Title: Investigations Specialist

Work Unit/Location: Human Resources

Reports to: HR Leadership Team

Contract Length: 12 months

Pay Schedule: Human Resources - Specialist

Overtime Status: Exempt

Hours: 40 hours/week

Union Status: Non-union

Confidential Licensure: N/A

All positions with Santa Fe Public Schools require a post offer/pre-employment background check. Some positions have additional requirements as established by federal or state rules and regulations.

General Function

The Investigations Specialist serves as the District’s lead investigator for employee misconduct, policy violations, and workplace concerns. This position conducts thorough, impartial, and legally compliant workplace investigations; advises District leadership regarding employee relations matters; and promotes a safe, respectful, and accountable work environment. The Specialist provides guidance on corrective action, due process, and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and collective bargaining agreements.

Education/Training/Experience

Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, Education, or a related field. Three years of Human Resources experience. A combination of education and directly relevant experience may be considered in lieu of the bachelor’s degree requirement at the discretion of the District. Candidates with significant, high-quality experience in school-based or public sector HR roles are strongly encouraged to apply.

Preferred: Master’s degree in Human Resources or related field. SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP. Public school professional support, experienced in conducting workplace investigations, employee relations, interpreting and applying collective bargaining agreements, and Bilingual: Spanish-English.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The Investigation Specialist must be knowledgeable about SFPS Board of Education policies, the New Mexico Code of Ethical Responsibility for the Education Profession, and all applicable federal laws (e.g., Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, EEOC, ADA, etc.) impacting what employees can and cannot do in the workplace. They should understand the principle of progressive discipline, how to ensure due process, be able to maintain confidentiality, as well as assess credibility and evaluate complex evidence. The Specialist should be a creative problem-solver, excellent communicator both in writing and verbally, and be able to independently exercise good judgment, even under stressful conditions. They should also have the ability to relate well with a variety of people serving in diverse roles within the District, while remaining objective and professional in emotionally charged situations.

Essential Job Functions

All functions are performed in accordance with established policies, procedures, safety and environmental regulations, facility and computer security policies and procedures. Functions are subject to change from time to time to meet the needs of the District. Current essential functions include but are not limited to the following:

• Receives, assesses, and responds to allegations of employee misconduct, policy violations, and workplace concerns in a timely and professional manner.
• Develops and executes investigation plans, including witness interviews, evidence collection, and case documentation.
• Gathers, reviews and determines credibility of evidence including written documentation, video or photographic images, testimony, etc.
• Collaborates with the SFPS Title IX Coordinator on investigations that involve students.
• Works closely with Safety & Security on issues where campus operations may be impacted by actions related to ongoing fact-finding and/or investigations.
• Partners with legal counsel when necessary to proactively address anticipated concerns.
• Redacts documents prior to sending to the IPRA coordinator.
• Complies with whistleblower policy.
• Drafts formal written investigation reports, which will provide findings and include recommendations for the decision maker.
• Advises administrators and supervisors regarding corrective action, disciplinary measures, and employee relations matters consistent with District policies and collective bargaining agreements.
• Identifies performance and misconduct patterns and collaborates with appropriate departments to address within SFPS.
• Manages case files, in both hard copy and electronic formats, ensuring confidentiality and required record-keeping for use in subsequent proceedings, such as with the Public Education Department or Santa Fe Police Department.
• When appropriate, facilitates alternative dispute resolution options, including formal mediation.
• Testifies at hearings or in administrative proceedings concerning findings of all workplace investigations.
• Trains supervisors on District policy, collecting evidence, and the importance of maintaining documentation of employees being informed of conduct expectations.
• Demonstrates cultural sensitivity to all.
• Possesses strong computer skills including proficiency in SFPS database systems, Google Suite and Microsoft Office products.
• Other duties as assigned.

Salary Range

$60,000 - $73,000+ Medical, dental, and vision benefits are available to full and part-time employees who work a minimum of 20 hours per week.

Physical/Cognitive Requirements

Required to sit and work in an office environment with computers, Internet, phone, and other office supplies/equipment. May be required to stand and move throughout a room and/or facility. Communicates verbally and electronically. May have to occasionally lift 30 pounds or less. Some evening or weekend work and travel may be required.

Environmental Conditions

Most work is performed indoors. Frequent interactions with people in person, on the phone, or virtually will be necessary. Sitting, standing, bending, and reaching may be required. Travel from location to location will be necessary from time to time – must have dependable transportation.

Personal Accountability

Demonstrates reliability as evidenced by attendance records and punctuality. Properly notifies supervisor and/or designee of absences or tardiness. Begins and completes work within the allotted time. Consistently appears in attire appropriate to the work environment. Demonstrates skill in the use of equipment including its capabilities, limitations, and appropriate/special application. Protects the District’s resources through appropriate and careful use of supplies and equipment. Utilizes appropriate body mechanics to aid in the prevention of muscle strain/injury.

Santa Fe Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, age, veteran status, medical/ genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.