Do you have law enforcement or private investigative experience? Are you looking for an opportunity to serve your community in a meaningful and impactful way? If your answer is “yes,” then consider applying today to be a Background Investigator with the Champaign Police Department. This position is authorized for two years.

Responsibilities of Position

Our Background Investigator serves an integral role in hiring members of the Champaign Police Department. They conduct thorough investigations to vet potential candidates for sworn and civilian positions within the department and the City. This includes reviewing applicant background packets; collecting information about applicants through in-person, mail, email, virtual, and telephone interviews with applicants, employers, family members, references, etc.; critically reviewing details for omissions, inconsistencies, and areas in need of further clarification; participating in police officer recruitment; and creating and maintaining detailed records and reports.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Extensive law enforcement and/or investigative experience requiring investigative ability, judgment, discretion, and critical thinking.

• Or an equivalent combination of training and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Knowledge of investigative methods and techniques.

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.

• Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and processes regarding background checks for civilian and sworn positions.

• Availability to travel out of the local area and work nights/weekends, overtime, or alternate hours, as necessary.

• Current valid state-issued driver’s license and good driving record.

• Possess or be able to obtain, within approved timeframe, and maintain, L.E.A.D.S. and NCIC certification.

• Ability to demonstrate confidentiality and protection of confidential information in compliance with privacy laws and requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• An associate or bachelor’s degree with coursework in criminal justice or a related field.

• Prior background investigation experience.

• Public sector law enforcement experience.

Drug screening, driving record review, and criminal background check and investigation will be required. The annual starting salary range is $57,049 - $64,945, plus an excellent fringe benefits package. Applications must be submitted online no later than Sunday, October 13, 2024, for first consideration. Position will remain open until filled.

The City of Champaign is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The City of Champaign is committed to promoting a work environment and a community that values and supports diversity and inclusion. Contact the Human Resources Department at (217) 403-8770 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. if you require an accommodation to complete this application or during any phase of the application, interview, or employment process.

The following locations offer free Internet access and assistance: Champaign Public Library, the Illinois WorkNet Center and the City of Champaign City Building.

Our mission is to provide responsive, caring, cost-effective service in partnership with our community.

These values guide our work:

Personal Integrity

We act in the best interests of the City

We behave in an ethical and legal manner

We are open and honest

We follow through on commitments

We are loyal to the City

Responsibility

We anticipate issues, problems, and opportunities

We take initiative

We act to prevent and solve problems

We take responsibility for the outcome of our actions and decisions

We hold ourselves and others accountable

Respect

We treat others in a fair, courteous, and equitable manner

We actively listen and seek understanding

We provide a direct response

We embrace ethnic and cultural diversity in the community and our workplace

We are positive and cooperative

We are willing to apologize

Teamwork

We know and respect our roles and responsibilities

We ask who needs to be involved and we involve others appropriately

We define and agree upon the goals

We collaborate to achieve organizational goals

We help others accomplish their goals

We share authority, responsibility, and credit

Results

We take pride in our work

We complete assignments and projects on time and within budget

We evaluate outcomes and seek feedback on our performance

We learn from our mistakes

We innovate