Position Summary: Under supervision, with latitude for independent action and decision, the ATU Investigator investigates and studies employees’ misconduct and incompetence. The Investigator will be responsible for supporting the unit head and the staff attorneys in the investigation and preparation of legal and labor matters related to employee misconduct and incompetence. The Investigator is responsible for the maintenance and preparation of documents and written reports that are prepared in conjunction with administrative proceedings. The Investigator works collaboratively with the unit head and the other staff attorneys to ensure an efficient and systematic approach to legal services, and may serve as liaison to City, state and federal departments, and with other agencies and officials within the Department of Education (DOE). Performs related work.

Reports to: Deputy Counsel (Director) of the Administrative Trials Unit and/or designated Staff Attorneys.

Direct Reports: Assignment to positions in Level 2 and Level 3 may require supervision of other investigators and/or support staff.

Key Relationships: Legal Services Staff Attorneys and administrative support staff

Responsibilities

Assignment Level 1

• Assembles and verifies data, records, and evidence in response to inquiries from Corporation Counsel and outside counsel.
• Manages and maintains case databases and generates case reports.
• Examines and analyzes employee records and documents, case files, and legal filings necessary to respond to requests for disciplinary hearings; makes recommendations as to course of action.
• Utilize computer systems such as NYCAPS, HRS, and EIS to assist in the retrieval of information in connection with various administrative proceedings involving the Department of Education.
• Assists attorneys in trial preparation, including drafting charges, maintenance, and preparation of documents for trial, witness preparation, and evidence gathering.
• Ensures timely notification of charges to employee to comply with labor agreement deadlines so hearings can proceed according to schedule.
• Coordinates disciplinary hearings; organizes trial assignments and arbitrator calendar.
• Research and evaluates tenure status of pedagogic employees; responds to inquiries as a point of contact for principals.
• Scan investigatory files and confidential documents/records.

Assignment Level 2

In addition to Assignment Level 1 responsibilities, performs the following:

• May require supervision of other Investigators and/or support staff.
• Guides subordinates on best investigative techniques to utilize based on each individual case.
• Interprets DOE administrative rules and regulations and policies as well as labor contract provisions related to due process procedures.

Qualification Requirements

• A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and four years of satisfactory full-time experience in one or more of the fields of accounting, auditing, correction administration, criminal justice administration and planning, forensic science, and security, or in a major operational area of the employing agency in which the appointment is to be made; or
• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college; or
• Education and/or experience equivalent to “1” or “2” above.

Preferred

• Strong computer systems skill needed to maintain case databases and generate case reports using WestlawNext, Adobe Acrobat, and other software.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong writing and organizational skills.
• Efficient legal research skills.
• Experience utilizing Microsoft Office, e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Salary

$58,797 (New Hire Rate)

$67,617 - $74,378 (Incumbent - 2 years of full time continuous City service)

(Internal candidates who are selected for this position and who currently hold comparable or less senior positions within the DOE will not earn less than their current salary.)

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application.

NOTE: The filling of all positions is subject to budget availability and/or grant funding.

• New York City Residency is NOT Required *

We encourage all applicants from the New York City tri-state area to apply.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

DOE Non- Discrimination Policy

The Department of Education of the City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's actual or perceived sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or pregnancy. For more information, please refer to the DOE Non-Discrimination Policy.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.