POSITION TITLE: Human Resources Investigator / Background Check Specialist
DEPARTMENT: Employee Services
LOCATION: Longview WA / Hybrid
REPORTS TO: Employee Services Director
FLSA STATUS: Exempt, fulltime
SALARY RANGE: $91,936.00 - $110,240.00 per year DOE

Closing Date: 2/5/2025

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.***

Position Summary:

Conducts thorough, confidential, and impartial investigations into employee-related concerns, including allegations of workplace misconduct, harassment, discrimination, and other policy violations. Conducts comprehensive legal, financial and character investigations on potential employees, interns, and volunteers, with a primary focus on individuals applying for positions in law enforcement, working with Indian children, and other sensitive roles. Works closely with Employee Services leadership, legal teams, and relevant stakeholders to ensure that investigations and background checks are conducted in a fair and timely manner, in compliance with organizational policies, legal standards, and best practices. Supports the Cowlitz Indian Tribe’s (CIT) commitment to maintaining a respectful, inclusive, and compliant workplace that honors and represents the mission, vision, and values of CIT.

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.***

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Conducts HR Investigations

• Leads investigations into employee complaints or concerns, including allegations of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, misconduct, and violations of CIT policies.
• Gathers and reviews relevant documents, evidence, and witness statements.
• Conducts interviews with employees involved in complaints or allegations, ensuring confidentiality and a non-biased approach.
• Prepares detailed, accurate reports of investigative findings of fact for decision maker consideration in taking corrective or disciplinary actions, when applicable.
• Shares final report with leadership and HR Operations to determine and carry-out next steps.

2. Determines Suitability for Employment

• Conducts detailed background checks, including but not limited to criminal history, employment history, education and licensure verification, credit history (if applicable), and other relevant screenings.
• Accomplishes specific screenings tailored to law enforcement and Indian Child Welfare work applicants, including review of processional licenses, prior misconduct, and any relevant regulatory violations.
• Collaborates with law enforcement agencies to access criminal records, warrants, and other related information to verify an applicant’s suitability for sensitive roles.
• Serves as CIT’s Tribal Adjudication Professional.
• Communicates with and provides due process to candidates with negative findings that impact hiring decision.

3. Minimizes Employment Risk

• Maintains compliance with legal regulations, staying updated on federal, tribal, state and local laws regarding background checks, ensuring all screenings are in full compliance.
• Analyzes results and trends to provide detailed reports to leadership highlighting concerns, discrepancies, or areas requiring further investigation.
• Works closely with leadership and HR to identify and document position-specific requirements and ensure that candidates meet all necessary background check criteria.
• Maintains confidentiality and privacy throughout the process.
• Collaborates with HR and Legal counsel as needed to assess potential legal risks.
• Shares sensitive information only with supervisor and legal counsel, when needed.

4. Develops Standardized Processes and Maintains Records

• Creates and documents standard HR investigation and background check processes.
• Documents accurately and maintains HR investigative reports and background check results and related information ensuring privacy and security of sensitive data.

5. Supports CIT and HR functions

• Assists the HR team as needed
• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of traditional form of government and tribal customs and traditions.
• Knowledge of records management and record-keeping systems.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations related to investigations and background checks, particularly in law enforcement and working with vulnerable populations.
• Skill in analyzing data and facts, decision-making, and problem-solving.
• Skill in interviewing candidates to draw out factual information.
• Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheets, and database software programs.
• Skill in treating internal and external customers with tact, courtesy, and respect.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and treat all people with respect and dignity, especially during difficult or stressful conversations.
• Ability to maintain focus and attention to detail, and to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and tact.
• Ability to interpret and apply relevant laws, regulations, and organizational policies.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments simultaneously and manage time effectively.
• Ability to lend excellent written and verbal communication skills in all interactions and for reporting findings and collaborating with stakeholders.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Criminal Justice or related field. Advanced degrees or certifications (e.g. Tribal Adjudication Professional (TAP) are preferred.
• Three years’ experience conducting comprehensive investigations and writing summary reports.
• Experience working in tribal organizations.
• A combination of relevant education and related work experience may be considered.
• Must sign and comply with a confidentiality agreement.
• Valid driver’s license is required when driving vehicles for work-related purposes.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening / investigation according to the established requirements below.
• Will maintain strict confidentiality in all matters.
• Must obtain Tribal Adjudication Professional (TAP) certification within six months of employment.

Tribal preference in accordance with Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Background Investigation Requirements:

• Pre-employment drug screen.
• Reference checks, education and employment verification.
• Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks.
• Fingerprint check may be required for law enforcement system access.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; communicate effectively, and use computers for extended periods of time to complete work duties. The employee occasionally is required to move throughout the facility; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 20 pounds.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in an office setting with a moderate noise level. This position may be done in office or hybrid, with occasional required office presence. Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common. Travel may be required for training, meetings, conferences, presentations, and other events.