Background Investigator (Part-Time)

Under the direction of the Chief of Police, the position completes background investigations of potential applicants under consideration for hire within the Police Department and other City Departments. Performs work under general instructions, but within established policies and procedures to achieve results in support of the City's mission, goals, policies, and objectives.

This is a part-time, at-will, non-benefitted position. Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until the position is filled. The post may close at any time. Prompt application is encouraged.

Note: Only those applicants selected for follow-up will receive further notification.

This position is accountable as a team member to perform administrative and support duties and services including but not limited to:

• Coordinates with Police Department recruitment on identified prospective hires for routine investigation.
• Operates computers, photocopiers, printers, scanners, telephones, FAX machines, cameras and other office equipment.
• Obtains and reviews records from Federal Bureau of Investigations, Department of Justice, Department of Motor Vehicles, State and Municipal law enforcement agencies and other applicable resources.
• Reviews applicant financial history and obtains credit report, when necessary
• Interviews and gathers personal information from prospective applicant, applicant's employers, co-workers, neighbors, landlords, family and personal references and develops additional references using investigative techniques.
• Writes final synopsis regarding applicant and prepares complete background file for hiring approval by Chief of Police or designee.
• Delivers outstanding internal and external customer service, communicates effectively orally and in writing with the public and fellow employees; solves problems and supports the City's mission, policies, goals, values and objectives.
• Exercises initiative, courtesy and independent judgment; establishes and maintains effective working relationships with members of the Department and City staff, other agencies and the public.
• Works cooperatively with personnel, co-workers and the management team; exercises tact, self-restraint and good judgment; takes initiative to achieve positive, timely results for the organization with diplomatic skills and ethical conduct.
• Conducts duties, responsibilities, tasks and assignments with a constructive, cooperative, positive, and professional attitude and demeanor.
• Supports the City's corporate values of:  openness and honesty; integrity and ethics; accountability; teamwork; excellence; and fiscal responsibility.
• Maintains confidentiality of personal information and able to follow written and oral instructions
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications include any combination of training, education and experience which demonstrates potential ability to perform the duties of the position.

Qualified applicants should possess:
Knowledge of:

• Selection standards set forth by P.O.S.T. (Peace Officer Standards & Training)
• Laws and procedures governing hiring practices under Federal, State, County, and local laws
• Report writing
• Correct written and verbal use of the English language.

• Use a personal computer and applicable software applications
• Successfully interact with a diverse range of people
• Listen carefully, understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Use law enforcement telecommunications databases in an appropriate manner
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills when acquiring sensitive information from reference sources
• Travel for outside field investigations and work evenings and weekends

• Possession of a high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent
• Age of at least 18 years prior to appointment
• Possession of a valid Class C California Department of Motor Vehicles driver's license
• Possession of at least two years of paid work experience as a Police Officer with investigative/detective experience in a California law enforcement agency recognized by P.O.S.T.

• Specialized training in a P.O.S.T.-Approved Background Investigation School
• Notary public commissioned

The selection process may include but is not limited to: application review and evaluation, written examination, performance test and interview. All employment offers made by the City are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully passing all components of the pre-employment process, such as, reference check, background investigation, fingerprint criminal history check, post-offer drug test, post-offer psychological and post-offer medical examination, the cost of which will be borne by the City.  
 
Candidates must fill out the employment application and supplemental questions completely and accurately.  Incomplete applications, including references to "see resume", are considered incomplete and will be disqualified.
 
The City of Redondo Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Candidates with a disability who may need accommodations during the selection process must notify the Human Resources Department at least (5) business days in advance of the test date.
 
It is the policy of the Redondo Beach Police Department that tattoos, body scarification, body branding and other forms of body art and body piercing on employees shall not be visible while on duty or when representing the department in an off duty capacity.

Note: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.