Background Researcher Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

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Application Deadline

Pay Range

What We Offer

We offer generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and 10 paid holidays! We have affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance, and our employees are entitled to coverage by one of several State-sponsored retirement pension plans, our employee assistance program, and wellness incentives. Additionally, our employees have the option of life insurance, disability, a group legal plan, and pet insurance. Under the current guidelines for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, the Maricopa County Superior Court is a qualifying employer. Therefore, any full time Judicial Branch employee, who meets other eligibility criteria may be eligible for loan forgiveness under this program. Click here to learn more!

Job Type

Department

About the Position

The Background and Pre-Employment Investigator (Background Investigator) performs background investigations on applicants under consideration for employment with Juvenile Probation by gathering, compiling and analyzing relevant facts to assist in identifying suitability for employment.

About The Juvenile Probation Department:

The Juvenile Probation Department of the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County is dedicated to providing innovative and efficient juvenile justice services grounded in evidenced-based practices and research. These services improve the safety of our community, hold youth accountable through developmentally appropriate orientation, and ensure the public's trust and confidence in the Judicial Branch. Join our Juvenile Probation Department in its mission to promote public safety through positive change as we connect youth to the community and provide opportunities that are delivered with fairness, dignity and respect.

Position Qualifications

We recognize your time is valuable, so please apply if you meet the following required qualifications:

Education:

• High School diploma or GED

Experience:

• Two (2) years of investigations experience in a legal, human resources, social services, or law enforcement environment.

OR

• Three (3) years' experience working for the Judicial Branch of Arizona.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to obtain Criminal Justice Information System Network Terminal Operator Certification (TOC) within 30 days of hire.

• Ability to work outside normal business hours and/or at an alternate site to support Quality Assurance and Compliance (QAC) initiatives, as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Background screening processes

• Report writing techniques to prepare clear, accurate, and comprehensive reports

• Law enforcement methods and techniques (e.g., conducting interviews, interrogations, investigations, etc.) to ensure extensive information is provided and clarified during background information collection and verification

• Research techniques, statistical analysis, and data collection

• Electronic information systems to access data and prepare reports

Skill in:

• Questioning, interviewing, and other investigative techniques.

• Gathering and evaluating facts and evidence to draw valid conclusions.

• Utilizing computer software programs to collect and research information and prepare reports.

• Organizing, prioritizing, and performing multiple tasks to complete job functions in an orderly, efficient, and timely manner.

• Exercising diplomacy when dealing with people in sensitive situations.

• Computers and software including the operation of Adobe and Microsoft Office products. (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, SharePoint, PowerPoint, etc.).

• Learning and mastering core business applications and support applications

• Customer service practices.

Ability to:

• Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.

• Work independently with minimal supervision.

• Perform detailed work with a high degree of accuracy.

• Exercise good judgment in safeguarding confidential or sensitive information.

• Maintain high levels of professionalism, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity in all interactions.

• Learn and adhere to Judicial Branch policies, procedures, and processes.

• Learn, understand, and adhere to court processes and procedures, customer service standards and procedures, and operate within a customer-centric model.

• Work within stringent deadlines.

• Work independently with minimal supervision.

Essential Job Tasks

(This is not an all-inclusive list of all job duties that may be required; employees will be required to perform other related duties as assigned.)

• Researches and conducts confidential background investigations on applicants for Juvenile Probation.

• Develops and analyzes information from interviews with candidates, references, and prior employers.

• Develops and analyzes relevant candidate information derived and developed from law enforcement systems, public domain databases, social media websites, etc. to check for inconsistencies related to the applicant's background.

• Research criminal justice information and collects pertinent documents, analyzes information, and writes comprehensive reports for review by management staff.

• Conducts additional case and data research as required including Motor Vehicle Department records, driving history and vital records.

• Conducts random oral drug tests, as required.

• Maintains the confidentiality and security of sensitive employment files.

• Participates in Department recruitment and hiring efforts, including, but not limited to, Juvenile Detention Officer recruitment initiatives.

• Performs additional tasks and projects as assigned or delegated by the manager.

Working Conditions:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may need to communicate clearly, perceive details of objects that are close by, and maintain various physical positions for extended periods, such as sitting, standing, or walking. The job may involve using hands for tasks such as typing, handling objects, or operating tools, as well as reaching with hands and arms. Occasionally, the employee may be required to move or lift objects weighing up to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Additional Information

Judicial Branch Human Resources reserves the right to move forward candidates based on the information provided directly on the application. The hiring authority will select the successful candidate based on departmental needs.

Typically, successful candidates are hired at a salary rate up to the midpoint of the range, based on applicable experience, internal equity, and budgetary allowances.

All Judicial Branch offers of employment and continued employment are contingent upon passing a thorough background and/or fingerprint check. Applicants must completely and fully answer any questions regarding felony and misdemeanor convictions including any convictions that have been expunged or set aside. Failure to include criminal history information is grounds for termination of an offer and employment. A conviction may not automatically disqualify an applicant.

The Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County participates in the State Retirement systems ASRS or PSPRS. As such, mandatory membership for all full-time employees includes payroll deducted contributions consistent with each retirement system's requirements. The current contribution rate for ASRS is 12.27% and the current contribution rate for PSPRS is 5.84% and up for the defined contribution plan and 8.82% for the defined benefit plan. For more information about contributions and benefits of these plans visit https://www.azasrs.gov/or https://www.psprs.com/corrections-officer/

Judicial Branch facilities are located throughout Maricopa County. This position may be reassigned to other locations. Assignments will be made based upon the needs of the department.

The Judicial Branch in Maricopa County is an EEO/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer.