Investigator 2 (Code 77211)

Code: 77211 Unknown Unknown

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.

Requirements

Level 1

Two (2) years of experience in casework involving the collection of facts, securing and verifying socioeconomic data, obtaining information by observing conditions, examining records, interviewing individuals, and preparing investigative reports of findings.

Levels 2, 3 and 4

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in the Behavioral or Social Sciences.

-- And --

Level 3

Two (2) years of experience in casework involving gathering and analyzing socioeconomic information; determining client treatment needs; providing access to social services, therapeutic interventions, rehabilitative assistance, or professional counseling; and preparing reports of findings and recommendations.

Level 4

Four (4) years of experience in casework involving gathering and analyzing socioeconomic information; determining client treatment needs; providing access to social services, therapeutic interventions, rehabilitative assistance, or professional counseling; and preparing reports of findings and recommendations.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Level 1

/SPECIAL SKILLS/CONSIDERATIONS

BILINGUAL IN SPANISH AND ENGLISH VARIANT

The above examples of work are to be performed by utilizing Spanish or English, as required, depending on the needs of the individual persons communicated with during the course of official duties. Such examples do not require an individual to interpret or translate any court proceeding or in any other context.

Major Occupational Group: Occupations in Social and Psychological Services

Occupational Family: Judiciary Case Processing Band

Level Title Description Title Code Reference Svc Week,Year

1 Investigator 1 101 (C) 35,12 Investigator 1 (Bilingual Spanish/English) C 201 (C) 35,12 Investigator 2 301 (C) 35,12 Investigator 2 (Bilingual Spanish/English) C 401 (C) 35,12 2 Probation Officer 202 (C) NE,12 Probation Officer(Bilingual Spanish/English) C 302 (C) NE,12 3 Senior Probation Officer 203 (C) NE,12 Senior Probation Officer C 303 (C) NE,12 (Bilingual Spanish/English) 4 Master Probation Officer 204 (C) NE,12 Master Probation Officer C 304 (C) NE,12 (Bilingual Spanish/English)

FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING general stipulations/requirements that apply to all State and Local Titles and other supplementary information, please refer to the Job Specification Information Sheet available at the New Jersey Department of Personnel or your agency's personnel office.

EFFECTIVE: 1/27/2001

Education

& TRAINING -- Knowledge of teaching, training, research, making presentations, lecturing, testing, and other instructional methods.

ECONOMICS & ACCOUNTING -- Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, with technical competence in the analysis and reporting of financial data.

Level 4

FLEXIBILITY -- Is open to change and new information; adapts behavior or work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles; effectively deals with ambiguity.

DECISION MAKING -- Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.

LEADERSHIP -- Influences, motivates, and challenges others; adapts leadership style to a variety of situations.

MANAGING HUMAN RESOURCES -- Plans, distributes, coordinates, and monitors work assignments of others; evaluates work performance and provides feedback to others on their performance; ensures that individuals are appropriately selected, utilized, and developed, and that they are treated in a fair and equitable manner.

MENTAL VISUALIZATION -- Sees things in the mind by mentally organizing and processing symbols, pictures, graphs, objects or other information (for example, sees a building from a blueprint or sees the flow of work activities from reading a work plan).

CONFLICT MAN<b>AGE:</b>MENT -- Manages and resolves conflicts, confrontations, and disagreements in a positive manner which minimizes negative personal impact.

CREATIVE THINKING -- Uses imagination to develop new insights into situations and applies innovate solutions to problems; designs new methods where established methods and procedures are inapplicable or are unavailable.

MINIMUM

Note

The above summary and following examples of work are for illustrative purposes only. Any one position may not include all of the tasks listed, nor do the examples cover all of the duties which may be performed. Tasks are cumulative; higher levels include the tasks associated with lower.

Level 1

Interview clients, customers or complainants

Review clients' or customers' records

Explain judiciary policies or procedures to clients or customers

Answer questions posed by public, clients, customers, complainants, subordinates or supervisors

Verify addresses, employment, or community contacts of prospective probationers or obliges

Monitor clients' or customers' payment pattern of court ordered payments

Provide information to judges, attorneys, or community organizations

Investigate clients' or customers' personal or criminal history

Schedule meetings, appointments or interviews

Verify clients' or customers' information

Conduct fact-finding investigations for matters requiring judicial determination

Write case notes

Greet customers, clients or visitors

Verify entered data against source documents

Gather relevant facts pertaining to case

Monitor location of clients or customers

Compile records or other written materials

Monitor case work flow

Complete standard form letters

Determine status of criminal, customer or service complaints in accordance with established procedures or regulations

