Investigative Specialist 1, Box OEP-200/14714

Duties Description

The New York State Education Department’s (NYSED) Office of Higher Education is seeking candidates an Investigative Specialist 1 position in the Office of School Personnel Review and Accountability (OSPRA). This Office is responsible for investigating complaints concerning allegations about the moral character of individuals who hold or are applicants for NYS teaching certificates. OSPRA provides administrative support for due process hearings for tenured teachers pursuant to Education Law, Section 3020. OSPRA is also responsible for determining whether employment clearances for school district officials should be issued based upon fingerprint supported criminal history background checks. Duties of these positions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Review and evaluate moral character complaints and interview complainants, school officials, subjects and witnesses;
• Correspond with applicants, school districts, members of the public, courts, police departments and other law enforcement entities regarding fingerprinting and case investigations;
• Maintain a working relationship with all law enforcement agencies and secure court records relating to fingerprinting and case investigations;
• Collect, review and evaluate evidence, including criminal history records;
• Participate in case and witness preparation and testify at administrative hearings;
• Review, interpret and summarize New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services and Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal background records;
• Review criminal history responses in relation to clearance determinations for fingerprinting and case investigations;
• Complete clearance and/or denial recommendations in accordance with NYS Correction Law standards; and
• Write investigative reports and maintain and update TEACH and database records.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Reassignment: Candidates must have one year of permanent competitive or 55b/c service as an Investigative Specialist 1.

Section 70.1 Transfer to Investigative Specialist 1: Candidates must have one year of permanent competitive or 55b/c service in any of the following titles: Investigative Officer 1, Investigative Officer 1 Spanish Language, Investigative Specialist 1 Cannabis, Investigative Specialist 1 Lbr Stnds, Investigative Specialist 1 Lbr Stnds Spanish L, Investigative Specialist 1 Narcotics.

Non-Competitive Appointment

Candidates must have six years of experience in a field investigative position, which must include:

• Conducting interviews of witnesses and others;
• Taking written statements and affidavits;
• Collecting and analyzing physical and documentary evidence; and
• Preparing detailed written reports of investigative findings
  
  

An associate’s degree in criminal justice or related field may be substituted for two years of qualifying experience. A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field may substitute for four years of qualifying experience. Related fields include: law enforcement, police science, criminology, criminal investigation, criminal justice administration, public justice, police studies, forensic accounting, forensic psychology, forensic science, and economic crime management.

It is essential that candidates clearly and concisely indicate exactly how they meet the above minimum qualifications in their resume. Failure to show how you meet the minimum qualifications above may result in disqualification and removal from consideration.

Additional Comments

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

This will be a contingent, non-competitive appointment. For 55b/c appointment, candidates must possess the minimum qualifications, a current 55b/c eligibility letter and is subject to verification of applicant eligibility. Promotions and transfers may change appointees’ negotiating unit. Candidates should be aware that changes in negotiating units may affect their salary, insurance, and other benefits. Verification of degree and/or work experience will be required at the time of interview for all candidates. This position allows for the opportunity to telecommute up to 30% each bi-weekly pay period and is granted at the discretion of the supervisor and the appointing office. This position will require 2% in-state/Statewide travel. Fingerprinting through the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Division of Criminal Justice Services is required for employment. Fees associated with this process are at the Department’s expense.

This position leads to a maximum salary of $85,138 based on annual performance advances. For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts.

APPLICATION: Qualified candidates should send a resume and letter of interest by April 09, 2026 to oepjobs@nysed.gov (email submissions are preferred). Your resume must clearly indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. You must include the Box number (OEP-200/14714) of the position in the subject line of your email and cover letter to ensure receipt of your application. Links to application materials will not be accepted (i.e., Google Docs). Your social security number may be required to confirm your eligibility.

New York State Education Department (NYSED) is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. NYS Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination because of age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, domestic violence victim status, gender identity, prior conviction records, prior arrests, youthful offender adjudications, or sealed records.

Interested in a job with New York State, but don’t know where to start?

Visit these links for information on working for New York State:

• https://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/
• https://www.cs.ny.gov/pio/publications/gettingajob.pdf
  
  

Generous benefits of working for New York State, including, but not limited to, the following:

Holiday & Paid Time Off

• Thirteen (13) paid holidays annually.
• Thirteen (13) days of paid vacation leave in year one, increasing to 20 days with additional years of service.
• Five (5) days of paid personal leave annually.
• Thirteen (13) days of paid sick leave annually for PEF/CSEA/NYSCOPBA and eight (8) days paid sick leave annually for M/C.
• Annual professional leave and educational leave opportunities for eligible staff.
  
  

Health Care Benefits

• Eligible employees and dependents can choose from a variety of affordable and generous health insurance programs.
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost.
  
  

Additional Benefits

• Enrollment in the New York State pension system which has earned the distinction of being one of the best-managed and best-funded plans in the nation OR Optional Retirement Defined Contribution Plan with 8% salary match (eligibility requirements apply).
• NYS Deferred Compensation and an exclusive 403(b) Optional Retirement Savings Plan.
• Paid Parental Leave for all employees and Paid Family Leave (M/C Only).
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
• Opportunities for telecommuting.
• Eligibility for various life insurance options.