Background Investigator; Special Investigator

This posting will be used to fill a full-time, permanent, safety-sensitive Background Investigator (Special Investigator) position within the Department of Detention Facilities with Anne Arundel County Government.

This position is responsible for conducting background investigations of candidates under consideration for positions within the Anne Arundel County Department of Detention Facilities.

• Conduct background investigations for potential hires with the Anne Arundel County Department of Detention Facilities.
• Document the findings and prepare detailed reports.
• Collect, analyze and interpret information and documentation associated with investigations.
• Conduct thorough face‑to‑face interviews with the candidate, employers, neighbors, educational institutions and personal references.
• Collaborate with federal, state and local agencies on investigations.
• Perform other related functions in support of the applicant hiring process.
• Schedule and interview applicants; obtain information regarding past employment, residences and criminal activity; explain the background process to candidates.
• Investigate candidate's place of past employment; review personnel records, interview supervisors.
• Access METERS and NCIC records to determine any criminal convictions.
• Develop comprehensive and confidential background reports to include candidate's work history and other related factors necessary to construct an employment profile.
• May participate as a member of oral interview boards.
• Safely operate a motor vehicle to make in‑person visits to other law enforcement agencies, employers and other areas required to complete an in‑depth background investigation.

The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this class specification are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications and salary level for all positions in this class. They are not intended to include all of the essential job functions of all positions in the class.

• Strong organizational and planning ability to work in a variety of settings with culturally diverse persons and communities, with the ability to be culturally sensitive and appropriate.
• Strong knowledge and experience with administration and communication tools such as Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom.
• Ability to conduct in‑depth pre‑employment investigations.
• Ability to prepare comprehensive written investigation reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co‑workers and the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to conduct interviews with job candidates.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and local guidelines related to conducting background investigations.

Education: Graduation from high school.

Experience: Four (4) or more years of experience in conducting investigations for a police department or other criminal justice agency, including applicant processing.

Additional Requirements: A valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license.

NOTE:

The selection process includes a comprehensive background investigation and medical evaluation.

NOTE:

This is a safety-sensitive position and employees in this position are subject to Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) and Alcohol testing.

• Experience working in a recruitment process with a public safety agency conducting mandated and non-mandated (civilian) background investigations simultaneously, in a timely manner.
• Experience conducting background investigations for employment, internal affairs investigations, in‑depth investigations of criminal matters, or comprehensive investigations of traffic‑related incidents.
• Experience conducting face‑to‑face background investigations in a government environment.
• Experience in applicant processing (background investigations) and/or recruitment processing.
• Experience in writing detailed reports regarding investigations.
• Experience with the following investigative tools and applications:
  • COMAR standards (Code of Maryland Regulations), which define the regulatory scope and procedures for various Maryland state agencies and their authorized investigations.
  • METERS/NCIC (Maryland Electronic Telecommunications Enforcement Resource System / National Crime Information Center):
    Used for querying local, state and national criminal justice and hot files (e.g., wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle/license tag, and criminal history records) for authorized criminal justice purposes.
  • Public records searches such as JPortal, SCRA, National Sex Offender Public website, county and municipal court records, state repositories, national criminal databases, or federal court records (PACER).
  • eSOPH (Electronic Statement of Personal History).