Prepare investigative fact-finding reports

Operate electronic or manual information systems

Inform managers about clients'/customers' work progress or related matters

Verify authenticity or validity of documents

Collect or maintain case statistics to generate status reports

Annotate calendars with additional information required by judges

Verify clients' or customers' eligibility for assistance

Level 2

Adhere to (observe) statutes, court rules, case law, or policies for cases related to clients or customers

Explain conditions of probation or community service

Recommend enforcement of federal, state, county or local laws according to client's compliance to terms of probation

Recommend cases to court for adjudication

Advise judges on case issues

Review clients' or customers' probation or community service violations Prepare cases for hearing

Recommend incarceration of violators of probation

Check written reports for completeness or accuracy

Identify clients' or customers' problem areas

Collect court-ordered payments

Analyze cases in accordance with existing laws, regulations or professional practices

Inform clients or customers of their rights, entitlements or available services

Recommend treatment programs for clients or customers

Analyze case histories

Recommend therapeutic or rehabilitative placements

Conduct home visits

Prioritize cases

Identify clients' or customers' case management needs

Recommend social service agencies or community organizations to clients or customers

Monitor case flow or outcomes

Monitor clients' or customers' treatment progress

Refer clients to treatment programs based on compliance with terms of probation

Execute terms of contracts or court orders in compliance with regulations

Analyze case processing from intake through disposition

Assemble case files, documents or exhibits for hearings, trials or board meetings

Calm distraught individuals

Draft correspondence, reports, or proposals

Review case status with judges or division managers

Respond to attorney, litigant or citizen complaints

Evaluate existence of crisis situation and, as warranted, recommend professional Intervention

Recommend treatment (including drug treatment) programs for clients or customers through community contacts

Arrange for clients' or customers' admission or discharge into/from facilities Recommend appropriate court orders for submission to the courts

Prepare financial, review or evaluation reports

Obtain affidavits, evidence or other materials for hearings or trials

Consult with clients' or customers' treatment team

Provide guidance to clients or customers with personal problems or specific needs (i.e., social, emotional, financial, vocational, rehabilitative)

Establish working relationships with social service agencies, or other outside organizations

Participate in team/work unit meetings

Prepare trial notices or calendars

Review court activities for compliance with laws, court rules, or administrative directives

Interpret accounting or financial data

Conduct pre-court conferences

Assign cases to appropriate track

Advise complainants on the procedures or potential outcomes of filing a complaint

Review trial or other calendars for completeness or accuracy

Examine case files, records or other materials to determine issues or sufficiency of evidence for certification

Recommend alternative living arrangements for juvenile or adult clients or customers

Confer with members of a case management team for program or case management

Refer complainants to appropriate federal, state, county or local agencies

Approve continuances or adjournments

Complete subpoenas, writs, or other related legal documents

Inform judges of justice agency recommendations

Arrange psychological testing of clients or customers

Coordinate the attorney's availability or readiness for hearings, trials and other court events

Arrange for clients' or customers' enrollment into training or educational programs

Review trial or other calendars for case mix

Coordinate and/or report collection activities

Provide guidance to the families or guardians of clients or customers, including recommendation of treatment programs and counseling alternatives

Summarize dispositions, interrogatories or testimony for review by others

Recommend procedures to ensure compliance with court orders

Prepare report of findings from legal research

Provide testimony as an officer of the courts

Outline (present) cases at hearings or court proceedings

Coordinate activities between or among agencies or other government or enforcement units

May arrest or detain probation violators in accordance with state law and department policy

May place electronic monitoring devices on clients/customers in accordance with state law and department policy

Collect samples or specimens to test for alcohol or substance abuse

Level 3

Apply statutes, court rules, case law, or policies for cases related to clients or customers

Determine clients' or customers' treatment objectives

Evaluate clients or customers with more complex or chronic problems

Direct (coordinate) work between units or teams

Counsel adult clients or customers requiring specialized treatment or supervision

Determine existence of crisis situation requiring professional intervention

Develop treatment and rehabilitation (including drug treatment) plans for clients or customers through community contacts

Counsel juvenile clients or customers requiring specialized treatment or supervision

Counsel married or separated couples on such issues as child support, custody, or visitation rights

Give advice (or assist) staff or team members with work in progress

Counsel clients or customers on substance abuse

Conduct individual counseling sessions

Conduct crisis intervention counseling

Oversee progress of adult or juvenile offenders in complying with court ordered terms of probation and in counseling recommendations

Conduct group counseling sessions

Counsel the families or guardians of clients or customers

Conduct financial audits for accuracy, compliance or legitimacy following standards to maintain security or confidentiality

Counsel clients or customers with marital or other relationship problems

Write (formulate) pre-sentence reports on adult or juvenile cases for the court

Write (formulate) pre-trial reports on adult or juvenile cases for the court

Provide testimony as an officer of the courts or an expert witness in a specialized area

