Special Investigator Senior

Job Summary The Senior Special Investigator oversees the internal investigative process as it relates to allegations of abuse and neglect involving Hillside staff and youth. This position ensures that investigations are completed accurately, efficiently, and in adherence to Hillside and State Oversight Agencies (SOA) policies and regulations. The Senior Special Investigator provides supervision, consultation and skills-based training to other Special Investigator(s), and assigns investigations to investigators as appropriate. Essential Job functions + Conduct investigations into allegations of abuse/ neglect or significant incidents delegated to Hillside by the Office of Mental Health (OMH) or Office for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). + Conduct investigations into allegations of abuse and neglect incidents involving staff in programs not under the jurisdiction of the NYS Justice Center as needed. + Respond to inquiries from OMH, OPWDD, NYS Justice Center, or local/state law enforcement regarding an allegation of abuse or neglect. + Conduct witness interviews and take witness statements. + Collect evidence by gather and review all pertinent documents, letters, email or other communications, damaged property, photos, audio or video files, etc. + Compile and retain investigative information in an orderly, organized and confidential manner. + Write investigative reports in objective, thorough, and concise manner. + Draw conclusions resulting from investigations in an unbiased, impartial, rational, and objective way. + Remain knowledgeable in Hillside policies and keeps abreast of regulations, reporting requirements and methodology to perform accurate investigations. + Participate in Special Review Team (SRT) and Developmental Opportunities Services Special Incident Review Committee (DO Services SIRC) meetings to review assigned investigations. + Assist in hiring and provide on-going supervision of Special Investigators. + Teach investigative techniques and develop investigator skill set. + Oversee on-going internal investigations of child abuse/neglect. + Provide mentoring and assistance to Special Investigators or designees with current investigations. + Review, edit, and offer constructive feedback on all internal investigative reports completed by Special Investigators. + Assign investigations to Special Investigators, or designees, based on availability and skillset. Monitor workflow. + Maintain an accurate database of all internal investigations completed throughout Hillside. + Inform Hillside leadership of SOA and New York State Justice Center changes to laws and policies regarding investigations. + Establish policies and standard operating procedures for the Hillside internal investigation process. + Facilitate the discussion and all relevant follow up of the investigatory review at Special Review. + Facilitate Special Review Team meetings as needed. + While this job description covers many aspects of the role, employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned . Education & Experience + Bacheloru2019s degree required with minimum 3 years of experience in child and family human services or related fields required; or + Associateu2019s degree (e.g., paralegal studies) required with minimum 5 years of relevant investigative, legal support, compliance, or related experience required (e.g., collecting and reviewing evidence, interviewing witnesses, analyzing records, preparing investigative reports, or supporting administrative or legal proceedings, and etc.) -AND- + Minimum 2 years of experience with investigations involving vulnerable persons required + Minimum 1 year of leadership experience required Special Requirements + Unrestricted, valid NYS driveru2019s license for minimum of 1 year with a clean driving record and minimum insurance coverage that meets agency standards. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities In addition to demonstrating the Hillside Professional Competencies of Communicates Effectively, Personal Excellence, Cultural Competence, Builds and Leverages Relationships and Optimizes Decision Making, the following occupational competencies must be demonstrated: + Must possess excellent writing skills and the ability to communicate potentially complex events in a written format. + Knowledge of relevant organizational policies, procedures, and applicable regulations to conduct thorough, objective, and credible investigations. + Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, verbal and physical intervention techniques relevant to the organizationu2019s operations. + Proficiency with MS Office including MS Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint. + Basic knowledge of NYS Regulatory bodies including but not limited to Office of Mental Health, Office of Children and Family Services, Office for Persons with Developmental Disabilities, Department of Health, and State Education Dept. of NYS. + Maintain the highest ethical and confidentiality standards. + Strong leadership skills to foster a collaborative and inclusive culture. + Knowledge of, or the ability to quickly learn, the organization's structure, functions and operational processes. Physical Demands & Work Environment The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. + The following physical demands are required: + Occasional sitting (up to 8 hours) + Occasional standing (up to 2 hour) + Occasional walking (up to 2.5 hours) + Occasional driving (up to 4 hours) + Continuous balancing (up to 8 hours) + Occasional balancing, bending, stooping, climbing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching forward or down, reaching overhead, running, and twisting (up to 2.5 hours) + Weekly carrying up to 55 lbs. approximately 10-100 ft., 10-15 lbs. on a daily basis + Manual dexterity is required, including the frequent ability to grasp in both hands and continuous use of fine manipulation skills in both hands (approximately 1-2.5 hrs.) + Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, gases or chemicals is apparent + Ability to change positions as needed SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS + May be required to interview youth with special needs and history of trauma as well as their family members. + May learn of traumatic events, both past and current, involving service recipients, which includes the investigation itself. + May observe youth engaged in verbally or physically aggressive acts with one another or staff, as well as staff actions to prevent harm to youth or others. $62,500 Minimum pay rate, $82,000 Maximum pay rate, based on experience. At Hillside, we believe that healthy youth and strong families with opportunities to succeed are the foundation of any thriving community. Guided by this belief, we provide community-based services, education, and residential treatment to positively impact lives, in partnership with youth and families who have experienced trauma. From locations across Central & Western New York and Prince Georgeu2019s County, Maryland, our programs serve nearly 10,000 youth, adults, and families each year. Partnering with families and communities, we deliver high-quality, evidence-based services, in the appropriate settings u2014 whether on residential campuses or in schools, homes, or the workplace. By measuring the impact of our work, we endeavor to deliver ever better outcomes every day. Equal Opportunity Employer: Hillside is committed to equal opportunities for all, supporting a diverse workforce, creating development opportunities for our people. Hillside is an equal opportunity employer; individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities, Veterans, and disabled persons are encouraged to apply. Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be provided for the disabled. Total Rewards: We offer a competitive benefits package to include generous paid time off, paid holidays, comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, flexible spending account, 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match, and Employee Assistance Plan u2013 just to name a few of the amazing benefits at Hillside World changers and change makers join our talent community every day. Apply online, get on board, and grow your career with us Requisition ID: 2940

Created: 2026-03-23