Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The PA Record Searcher directly supports national security and suitability investigations, focusing on performing background investigations on behalf of government clients.  PA Record Searchers will retrieve records, conduct research and prepare reports of investigations in compliance with federal standards, all laws, and other required federal agency regulations.  PA Record Searchers type comprehensive reports summarizing facts obtained from the record information and submit for quality review and completeness.  The work location will be located at the SCIS office in Slippery Rock, PA, but may at times, require work in the field or attending meetings or training. The PA Record Searchers will engage in dialogue, when necessary, with representatives at the PA State Police law enforcement agency to develop and maintain an effective and cooperative working relationship.  Casework is performed online via a database connected directly to the PA State Police.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

The PA Record Searcher will be responsible for scoping and briefing casework to determine areas of investigative coverage required in accordance with applicable directives and investigative standards and conduct record checks to meet investigative requirements and obtain factual information from the PA State Police database to produce a report of investigation containing all pertinent facts of an individual’s background and character, in accordance with government guidelines and instructions.  Characteristics of the position include managing the batching and bundling of leads and general assignments to promote efficiencies and control costs to SCIS. Self-discipline, organizational skills, and writing ability within a metrics-driven environment are critical distinguishing elements of the position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

· The functions listed describe the business purpose of this job.  Specific duties or tasks may vary and be documented separately.  The employee might not be required to perform all functions listed. Additional duties may be assigned, and functions may be modified, according to business necessity.

· All assigned duties or tasks are deemed to be part of the essential functions, unless such duties or tasks are unrelated to the functions listed, in which case they are deemed to be other (non-essential) functions.

· Employees are held accountable for successful job performance.  Job performance standards may be documented separately, and may include functions, objectives, duties or tasks not specifically listed herein.

· In performing functions, duties or tasks, employees are required to know and follow safe work practices, and to be aware of company policies and procedures related to job safety, including safety rules and regulations.  Employees are required to notify superiors upon becoming aware of unsafe working conditions.

· All functions, duties or tasks are to be carried out in an honest, ethical and professional manner, and to be performed in conformance with applicable company policies and procedures.  In the event of uncertainty or lack of knowledge of company policies and procedures, employees are required to request clarification or explanations from superiors or authorized company representatives.

· Obtain and report factual information for background investigations that determine employment suitability and security clearance eligibility.

· Complete record searches online via the PA State Police database terminal.

· Extend for additional necessary coverage to other law enforcement agencies or courthouses based on results of PA State Police database search. This may include extending coverage to subject of investigation to obtain necessary releases.

· Compile information in a clear, concise report in a standardized reporting format.

• Meet quality, timeliness, and production metrics
• Interact with field team leader and case review officers to ensure timeliness and thoroughness of investigations.
• Assist in obtaining field work in a rapid, time-sensitive work environment.
• Ensure leads are completed in a timely manner and in accordance with investigative standards.
• May be asked to assist with temporary details (TDYs) to high-need areas, dependent upon workload demands.

• Perform additional functions, duties and specific tasks of a similar nature and scope as necessary in order to achieve assigned business objectives.

• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT ENTRY

Additional qualifications may be specified and receive preference, depending upon the nature of the position.

• Must be a citizen of the United States
• At least 18 years of age
• Current (within the last 2 years) Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) or active Secret level security clearance based on an SSBI and able to obtain the required security clearance.
• Successfully passed an adjudicated SSBI clearance
• Ability to acquire and maintain any other specific special clearances/access requirements.
• Reliable personal vehicle, valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record.

Basic Qualifications

• Ability to gather and analyze pertinent data retrieved from record source.
• Must be able to successfully complete and pass all required training.

Background Prerequisites

• Must undergo and meet company standards for background and reference checks, controlled substance testing, and behavioral selection survey, in addition to any mandatory licensing requirements.

Education/Experience: 

• High School diploma is required.  Additional relevant experience can be substituted for the required education on the basis of one calendar year of experience for one academic year of education.  Experience in background investigations is preferred.

Competencies (as demonstrated through experience, training, and/or testing):

• Ability to work in an office setting and, at times, remotely from home office when necessary.
• Ability to work remotely without daily supervision
• Excellent typing and computer skills
• Excellent time management and organizational skills to balance and prioritize work
• Ability to establish and build rapport with new people
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Interpersonal skills to interact with sources, customers and team members
• Analytical and problem solving skills
• Ability to identify, understand and apply federal, state and local changes to and/or new regulations/laws pertaining to personnel investigations
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Ability to multi-task
• Ability to synthesize information, identify key findings and determine conclusions