Analyze results of standardized assessment tests

Level 4

Plan, organize and supervise a caseload of high risk, chronic or acute offenders; evaluate overall performance and conduct, enabling the effective recommendation for action (e.g., prosecution, mediation, incarceration, continuance, or conditional release)

Mediate non-dissolution matters such as child support, custody, or visitation rights

Mentor and coach line officers, clients or customers

Act as lead worker to team members or other group of non- subordinates in assigned tasks

Provide testimony as an expert witness

Design case management processes

Participate in the development of operational programs and procedures

Settle (resolve) disputes, conflicts or problems regarding programs or services

Provide technical advice and expertise to staff, peers and management

Evaluate case management systems to offer suggestions or solutions to existing problems

Hear cases (e.g., child support and child custody cases)

Conduct high impact pre-sentence and pre-trial investigations and prepare responses

COMPETENCIES ASSOCIATED WITH EACH LEVEL

The following competencies are cumulative in nature. For example, lower level competencies are prerequisite to higher levels.

Level 1

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS -- Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well with people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences; and shows dignity and respect to all. This includes team participation.

INFORMATION MAN<b>AGE:</b>MENT -- Identifies a need for and knows where and how to gather information; organizes and maintains information or information management systems.

READING -- Understands and interprets written material, including technical material, rules, regulations, instructions, reports, charts, graphs or tables; applies what is learned from written material to specific situations.

ORAL COMMUNICATION -- Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.

PUBLIC SAFETY &amp; SECURITY -- Knowledge of investigation and inspection techniques; or rules, regulations, precautions, and prevention techniques for the protection of people, data, and property.

ORGANIZATIONAL AWARENESS -- Knows the organization's mission and functions, and how its social, political, and technological systems work and operates effectively within them; this includes the programs, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of the organization.

INTEGRITY &amp; HONESTY -- Contributes to maintaining the integrity of the organization; displays high standards of ethical conduct and understands the impact of violating these standards on an organization, self, and others; is trustworthy.

SELF-MAN<b>AGE:</b>MENT -- Sets well-defined and realistic personal goals; displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards completing assignments in a timely manner; works with minimal supervision; is motivated to achieve; demonstrates responsible behavior.

PERCEPTUAL SPEED -- Quickly and accurately sees detail in words, numbers, pictures, and graphs.

WRITING -- Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL -- Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.

TECHNOLOGY APPLICATION -- Uses machines, tools, or equipment effectively; uses computers and computer applications to analyze and communicate information in the appropriate format.

MATHEMATICAL REASONING -- Solves practical problems by choosing appropriately from a variety of mathematical and statistical techniques.

Level 2

TECHNICAL COMPETENCE -- Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues. This includes knowledge in Human Services, Probation, Court Practices and Procedures, Civil Law, Criminal Law, Rules of Evidence, Legal Research and Social Casework.

REASONING -- Identifies rules, principles, or relationships that explain facts, data, or other information; analyzes information and makes correct inferences or draws accurate conclusions.

THERAPY &amp; COUNSELING -- Knowledge of diagnosis and treatment of physical and mental ailments, and career guidance.

PSYCHOLOGY -- Knowledge of human behavior and performance in various contexts, mental processes, or the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

CUSTOMER SERVICE -- Works with clients and customers to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality services. This includes technical competence in Social Services.

ECONOMICS &amp; ACCOUNTING -- Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, with technical competence in Credit &amp; Collections.

TEACHES OTHERS -- Helps others learn through formal or informal methods; identifies training needs; provides constructive feedback; coaches others on how to perform tasks; acts as a mentor.

TEAMWORK -- Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit, works with others to achieve goals.

Level 3

INFLUENCING/NEGOTIATION -- Persuades others to accept recommendations, cooperate, or change their behavior; works with others towards agreement; negotiates to find mutually acceptable solutions.

PROBLEM SOLVING -- Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.

PLANNING &amp; EVALUATING -- Organizes work, sets priorities, and determines resource requirements; determines short- or long-term goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinates with other organizations or parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitors progress and evaluates outcomes.

CLIENT ORIENTATION -- Anticipates and meets the needs of clients; achieves quality end-products; is committed to improving services.

STRESS TOLERANCE -- Deals calmly and effectively with high stress situations (for example, tight deadlines, hostile individuals, emergency situations, dangerous situations).

Applicants may substitute semester hour credits from an accredited college or university for the required experience on a year-for-year basis with thirty (30) semester hour credits being equal to one (1) year of experience.

Levels 2, 3 and 4

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university including or supplemented by twenty-four (24) credit hours in the Behavioral or Social Sciences may be substituted for the required education.

Levels 3 and 4

A Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in the Behavioral or Social Sciences may be substituted for one (1) year of required experience.

SPECIAL