INVESTIGATOR ETHICAL STANDARDS
In New Jersey, Investigator Ethical Standards is filled through the competitive process: candidates take a civil service exam and are hired off a ranked list, not picked at will.
The stated bar is a bachelor's degree, but candidates can swap in added experience for the diploma. Its salary schedule (frozen at an older rate) lists $38,112 to $53,365, though managerial and exempt titles like this are usually paid individually rather than on the step schedule.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
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See where to apply for this title →Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under the general supervision of the Senior Investigator, Ethical Standards, or other supervisory officer, New Jersey Executive Commission on Ethical Standards, Department of Law and Public Safety, makes investigations on matters in connection with conflicts of interest involving State officers, employees, special State officers and special State employees and makes reports in connection with such matters; does related work as required.
Examples of work
As assigned, investigates and obtains the essential information required in connection with State employee, officers, special State officers and employees arising out of a possible, potential or existing conflict of interest. Visits and interviews State employees, officers, special State officers and employees and other individuals in connection with investigations. Abstracts statutes, rules and regulations and other legal data for the use of investigations. Compiles data needed for the completion of each investigation as well as for the presentation of materials requested by the Executive Director for the commissioner's conferences. Attends the Commissions meetings, hearings and conferences. Processes assigned cases from the onset of an inquiry, requested opinion or complaint and prepares summaries and reports thereon for the use by the Executive Director and Commission members. Makes field and other contacts of varied types required to ascertain facts, collect evidence, receive testimony and to explain basic procedures and regulations. Prepares clear, sound, accurate and informative reports on all assigned cases. Maintains an investigative file of all essential materials. Drafts and directs letters and or memoranda to individuals concerned in the investigations. Drafts and directs interrogatories to individuals essential to the investigation. Contacts and discusses with Departmental liaison officers all problems concerning the commission's jurisdiction, procedures, rules and regulations. Supplies and delivers to the Commissioners materials under investigation. Reviews Financial Disclosure Statements for errors in form as well as possible, potential or existing conflicts.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Ability to acquire thorough knowledge of the Commission's statutes, the Commission's opinions, guidelines, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures Considerable knowledge of the legal terminology used in the course of work. Thorough knowledge of the techniques of interviewing and their application to specific investigations. Thorough knowledge of the problems likely to be encountered in investigations. Basic ability to do simple research on legal questions, Ability to understand, analyze and interpret basic laws and regulations to persons of varying educational, economic and ethnic backgrounds. Ability to conduct assigned investigations which may be complex in nature. Ability to locate and secure information, select and summarize pertinent data and prepare clear, sound, accurate and informative reports of investigations which shall include documentary evidence of various types. Ability to confer with individuals on all levels of State government, to obtain such oral and other testimony and evidence as may be required by the particular case. Ability to locate potential sources of information. Ability to work harmoniously with all public officials and employees. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Five (5) years of professional experience in the conduct of investigations which shall have included the review and analysis of financial records/statements, interrogatories, and similar documents, supplemented by six (6) college credits in accounting. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, supplemented by six (6) college credits in accounting; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions.