Special Investigator - Elections Integrity Unit

Special Investigator - Elections Integrity Unit

About Us:

As Ohio’s Secretary of State, Frank LaRose is doing his part to deliver a thriving democracy and a prosperous economy for all Ohioans. In his role as the state’s chief elections officer, he is working to ensure that Ohio’s elections are both secure and accessible. And, as the first stop for new businesses in the Buckeye State, he is assisting entrepreneurs as they receive articles of incorporation for a new business.

What You'll Do:

The Ohio Secretary of State is currently seeking candidates for a Elections Integrity UnitSpecial Investigator. Under direct supervision of the Chief Investigator, this position will:

• Assist in leading a comprehensive investigative department, including the continual review and appropriate updating of investigative standard operating procedures for intake and investigations.
• Assist in updating forms for reporting intake, investigation documentation, and referral practices.
• Meet with investigative partners to explain unit functions and explore areas for collaborative improvement.
• Conduct investigations (e.g., independently investigate complaints & allegations telephoned, presented in person and/or written to the Public Integrity Division regarding alleged violations of Ohio's elections and campaign finance laws).
• Research and respond to inquiries & complaints (e.g., prepare detailed case findings for administrative or legal action); collect information regarding complaints or alleged violations (e.g., conduct interviews of witnesses, respondents, suspects & other parties with possible information related to case); gather, review, and record documentation from various sources; maintain accurate records and filing system.
• Operate a database for complaint tracking.
• Lead and support the development effort of an electronic complaint tracking system.
• Prepare correspondence & reports for review by Public Integrity Director regarding compliance or non-compliance with applicable rules & regulations.
• Lead the creation of an Annual Report to the Ohio legislature promoting the Division's activities and recommendations for legislative improvements.
• Confer with legal personnel for assistance in documenting & preparing cases for hearing, other resolution or filing of charges for prosecution.
• Testify at hearings, courts of law, and/or other regulatory agencies.
• Prepare & conduct presentations and trainings.
  
• Act in a liaison capacity with law enforcement officers (e.g., Ohio Attorney General, County Prosecutors, and Sheriffs), other regulatory agencies, and county boards of elections to ensure compliance & refer violations to appropriate authority.
  
• Assist in planning and writing departmental goals (e.g., benchmarking against the compliance & investigative units of other regulatory board.

What’s in it for you:

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

Medical Coverage

• Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered through the available Ohio Med plans.

Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance

• Dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums are free after completed eligibility period. Length of eligibility period is dependent on union representation.

Time Away From Work and Work/Life Balance

• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth/Adoption leave

Employee Development Funds

• The State of Ohio offers a variety of educational and professional development funding that varies based on whether you are a union-exempt employee or a union-represented employee.

Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

• OPERS is the retirement system for State of Ohio employees. The employee contributes 10% of their salary towards their retirement. The employer contributes an amount equal to 14% of the employee’s salary. Visit the OPERS website for more information.

Deferred Compensation

• The Ohio Deferred Compensation program is a 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan. Visit the Ohio Deferred Compensation website for more information.

Education
Required: Completion of an undergraduate core program in criminal justice, social sciences (e.g., criminology, sociology, psychology) or related field
Preferred: Master's degree in relevant field or Juris Doctor

Experience
Required:
Minimum 5 years of experience in investigations and law enforcement
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Experience in collaboration, critical thinking, decision making, and confidentiality
Preferred:
10 years or more experience in investigations and law enforcement;
Experience in Ohio's election laws or related field that easily translates; and
Management experience of an investigative team.

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

This position is Unclassified per ORC 124.11 (A) (30)

The final candidate selected for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.

The final applicant selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis prior to an appointment to test for illegal drug use.