Job Responsibilities

This position is accountable for conducting confidential investigations of wrongdoing and providing investigatory assistance to law enforcement as directed in the assigned northern area of Illinois. 

Department-wide operating budget: $500 million annually 

Department-wide non-operating budget: $4.5 billion annually 

This position reports to the Investigations Coordination Manager - Northern. There are no subordinates reporting to this position. 

Within the guidelines set by the Secretary of Transportation, the Investigations Section assists in developing and directing programs to test the department’s compliance laws, rules, and regulations as well as providing fraud deterrence and detection. In conjunction with the Director of Finance and Administration, Bureau Chief of Investigations and Compliance, the Section Chief of Investigations, and the Investigations Coordination Manager - Northern, the incumbent may be asked to assist in the production of the annual Ethics in the Workplace seminar. The incumbent may also assist in special studies as required.

A major challenge in this position is to perform accurate, confidential, and timely investigations into allegations of wrongdoing. A typical problem involves meeting this challenge on a timely basis and remaining as confidential as possible.

As part of an investigation, the incumbent is accountable for conducting interviews of analyzed allegations of wrongdoing. At the conclusion of an investigation, the incumbent is required to prepare a comprehensive investigative report which clearly and accurately represents the facts of the investigation. S/He is responsible to ensure the evidence gathered pursuant to an investigation is 1) properly obtained, 2) accurate and reliable, 3) properly catalogued, and 4) maintained in a confidential case file, as this documentation may likely be used in administrative proceedings and may occasionally be used in civil or criminal proceedings. The incumbent may also assist various law enforcement agencies during investigations to expedite the gathering of information. 

This position is constrained by state and federal statutes as well as departmental policies and regulations in carrying out functions. In addition, the incumbent apprises the Investigations Coordination Manager - Northern on a continuing basis of progress towards meeting the agreed upon objectives within the constraints of the approved budget and operating plan. Matters of a unique nature are referred to the Investigations Coordination Manager - Northern with recommendations for resolution. 

Job Responsibilities Continued

Significant internal contacts are the Bureaus of Information Processing, Budget and Fiscal Management, and Business Services; the Labor Relations Office; the Office of Highways Project Implementation; and the Office of Chief Counsel. External contacts include the state and federal law enforcement agencies, Federal Highway Administration, contractors, other state agencies, local government officials, private entities, and the public. The ability to travel within the state on short notice with occasional overnight stays is required. 

The effectiveness of this position can be measured by the continued enhancement of the department’s fraud detection and deterrence program along with the timeliness of investigating, reporting, documenting, and resolving allegations of wrongdoing. 

Principal Accountabilities

1. Serves as the key resource for the Investigations Section and the department on matters concerning departmental investigations into allegations of wrongdoing in the northern area of Illinois.
2. Prepares a comprehensive investigative report which clearly and accurately represents the evidence and facts of the investigation.
3. Assists in the development and presentation of the annual Ethics in the Workplace Seminar.
4. Ensures timely and confidential investigations into allegations of wrongdoing.
5. Assists in special studies as required.
6. Performs duties in compliance with departmental safety rules. Performs all duties in a manner conducive to the fair and equitable treatment of all employees.
7. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Position Requirements

• Education/Experience:

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree majoring in criminal justice plus two years of experience performing administrative or criminal investigations, OR
• Eight years of experience performing administrative or criminal investigations

• Valid driver’s license
• Occasional statewide travel which may involve short notice and require overnight stays

Position Desirables

• Certificate from a state-approved, or federal equivalent, basic police training institute
• Ability to conduct confidential interviews and analyze allegations of wrongdoing
• Ability to maintain confidential records and databases
• Knowledge of financial processes and worker’s compensation regulations and laws
• Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to make presentations

Essential Function 5