Background Investigator
Location: Alexandria, VA
Job Number: 2025-00031
Salary: $65,862.16 - $105,128.14
Closing Date: September 10, 2024
The Background Investigator's principal role is to conduct detailed background investigations, ensuring that all candidates meet the requirements for employment with the Alexandria Police Department. The Background Investigator works within the Emergency Readiness and Training Division and plays a critical part in the hiring process (to ensure a seamless transition from applicant interest to final hiring decision.) By gathering, analyzing, and verifying personal data, employment history, and legal records provided by candidates the Background Investigator provides essential insights into the suitability and integrity of each candidate. This role involves coordinating with various local, state, and federal agencies to verify information and maintain high standards of candidate evaluation. The investigation process can include interviews with references, employers, neighbors, and other individuals who may have knowledge of the candidate’s character and qualifications. The Background Investigator must also manage sensitive information with discretion and uphold the privacy and dignity of all applicants throughout the investigative process. The successful candidate will assist with the review of background information submitted by prospective applicants for vacant positions in both sworn and professional classifications.
What You Should Bring
The ideal candidate should have the ability to conduct comprehensive, detailed background investigations. The knowledge and experience to organize and investigate multiple background investigations simultaneously. The candidate will also possess the ability to produce professional reports and verbal presentations to address recommendations or concerns when necessary. The candidate should have excellent written and verbal communication skills, bilingual skills would be a bonus. The candidate should be willing to adjust their work schedule, to include some weekends on occasion, when necessary, to meet the needs and deadline requirements of the department. They must be able to conduct home and business visits as required to complete investigations. The ideal candidate will show the proven ability to work as a team member who adds value to the organization.
The Opportunity – Examples of Work
- Conduct personal and professional interviews for potential candidates.
- Conduct thorough background investigations on candidates, following established departmental policies and procedures.
- Verify information provided by candidates, including education, employment, military service, and professional references.
- Conduct interviews with references, employers, neighbors, and other individuals who may have knowledge of the candidates’ character and qualifications.
- Prepare comprehensive reports, including summaries of findings and recommendations for hiring. analyzes investigation results and draws logical and objective conclusions; makes recommendations regarding suitability for employment.
- Maintain confidentiality of all information obtained during investigations.
- Check applicants’ social media presence and online activity; research criminal history records, driving history, and other public records.
- Make recommendations regarding the suitability of applicants.
- Stay current on best practices in background investigations and implement new techniques as needed.
- Collaborate with the recruiter to ensure a seamless transition of applicants through the hiring process.
- Attends training sessions, seminars and conferences; trains and advises others as required. May be required to travel to interview sources and verify information
- Performs related work as required.
