11/30/1999 70309

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT INVESTIGATOR 2

DEFINITION: This is advanced professional investigatory work involving the enforcement of the standards of conduct, laws, rules and regulations governing various professions, occupations, businesses, commissioners and activities regulated under the authority of the Secretary of the Commonwealth; or the conduct of teachers and school officials under the authority of the Secretary of Education.

Work at this level is differentiated from the next lower level by having responsibility for leading lower level Investigators and independently conducting the most complex investigations of complaints regarding the various licensing boards and commissions in the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs; or conducting sensitive investigations of allegations of misconduct such as sexual or physical abuse by teachers or other school officials for the Department of Education. Advanced investigation of complaints regarding regulated business and health practices entail frequent responsibility for leading and performing difficult investigations of issues such as, but not limited to, very complex, medical malpractice, sexual misconduct, diversion of controlled substances, varied multiple offenses, complicated frauds and diversions of funds which require extensive investigation. Investigators in the Department of State may also perform or lead investigations related to regulatory oversight of elections, campaign financing, notaries, athletic events or other regulated activities or entities under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Investigators' work involves the initial review of complaints to determine issues for investigation, establishing an investigative plan, conducting observation and surveillance, performing interviews, gathering facts and evidence, preparing reports of investigatory findings, testifying at hearings and may involve overseeing Regulatory Enforcement Inspectors assigned to perform investigative support activities, and may coordinate with other law enforcement agencies in conducting investigations. Investigators at this level also perform routine inspections and investigations in addition to advanced investigatory work as required. Work is performed under the direction of a Regional Director or other administrative superior who discusses investigations in progress as needed and routinely reviews reports of completed investigations.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Travels to various sites in a geographic area of the state to conduct various types of investigations and inspections of any activities, businesses or practices regulated under the authority of the Secretary of the Commonwealth by observing, interviewing, inspecting facilities, reviewing records, gathering facts and noting any deviation from established standards.

Independently conducts and oversees Investigators and Inspectors in major complex investigations of business and health care practice complaints of issues such as medical malpractice, complicated frauds, diversion of controlled substances, sexual misconduct, varied multiple offenses, insurance fraud, or diversion of escrow funds.

Leads the work of teams performing complex investigations by assigning and coordinating selected investigative and investigative support activities, reviewing the work of team members, providing technical assistance and guidance to team members, and being accountable for all findings and recommendations.

Travels to various sites across the state to conduct sensitive investigations of alleged misconduct by teachers and school officials for the Department of Education.

Interviews juveniles who are suspected witnesses or victims of inappropriate treatment or action by school teachers or officials.

Plans, organizes, and coordinates investigations and confers with the supervisor or designee on their progress.

Reviews the initial complaint or assignment to determine the relevant issues.

Establishes investigative plans in accordance with established investigative methodologies and policies.

Conducts interviews of the appropriate persons utilizing established investigative interviewing techniques and methods.

Gathers needed evidence applying the rules of evidence.

Prepares clear and concise written reports detailing investigation and inspection findings in accordance with established policy.

Issues citations when violations are found in accordance with the appropriate Act(s).

Testifies at formal and informal administrative hearings and appears as a witness for the State in formal judicial proceedings.

Reads, interprets and applies all the laws, rules, and regulations of the appropriate Boards, Commissions, Bureaus, and Department including revised rules and regulations and those required to implement new enforcement and regulatory programs.

Attends training sessions to maintain and expand knowledge and skills.

Discusses projected tasks, schedule, and progress of investigations and other matters with a Regional Director or other administrative supervisor.

Performs routine investigations and inspections of all types as required.

Provides general guidance, advice and assistance upon request from other investigators and/or the supervisor.

Provides training as requested by the Director or supervisor to relate knowledge and skills to less experienced investigative staff.

May occasionally perform investigative fieldwork to assist Investigators responsible for investigations of charitable organizations.

Performs related duties as required and directed.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of investigative methodologies and techniques.

Knowledge of the rules of evidence.

Knowledge of investigative interviewing techniques and methods.

Skill in the establishment of investigative plans in accordance with established investigative methodologies and policies.

Skill in conducting investigative interviews and gathering needed evidence consistent with applicable rules, policy and procedure.

Ability to prepare clear and concise written reports in accordance with established policy.

Ability to conduct investigative interviews and gather needed evidence consistent with applicable rules, policy and procedure.

Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate routine and complex investigations.

Ability to lead investigative teams and provide direction to less experienced staff.

Ability to travel to various sites in the state.

Ability to review and analyze complaints and assignments and determine the relevant issues for investigation.

Ability to issue citations, in accordance with the Act 48 Citation Program, when violations are found.

Ability to testify at formal and informal hearings and appear as a witness for the State in formal judicial proceedings.

Ability to learn and apply the laws, rules, and regulations of the appropriate Boards, Commissions, Bureaus, and Departments.

Ability to effectively coordinate and discuss projected tasks and progress of pending investigations with supervisor.

Ability to operate general office equipment.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS: Two years as a Professional Conduct Investigator 1;

                                                                                                                                                                                           or

Seven years of investigative experience;

                                                                                                                                                                                           or

Three years of investigative experience, and a bachelor's degree;

                                                                                                                                                                                           or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training that included three years of investigative experience.