in grand jury, criminal trials, and other court proceedings.
• Perform surveillance, background checks, and collateral contacts.
• Manage and monitor, at times, complex investigations.
• Contact and interview witnesses and subjects in a trauma-informed manner.
• Prepare detailed investigative and narrative reports.
• Perform field visits to residences, businesses, and community locations.
• Gather information through collateral contacts, financial institutions, and law enforcement agencies. Utilize various City databases to conduct background and information searches, including eJustice, IIS, IFCOM, Webcrims, Google, and relevant registries.
• Work on special projects and tasks as assigned by the Chief Investigator.
• Must be willing to work flexible hours.

In addition to the Minimum Qualification Requirements, candidates must possess the following:

• Firearms qualification required.
• Must possess a valid certificate of completion from a New York State Basic Course for Police Officers academy or must be eligible to attend and successfully complete a Police Officer Refresher course.
• Must have a valid NYS driver's license.
• Must pass a medical exam, drug test, psychological screening, and an intensive background check.
• A minimum of 15-20 years of experience in Special Victims. 
• As per NY Public Officers Law 2, 3-B, U.S. citizenship is required.

Preferred Requirements/Skills

• Bachelor's degree.
• Prior law enforcement or criminal justice experience.
• Experience in working with victims and witnesses of domestic violence, hate crimes, and special victims' cases.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed practices.
• Ability to conduct confidential and sensitive investigations.
• Experience as an investigator evaluating creditworthiness.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and adapt to changes in workflow.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple short-term projects.
• Ability to follow directions and apply proper policies, procedures, and guidelines. 
• Strong attention to detail and high concern for data accuracy. 
• Dependable team player who works collaboratively and cooperatively with staff in a team-oriented environment.
• Must be able to perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment, be detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to multitask.
• Ability to interact with all levels of staff and other law enforcement agencies.
• Detective Squad or O.C.I.D. or Task Force Officer, with a minimum of 1- 2 years' experience in that special investigative assignment.

How to Apply:

• Apply with a Cover Letter and Resume. 

Hours/Shift:

• Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
• Ability to work flexible hours.

Additional Information:

• Current office employees: To be eligible for a transfer or promotion, staff must have already served at least one (1) year in their current position and be in good standing. In addition, must meet the minimum qualifications of the position.
• Looking for candidates who could commit to three (3) years to the hiring Unit.
• Authorization to work in the United States is required for this position.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

1. Graduation from high school or its equivalent and three years of full-time, paid experience in police enforcement or investigative work, one year of which must have been in rackets or police investigative work.
2. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1". However, all candidates are required to have one year of full-time, paid experience in rackets or police investigative work.

Public Svc Loan Forgiveness:

• As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/. 

Residency Requirement:

• City Residency is not required for this position. 

The New York County District Attorney's Office is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.