Background Investigations Unit Manager

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Class Title

Background Investigations Unit Manager

Class Code

7649

Salary

$105,497.60 - $128,211.20 Annually

• Definition

• Benefits

Classification Description Summary

The background Investigations Unit Manager oversees the background investigations unit, including supervising staff, planning and organizing background investigations, and ensuring compliance with all relevant laws, rules, and regulations. This role conducts complex and sensitive background investigations for City of Reno employees, including sworn and unsworn positions, volunteers, and contractors. As the background investigations unit manager, the incumbent acts as a liaison between the department and other law enforcement departments, municipalities, and government entities, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Essential Functions

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plan, organize, assign, and review the work of background investigations unit staff, ensuring effective and timely completion of investigations.

• Evaluate employee performance, provide training on office and departmental procedures, and initiate disciplinary actions as needed.

• Manage work schedules, approve leave requests, and monitor workload distribution to maintain efficiency.

• Perform complex and sensitive background investigations for City of Reno personnel, including applicants, volunteers, and contractors, verifying information such as employment history, criminal records, and references.

• Analyze and interpret data collected from various sources to determine candidate suitability according to departmental and regulatory standards.

• Act as the department’s designated liaison with local, state, and federal agencies, overseeing the department's access to criminal records systems and compliance with all applicable policies.

• Develop and maintain policies and procedures for the background investigations unit in alignment with federal, state, and departmental regulations.

• Conduct internal compliance audits to identify and address any misuse or policy violations and prepare documentation to support department audits by external agencies.

• Maintain comprehensive records, ensuring the secure storage, retrieval, and destruction of sensitive information according to agency retention policies.

• Coordinate with department leadership to provide insights from background investigations that aid in personnel placement and hiring decisions.

• Represent the background investigations unit in meetings and serve as a resource on compliance and investigative best practices for both internal and external stakeholders.

• Liaise with other agencies and departments to facilitate interdepartmental cooperation and support emergency placement and licensing decisions, as needed.

• Design and deliver training for staff on policies, background investigation techniques, and system usage to ensure compliance with federal and state mandates.

• Develop, update, and distribute departmental manuals and training materials related to criminal record access, confidentiality, and procedural guidelines.

• Establish office protocols for handling background investigations, document security, and policy compliance.

• Continuously review and enhance internal processes to ensure efficient operations and compliance with evolving regulatory requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Background investigation methods, techniques, and procedures.

• Relevant federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines governing background checks and investigations.

• Law enforcement policies, public records, and other available resources for conducting investigations.

• Confidentiality requirements and the ethical standards related to law enforcement background checks and investigations.

• Principles and practices of supervision.

• Technical and operational aspects of assigned function or program area.

• Principles and practices of supervision, staff selection, training and personnel management.

• Principles of effective record, file and archival management related to area of assignment.

• Principles of effective time management

• Safe work practices and related regulations

• Principles of conflict resolution and excellent customer service

• Modern office procedures, and methods including computer equipment, word processing, spread sheet, data base, graphic presentations and other needed specialized software applications, and internet and electronic communication usage and methods

• Interviewing techniques and practices.

Ability to:

• Conduct thorough and unbiased background checks and investigations, analyzing and verifying information accurately.

• Maintain strict confidentiality while handling sensitive information and cases.

• Work effectively with other agencies, departmental staff, and external organizations to obtain necessary information.

• Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with a diverse range of individuals.

• Manage multiple cases simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.

• Exercise sound judgment, discretion, and decision-making skills in conducting background checks and investigations and resolving issues.

• Plan, organize, supervise, review and evaluate the work of others.

• Train others in policies and procedures related to the work.

• Compile and summarize information and prepare periodic or special reports.

• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.

Combinations of education and experience that are equivalent to the following minimum qualifications are acceptable.

Education:

Graduation from high school or equivalent.

Experience:

Four years of professional experience conducting background investigations within a law enforcement or

government agency, including experience with complex and sensitive cases.

Licenses and Certifications:

Must possess a valid driver's license or otherwise demonstrate the ability to independently get to and

from multiple work locations as required.

Requirements of the Position:

NCIC Certification is required within six months of hire.

Desirable Qualifications:

Associate’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, or a related field.

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands and Working Environment:

• Work is performed primarily in an office environment with extensive public contact and constant interruptions; travel to different sites; may be required to work evenings, weekends, and split shifts.

• Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a field and office setting; to travel to various locations of assignment; to sit for prolonged periods of time; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; to operate assigned equipment; to travel to travel independently to other locations using various modes of private and/or commercial transportation; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

Other Requirements

RAPG Admin

R32

JD 10/2024

Please use this Health and Welfare Benefit Link (http://www.reno.gov/government/departments/human-resources/benefits) to learn more about the City of Reno's great employee benefit plans and wellness programs.

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