SENIOR INVESTIGATOR ETHICAL STANDARDS
In New Jersey, Senior 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 master's degree, but candidates can swap in added experience for the diploma. Its salary schedule (frozen at an older rate) lists $44,122 to $61,778, 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 direction of a supervisory official in the State Ethics Commission, Department of Law and Public Safety, plans, coordinates, and conducts investigations regarding the conduct of officers and of employees in the Executive Branch of State Government; may assign work and/or take the lead over investigative staff; does related work as required.
Examples of work
Evaluates financial disclosure statements and related documents to ensure compliance with requirements established by the governing statute. Provides technical advice to individuals regarding the completion of required statements. Collects, organizes, and analyzes information to determine whether specific case conditions represent actual or potential conflicts of interest. Reviews and analyzes documents/information to determine whether issues contained therein are within the Commission¿s jurisdiction; when required, initiates investigations, or prepares documents necessary to refer the matter to the appropriate agency. May take the lead over investigative staff and/or perform the more complex investigative work of the unit. Interviews State employees and officers, members of other government jurisdictions, and members of varied public to obtain relevant information. Reviews/analyzes preliminary reports, documentary evidence, and other materials received from various law enforcement agencies. Evaluates proposed codes of Ethics and related regulations promulgated by various State agencies to ensure compliance with the mandates of the Conflict of Interest Law. Attends Commission meetings, hearings, and conferences to provide technical/detailed information concerning active/pending cases or conditions which may warrant specific courses of action. Provides relevant information to members of the general public. Prepares correspondence as required in the course of official duties. Conducts research, and makes recommendations based on the findings. Maintains essential records and files. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
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
Knowledge of interviewing techniques and of their application to the conduct of field investigations. Knowledge of the chain of evidence and of the methods/rules of preserving evidentiary materials. Knowledge of the preparation of investigative and other reports. Knowledge of sources of information within both the public and private sectors. Knowledge of the legal aspects/impacts of the investigative process. Knowledge of accounting principles and concepts. Ability to read and understand Commission rules, regulations, guidelines, standards, and policies; and of the applicability and impacts of related legislation. Ability to plan, organize, supervise, and conduct investigations, usually of a complex nature. Ability to analyze/interpret rules and regulations pertaining to Conflict of Interest Laws, to apply them within the limits prescribed by the law, and to discuss/explain them to members of a varied public. Ability to analyze and interpret accounting/financial statements and similar records. Ability to effectively communicate with members of widely varying publics which may include executives, managers/employees or other individuals within the public and private sectors. Ability to prepare, review, and analyze investigative and other reports. Ability to conduct investigative research. 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 metal or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation s 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. CODES: 23/X23 - MCK 03/31/07
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. 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. Six (6) 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 two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. OR Possession of a master's degree, 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 creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.