1700 West Washington Street, Suite 300

Phoenix, AZ 85007

https://azsbe.az.gov

Salary: $58,000 - $66,550 

Grade: 20

Closing Date: 7/8/2024 at 5 pm

The State Board of Education Investigative Unit is seeking a Senior Investigator.

This position investigates allegations of unprofessional or immoral conduct by certified and non-certified educators. Provides technical assistance to school administrators and staff with licensing information. Conducts administrative investigations and testify as a witness in administrative hearings. Interpret relevant federal and state laws and education policies, and apply statute and administrative rules to the facts of the case in order to make a substantive recommendation for action on the allegation, while managing a heavy caseload.

The qualified candidate must be self-reliant and able to manage office responsibilities as well as review complaints, gather investigative materials, and apply statute and administrative rules to the facts of the investigation, in order to make substantive recommendations on the allegations to the Chief Investigator and Executive Director.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

The State Board of Education may take disciplinary action as appropriate based on the findings of the investigation. Investigators are responsible for performing the following on assigned cases:

• Travels throughout the state to conduct educator and witness interviews and accept surrender documentation, which may include traveling to institutes of imprisonment

• Investigates complex or sensitive allegations of immoral and unprofessional conduct pertaining to certified and non-certified educators and applicants for educator certification

• Confers with Chief Investigator by presenting and offering solutions to resolve complex investigative problems or questions, while discussing action plans to be implemented to solve an issue

• Reviews educator misconduct complaints, gathers records, interviews, and collects witness statements to determine if misconduct has occurred pursuant to the received complaint

• Collects new evidence from educator and/or witness interviews and evaluates information to determine the best use of the evidence in the investigation

• Confers with officials, staff members, and representatives of other state and local agencies to acquire information needed for investigation

• Prepares cases for legal action by securing evidence, and documentation and preparing witness testimony for administrative hearings

• Confers with personnel of law enforcement and other local, state, and county agencies in Arizona and nationally

• Composes detailed investigative reports for the Chief Investigator and the Executive Director of the Board

• Testifies in court or administrative hearings as an official witness

• Assists with office responsibilities, as needed

• Performs related work as required

Knowledge:

• Must have a minimum of 10 years of law enforcement background and 3 years of working knowledge in investigative techniques and practices

• Knowledge of referencing and applying state laws and administrative rules

• Experience in criminal court proceedings and administrative practices

• Understanding of school district personnel procedures

• Understanding of law enforcement and court practices

• Experience in case organization and presentation

Skill:

• Proficient in operating standard office equipment and computer skills including Microsoft Suite and Google Workspace

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Organization and time management skills

• Investigative and interview techniques

• Public speaking skills

Ability:

• Ability to gather evidence through an investigation and prepare written investigative reports

• Ability to prepare clear and concise recommendations based on the available evidence

• Ability to make sound decisions or determinations independently when necessary

• Ability to effectively manage high-volume caseload

• Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12.)

• Offers are contingent upon the successful completion of all background and reference checks, required documents, and, if applicable, a post-offer medical/physical evaluation

• Position requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment

• In-state and out-of-state travel could be required for this position

• This position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

The State of Arizona offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance

• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year

• Health and dental insurance

• Retirement plan

• Sick leave

• Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

• Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)

• Please note, enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment

• If you have any questions please feel free to contact Brian Westerberg at brian.westerberg@azdoa.gov