Vacancy Details

Administrative and Central Office

TPU Investigator (Employee Discipline) - 21206

Investigator (Employee Discipline)

L2

Office of the General Counsel

Position Summary:  Under supervision, with latitude for independent action and decision, investigates and studies tenured pedagogues’ 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).

All personnel perform related work regardless of assignment type or level.

Reports to:  Deputy Counsel (Director) of the Teacher Performance 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 hearing can proceed according to schedule.
• Coordinates disciplinary hearings; organizes trial assignments and arbitrator calendar.
• Research and evaluates tenure status of pedagogic employees; and responds to inquiries as a point of contact for principals.

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, inspection, investigation personnel administration, and security, or in a major operational area of the employing agency; OR

A satisfactory combination of a baccalaureate degree, post baccalaureate degree and/or experience.

Preferred

• Strong computer systems skill needed to and maintain case databases and generate case reports using LexisNexis, Adobe Acrobat, and other software.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong writing and organizational skills are preferred for the position.
• Efficient legal research skills.
• Experience utilizing Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and Power Point).

Salary: $50,596 - $58,186

(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.

DOE Non- Discrimination Policy
It is the policy of the Department of Education of the City of New York to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, alienage, citizenship status, age, marital status, partnership status, disability, sexual orientation, gender (sex), military status, unemployment status, caregiver status, consumer credit history, prior record of arrest or conviction (except as permitted by law), predisposing genetic characteristics, or status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual offenses and stalking, and to maintain an environment free of harassment on any of the above-noted grounds, including sexual harassment or retaliation. For more information, please refer to the DOE Non-Discrimination Policy.