Investigator

Role Responsibilities

Working with the Director, Investigations, as Investigator you will provide public assurance to Alberta's K to 12 education system by conducting investigations related to complaints of alleged unprofessional conduct and professional incompetence against Alberta certificated teachers and teacher leaders.

The Investigator's key responsibilities include handling critical investigations, investigating complaints in a timely manner in accordance with legislation, policy and procedures, and serves as a resource for other investigators. 

Investigations will be subject to periodic review and monitoring for compliance with investigation standards.

The Investigator will make use of a full range of advanced and innovative investigation techniques and tools: employing enforcement tools in accordance with legislation, locating respondents, complainants, and witnesses when required; and serving documents to the appropriate individual(s) in an investigation. The investigator works with minimal direct supervision, however, reports formally to a Team Lead Investigator.

The Investigator will respond to inquiries from the public and educational stakeholders. The investigator will liaise with a wide variety of external educational agencies, government agencies and law enforcement agencies including municipal, provincial, federal, and international levels. The Investigator identifies and develops a working relationship with provincial and national agencies such as local police enforcement agencies, the RCMP and provincial courts in order to assist with investigations.

As an investigator, you will be responsible for the following activities:

Investigates complex and multifaceted complaints in accordance with legislation, policy and procedures:

• Conducts investigations by gathering, securing and preserving evidence; conducting interviews with complainants, witnesses and teachers/teach leaders; taking statements, examining records and seeking advice on interpretation and application of legislation.
• Creates complex investigative plans that identify required resources to ensure the investigation can be completed thoroughly and in a timely fashion.
• Identifies and obtains, with appropriate authorizations, resources for investigations.
• Supports investigative colleagues.
• Develops and coordinates investigation plans and allocates resources/responsibilities when required.
• Acts as a consultant when required by investigative and Education colleagues.
• Provides high quality service to internal and external stakeholders.
   

Provides professional and accurate information including reports to the Case Manager to facilitate the Commissioner's decision making regarding the complaint:

• Analyzes results and prepare investigative reports.
• Manages own caseload while supporting the other team members.
• Is prepared to be called as a witness during a hearing.
   

Participates in team membership to meet business plan objectives:

• Promotes a co-operative working relationship with colleagues in the branch and the Alberta Teaching Profession Commission.
• Consults on investigative techniques and act as a general resource for the investigative unit.
• Works with teams to solve/resolve issues surrounding highly sensitive investigations.
• Participates in developing unit performance standards.
• Participates in the operational business planning for the investigation unit and contributes toward achieving the required results.
• Participates in unit meetings to identify issues, share information, solve problems and make decisions.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in-depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf

Competencies for this position include:

• Drive for Results – When a teacher or teacher leader is under investigation, it is imperative that the investigation is completed in a timely and respectful manner with the required rigor. The Investigator will complete investigations.
• Creative Problem Solving – Using their investigation expertise, the Investigator will address a variety of inquiries and complaints on complex and politically sensitive issues. At times, this requires research to ascertain the facts, understand the issues involved, and propose solutions. These solutions may become part of the public record.
• Agility – The Investigator responds effectively to a variety of inquiries and matters within short timelines and also maintaining objectivity regarding all investigative cases.
• Develop Networks – The Investigator builds relationships with a variety of external educational agencies, government agencies, and law enforcement agencies in order to assist with investigations.

Qualifications

A university degree in a related field (Education, Public Administration, and Legal Studies) plus minimum of 2 years of experience in investigations in a regulatory; or equivalent as described below.

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered on one-for-one basis.

The following knowledge/experience are considered as asset for this position:

• Knowledge of departmental legislation, such as the Education Act, Code of Professional Conduct for Teachers and Teacher Leaders, Professional Conduct and Competency for Teachers and Teacher Leader Regulation,  Teaching Quality Standard, 
• Progressive experience in employee relations/complaint/workplace investigations (human resources).
• Experience working within the Alberta K – 12 Education System
• Ability to work with First Nations school authorities, including Chief and Council
• Human Resource experience at an administrative level in the Alberta K-12 education system.    
• Experience working as a teacher or teacher leader within Alberta
• Experience in advanced innovative investigation techniques and has demonstrated the use and application of a variety of tools in an administrative and regulatory environment.
• Proven ability to work both independently and in a team environment
• Strong conceptual and problem solving abilities
• Conflict management skills
• Ability to demonstrate appropriate verbal, non-verbal and written communications
• Ability to interpret verbal, non-verbal and written communications
• Strong conflict management skills
• Ability to adapt, change and problem solve

To be considered, your application must be accompanied with a cover letter that demonstrates how you meet the educational and experience requirements, along with examples to demonstrate the four competencies, noted above. Cover letters without this information may not be considered.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.

Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards

Notes

This is a full-time position, working 36.25 hours per week, Monday – Friday 8:15am – 4:30pm, 36.25 hours/week).

Working location is 8th floor, Petwin Tower Building, 10707 100 Ave NW, Edmonton.

A written assessment will be used as part of the screening/selection process.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Applicants are advised to provide a cover letter summarizing information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements, including education, experience and relevant examples of required competencies.
In your resume, please include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. Also, please indicate whether your work experience is casual, part-time or full-time. For example: January 15, 2006 - June 25, 2009: Assistant (PT three 8 hrs shifts/week).

The final candidate may be required to undergo a security screening.

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies across the Government of Alberta, at equal or lower classification and salary.

Links and information on what the GoA has to offer to prospective employees:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) – https://www.pspp.ca 
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca
•  Positive workplace culture and work-life balance
•  Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to   two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
• Leadership and mentorship programs