Field Investigator Details

Field Investigator

Paragon/SCIS - Rockville, MD

Employment Type : Full-Time

JOB SUMMARY

The Field Investigator (FI) directly supports national security and suitability investigations, focusing on performing background investigations on behalf of government clients. Investigators will conduct interviews, retrieve records, conduct research and prepare reports of investigations in compliance with federal standards, all laws, and other required federal agency regulations. Investigators type comprehensive reports summarizing facts obtained from these field source interviews and record information and submit for quality review and completeness. Casework is performed throughout the geographic area of responsibility with travel to various places of employment, residence and education institutions. Travel to other geographic locations (by car or by plane) may also be required as needed.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

The Field Investigator 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. 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.
• Conduct interviews and background checks that help to ensure the safety and security of the nation.
• Obtain and report factual information for background investigations that determine employment suitability and security clearance eligibility.
• Conduct face-to-face interviews with the applicant and their neighbors, coworkers, friends, and associates.
• Complete record searches at law enforcement agencies, courthouses, and mental health, financial, and educational institutions.
• Compile information in a clear, concise report on a standardized reporting format.
• Meet quality, timeliness, and production metrics
• Interact with 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.

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.
• Ability to acquire and maintain the required level of U. S. Government security clearance.
• Ability to acquire and maintain any other specific special clearances/access requirements and successfully pass an adjudicated SSBI clearance.
• Reliable personal vehicle, valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record.
  

Basic Qualifications

• Prior background investigations, law enforcement, or personnel security experience is preferred but not required
• Familiarity with metrics tools, processes, and delivery assurance
• Strong interpersonal, writing and communications skills
• Must be able to successfully complete and pass all required training
• Ability to cover a local territory of approximately a 50 mile radius from home residence
• Must have the ability to travel 100% of the time with coverage area that consists of assigned geography. Will require vehicle travel and may require air, train or other commercial travel methods.
  

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:

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent 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.

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

• Ability to work remotely without daily supervision
• Intermediate 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
• Personal computer and business solutions software 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
  

WORKING CONDITIONS (Physical/Mental Demands)

With or without reasonable accommodation, requires the physical and mental capacity to perform effectively all essential functions. In addition to other demands, the demands of the job include:

• Maintaining composure in dealing with executives, sources, subjects, and staff, in group and one-on-one settings and in situations requiring high performance and results.
• Handling and being exposed to sensitive and confidential information
• Frequent sitting, standing and walking, which may be required for long periods of time and may involve climbing stairs and walking up inclines and on uneven terrain.
• Occasional lifting and/or moving up to 10 pounds
• Regular use of vehicle required in the performance of duties
• Frequent local travel to interview sites
• Speak and hear sufficiently to communicate in person and by phone.
• Maintain visual ability including close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Paragon/SCIS has a legendary legacy standing tall in front of all critical assets of the United States of America. Protecting. Guarding. Serving.

We have been protecting our nation throughout history. For more than 150 years, our means have evolved but our purpose to protect our nation has remained intact, touching millions of lives. From nuclear plants and government installations to specialized investigative services, we assure the country's safety and stability, relying on solid experience.

We value diligence, professionalism, and honesty. We are proud to call ourselves Paragon/SCIS. Our company is a symbol of integrity; a reflection of each individual that composes it. We have built our reputation because accountability is in our blood.
Paragon/SCIS is composed of over 14,000 employees, caring for one another and for the success of our clients and our company. Working on the same site together, we bond with our colleagues; every day, serving the same purpose with dedication and a vigilant eye.

Our employees have diverse profiles: veterans, retired police officers, trained armed guards, professionals and experienced managers. Their background and strength of character are carefully vetted so when you join, you know that you have been selected and are amongst the best.

From Armed Security officers to Mailroom Service Clerks and Fire Fighters, from Field Investigators to Site Supervisors, we all stand united to maintain order in the most critical infrastructures of our nation. With diligence, 24/7, we are the eyes and ears on the ground. We matter.

Our work is demanding. We thrive in the midst of challenge. We are brave, organized, ready. And, we are rewarded for it with above market pay, comprehensive benefits and valuable training. We believe in the vital role that we play in society and the recognition we get from it fuels us.

Our values are the foundation of our operations. They are summarized in three words: Integrity, Vigilance and Helpfulness.

Integrity

A Paragon/SCIS employee is honest and therefore trusted to work unsupervised on the customer's premises and with valuables. Paragon/SCIS never compromises in its demand for integrity. Integrity also includes openly expressing one's opinion, reporting improprieties and not withholding information.

Vigilance

Professionalism entails seeing, hearing and evaluating, and a Paragon/SCIS employee is always attentive. Professionals develop an intuition that helps us to notice things that others don't. Their vigilance is needed in order to stay aware of potential risks or incidents that are taking place on our customers' premises.

Helpfulness

Helpfulness is about our employees always being ready to assist within the context of a particular assignment.