What are the responsibilities and job description for the Human Resources Investigator position at Norfolk Public School District?
Full-Time and Permanent; 7.5 Hours/Day; 252 Days/Year; 12 Months/Year; Grade I
DEFINITION
The Human Resources Investigator is responsible for conducting thorough, unbiased investigations into workplace incidents, including allegations of harassment, discrimination, misconduct, and other violations of company policies and procedures. The HR Investigator will work closely with all stakeholders to ensure compliance and maintain a safe and respectful work environment. This role requires a deep understanding of employment laws, organizational policies, and the ability to remain neutral while gathering and analyzing evidence. The HR Investigator is responsible for managing a range of employee relations-related activities in coordinator with the Human Resources Generalist for Employee Relations. This role involves high-level administrative work and decision-making.
SUPERVISION
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Director of Human Resources. However, the HR Investigator is expected to develop and refine their own work routines and independently carry assignments through to completion.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Positions assigned to this level manage a subfunction or operation requiring supervision of staff, programs, and/or services which are department- or division-wide and specialized and may involve highly technical personnel and programs; other positions are responsible for management of programs and services directed to a special population.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASS (May not include all duties performed by each position in the class).
Leads and manages internal investigations related to employee complaints, including harassment, discrimination, retaliation, misconduct, and violation of company policies.
Conducts confidential interviews with complainants, witnesses, and individuals involved in investigations. Document responses accurately and ensure consistency in interview process.
Collects, reviews, and analyzes relevant evidence, including emails, documents, recordings, and other materials to support or refute claims.
Ensures all investigations are conducted impartially and in compliance with regulations, policies, applicable laws, and ethical standards.
Develops comprehensive, well-documented reports with findings, conclusions, and recommended actions based on the results of investigations.
Works with all stakeholders to assess risk and determine appropriate responses or disciplinary actions based on investigative findings.
Offers insights and recommendations to improve workplace culture and prevent future incidents.
Protects the confidentiality of all sensitive information related to investigations and communicate findings only to appropriate stakeholders.
Remains up-to-date with employment laws and best practices related to workplace investigations and make recommendations for the revision of division policies to ensure alignment with legal requirements.
Provides advice and counsels administrators and employees on a broad range of issues, including policy interpretation, work conditions, employment laws, employee development, and performance management.
Conducts investigations of EEOC complaints, prepares documentation, collaborates with attorneys, and makes recommendations on the school division’s position regarding these complaints.
Responds to questionnaires, surveys, and requests for information as necessary and appropriate.
Consults with employees as assigned to help resolve personnel-related concerns and assists in the arbitration of grievances.
Acts as a liaison between the administration and teacher association groups as required
Provides oversight to Title IX investigations to ensure compliance and serves in the role as decision maker to those investigations. Provides guidance and training to administrators on the Title IX process and procedure.
Serves on the school division Threat Assessment Committee.
Performs other related and additional duties as required and assigned.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Thorough knowledge of current federal and state laws and regulations applicable to public school employment, including but not limited to EEO, FMLA, ADA, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
High-level problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze facts and present recommendations effectively in oral and written forms.
Excellent planning and organizational skills with a solutions driven mentality.
Must be a reliable, flexible, adaptable and independent thinking self-starter willing to accept challenges.
Ability to use time effectively and efficiently while managing multiple and competing priorities. Proven ability to manage multiple investigations simultaneously and meet deadlines.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with all stakeholders.
Ability to handle sensitive issues with professionalism and confidentiality.
Certification in workplace investigations or related fields (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR, or specialized investigation certifications) is a plus.
Advanced experience with Microsoft Office and Adobe. General experience with HRIS and SIS.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in human resources, business management, business administration, criminal justice, or a related area required. Master's degree from an accredited institution in a related area preferred. 5 years' experience including 3 years of progressive experience at a leadership level in human resources management, employee relations, and/or investigations (preferably in a school system) highly desired.
LICENSE
Work is executed in accordance with best practices/body of knowledge as set forth by organizations such as American Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA), Human Resources Institute (HRCI), Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), or International Public Management Association (IPMA). Accordingly, Human Resources Certification from an accredited body is desired.
PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES
Work requires physical attributes required for walking, standing, sitting, operating office and communication equipment, and lifting, moving, carrying light equipment, supplies, etc.
Highly developed verbal and written communication skills for expressing or exchanging ideas, hearing to perceive information at a normal spoken word level and visual acuity for preparing and analyzing written or computer data.
HAZARDS
Work involves exposure to normal, everyday risks.
Assignments involve activities in schools, centers, and in the community and require one to have or arrange for own transportation.
Most activities are subject to tight deadlines.
Some activities involve discipline and/or dismissal of employees who may become irate, angry, or hostile.
UNUSUAL DEMANDS
The work is subject to continuous stress, constant deadlines, and frequent interruptions.
