Investigator

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Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, these positions will start off fully remote with a possibility of returning to a physical office in the future.

We are excited to announce MULTIPLE openings for Investigator positions. We are based in Salem, but are open to the possibility of filling these positions in other areas around the state. If you live in areas other than the Portland/Salem/Eugene area and are interested in this work, please apply.

Do you have strong interpersonal skills and experience in conducting investigations? Are you looking for a unit that encourages diversity and collaborative teamwork? If so, please consider joining our team!

Who We Are

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) oversees the education of over 560,000 students in Oregon’s public K-12 education system. ODE encompasses early learning, public preschool programs, the state School for the Deaf, regional programs for children with disabilities, and education programs in Oregon youth corrections facilities. While ODE isn’t in the classroom directly providing services, the agency (along with the State Board) - focuses on helping districts achieve both local and statewide goals and priorities through strategies such as:

• Developing policies and standards
• Providing accurate and timely data to inform instruction
• Training teachers on how to use data effectively
• Effectively administering numerous state and federal grants
• Sharing and helping districts implement best practices

Our mission: to foster equity and excellence for every learner through collaboration with educators, partners, and communities.

Our values: Integrity, Accountability, Excellence, and Equity

If you feel inspired and motivated by our mission and values, we invite you to join us!

What you will do !

The Investigations and Complaints Unit (ICU) is housed within our Government and Legal Affairs team. The ICU administers the agency’s formal complaint and appeal resolution processes, which includes investigating and responding to complaints of sexual conduct by non-licensed employees, contractors, agents, and volunteers and appeals involving discrimination in public education, Division 22 standards, restraint and seclusion, and retaliation.

Our ICU Investigators serve a critical role in keeping our K-12 students safe. They investigate reports of sexual conduct by school personnel ( SB 155 ), as well as provide support for the agency's processes for appeals involving discrimination, restraint and seclusion, retaliation, and Division 22 standards.

View the entire job description here .

What are we looking for?

Candidates who are the most competitive will possess the following background, skills and experience:

• A minimum of two years of recent (within the last five years) investigative experience which included gathering facts, collecting evidence, examining records, and conducting interviews to verify or disprove claims of suspected law violations. College-level courses in law enforcement, criminal justice, law, accounting, auditing, or a closely-related field may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for up to one year of the required experience.
• Professional-level experience investigating sexual misconduct or conducting trauma informed investigations and interviews
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with diverse constituents, including children, parents, faculty, staff, and law enforcement
• Ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity and responsiveness; ability to demonstrate an interest and experience in cross-cultural understanding and communication
• Ability to demonstrate initiative and exercise consistent good judgment
• Ability to manage highly sensitive and confidential information
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple deadlines, and work independently
• Preference may be given to candidates who speak, read, and understand other languages in addition to English

Why us?

At the Oregon Department of Education, we hire a workforce representative of the communities we serve, understanding that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization. We value diversity and support a positive and welcoming environment where all of our employees can thrive. If you're driven by the passion to impact the lives of children and families statewide, the Oregon Department of Education is the place for you.

We also offer a generous benefit package with:

• Excellent medical, vision and dental benefit package for the employee and qualified family members with very low monthly out-of-pocket cost. In addition to standard medical benefits and employee leave, the state also provides additional optional benefits, such as basic life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and child care expenses.
• Paid days off –
  • 11 paid holidays per year
  • 3 additional paid "Personal Business Days" per year
  • 8 hours of sick leave accumulated every month
  • Progressive vacation leave accrual, starting at 8 hours per month, with increases every 5 years

You also get to live, work and play in Oregon where you have four beautiful seasons and access to beaches, mountains and the high desert.

How to apply :

Materials Required – Resume and Cover Letter addressing how you meet the skills and experience for this position.

External Applicants: Click on the “Apply” button and submit your resume and cover letter. Please make sure to attach all required documents in the section titled Resume/CV. View this video for help.

Internal Applicants: (this includes Current State of Oregon employees): Apply via your employee Workday account. View this job aid for help.

Be sure to check your applicant inbox periodically for updates and information requests. Failure to respond to these requests may delay the review of your application materials .

Help Your Application Rise to the Top!

Your candidate profile, cover letter, and resume are the perfect opportunity to highlight your interest in the position and showcase the amazing skills and experience, making you the best candidate for the position. Candidates whose training and/or experience most closely match the requirements and needs of the position and who attach all necessary documents will be eligible for an interview. Submissions will be screened for consistency of information and communication skills at the professional level (attention to detail, spelling, grammar, etc.).

Additional Information

• Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: The State of Oregon requires all executive branch employees to complete their COVID-19 vaccination series or have an approved exception to the requirement due to a medical condition or sincerely held religious belief. Successful candidates for this position must submit vaccination documentation or be approved for an exception prior to their first day of employment. Failure to provide proof of full documentation or receipt of an approved exception will lead to withdrawal of the job offer. For more information, visit our policy listed here .
• Salary Range: The range listed is the Non-PERS salary range. Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) participating members will have their base salary increased by 6.95% and pay a 6% employee contribution to PERS.
• Representation: This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU)

• Communication: Please monitor your Workday account, as communication will be sent to your Workday account. You must have a valid e-mail address to apply.

• Future Vacancies: This recruitment announcement will be used to establish a list of qualified candidates to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.
• Background Check: This position requires successfully passing a criminal record check, which may require a fingerprint-based records check, as a condition of employment.
• Veterans: Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference. For further information, please see the following website: Veterans Resources . You may also call the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs at 1-800-692-9666.
• Visa Sponsorship: The Oregon Department of Education does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. The Oregon Department of Education is an E-Verify employer. If you are the successful candidate you must present your I-9 acceptable documents (See page 3) for employment verification.

Helpful links and contact information :

Learn more about ODE
Understanding the State Application Process
Help & Support webpage
Learn more about Oregon
For additional information you may contact us by e-mail at ode.jobs@state.or.us .

The Department of Education is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer committed to a diverse workforce. The Department strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every one of our qualifications listed. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application.