Public Safety Investigations Specialist

The Department

The Office of Inspector General for Public Safety (OIG) was established by Ordinance 125315 as part of the City of Seattle police accountability reform effort. Our charge is to help ensure the fairness and integrity of the police system in its delivery of law enforcement services. Our goal is to ensure constitutional, accountable, effective, and respectful policing that reflects the values of Seattle's diverse communities and engenders community trust.

The Job

The OIG is seeking a Public Safety Investigations Specialist who will have the expertise to (1) generate advanced, high-quality work products in support of OIG's mission with a high level of autonomy, and (2) advise the Investigations Supervisor and the Inspector General about effective courses of action in a complex, highly scrutinized environment. This position will primarily be responsible for the oversight and review of Office of Police Accountability (OPA) investigations. OPA is a city entity with the authority to investigate misconduct complaints against Seattle Police Department (SPD) employees. The Investigations Specialist will be responsible for assessing and certifying OPA misconduct investigations against various criteria and metrics to ensure they are timely, thorough, and objective.

• Review OPA and SPD's handling of allegations of misconduct, investigations, supervisor actions, bias reviews, and contact logs; 

• Conduct investigations of alleged misconduct by OPA and SPD staff as needed; 

• Perform in-depth review and certification of OPA investigations to include directing additional investigation as necessary.

• Conduct investigations and reviews for any areas that: (a) involve potential conflicts of interest; (b) involve possible fraud, waste, abuse, inefficiency, or ineffectiveness; (c) undermine accountability or are unethical; or (d) otherwise compromise the public trust in the police or the criminal justice system; 

• Assist with the establishment of OIG policies and protocols related to OPA review and investigations; Utilize the knowledge and expertise of this position to assist with the development of other OIG work products and internal quality control review; and

• Communicate the body of work clearly and concisely to both internal and external audiences; 

• Occasionally serve on, or participate in, cross-functional, cross-departmental, or cross-jurisdictional teams related to the position; and

• Use discretion and care in the handling of confidential and sensitive information.

• Other relevant activities as assigned.

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. Pursuant to Ordinance 125315, applicants for positions with OIG must not have been employed by the Seattle Police Department as a sworn officer and must pass a criminal background check.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience: A minimum of three (3) years of relevant work experience in professional investigations or auditing, law/criminal justice, governmental or human resources investigations, police practices, police oversight, or a closely related field; AND.

• Education: A bachelor's degree in criminal justice, administrative justice, business/public administration, public law or a related field. 

• A master's degree from an accredited college or university in a field of study related to the work assignment may be substituted for the experience on a year-for-year basis.

You will be prepared to take on this role if you have the following experience, skills, knowledge, and abilities through a combination of education, and/or training as demonstrated in your application, resume, and/or cover letter:

• Analytical attention to detail and ability to track case review data in an organized manner; Ability to analyze and investigate a matter, critically and objectively spotting issues and trends; 

• Familiarity with law enforcement operations, laws, and regulations and ability to effectively determine the adequacy and compliance of OPA and SPD internal controls, management practices, record keeping, and reporting; 

• Experience conducting investigations; 

• Solid understanding of government infrastructure, political dynamics, and budget processes;

• Experience analyzing and assessing complex investigations and data for patterns and trends; 

• Ability to exercise sound judgment, independence, fairness, and objectivity in an environment where controversy is common.

• Excellent written, analytical, and verbal communication skills.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Ability to appropriately handle confidential and sensitive information; 

• Ability to maintain a high standard of integrity and professionalism in the office; 

• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with department staff and members of other organizations on sensitive or controversial issues; 

• An appreciation of the city's ethnic and socio-economic diversity, and proven experience working with and valuing the perspectives of diverse groups and individuals.

• Ability as a team player who can also work independently and offer thoughtful input to the team on systemic reform issues; Highly organized and efficient with an ability to multi-task; 

• Ability to respond to sudden emergent needs and deadlines, devoting the time and resources needed to meet those deadlines as appropriate; 

• Ability to handle relationships professionally that, at times, are contentious by nature of oversight work.

• Basic understanding of Microsoft Excel, Access, SharePoint, and OneDrive.

TOTAL COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This full-time position is classified as a Strategic Advisor 1 and is exempt from the Seattle Civil Service System. The full salary range for this position is $100,620.72 - $150,816.24 annually ($48.19 - $72.23 per hour). The salary range for this individual role has been identified as $104,000 - $113,000 annually.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position will primarily be onsite at Seattle Municipal Tower: 700 5th AVE Suite 5500, Seattle, WA. Alternative Work Arrangements may be considered and will be based on operational needs.

COMMITMENT TO SOCIAL JUSTICE

The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.

HOW TO APPLY

• Complete a NEOGOV online application and supplemental questionnaire.

• Attach a PDF cover letter describing how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities have prepared you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in this job announcement.

• Attach a PDF of your resume.

Applications received without the requested materials will not be considered.

Job offers are contingent upon the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process including the successful completion of a background check.

Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.