Compliance Investigator

POSITION OBJECTIVE:

The Compliance Investigator is responsible for conducting impartial, thorough, and timely investigations involving both employee and student matters, including allegations of misconduct, discrimination, harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB), sexual harassment or Title IX complaints, retaliation, and other District policy or compliance concerns.

The Compliance Investigator gathers and analyzes information, interviews complainants, respondents, and witnesses, reviews documentary and electronic evidence, prepares written investigative reports and findings, and makes recommendations regarding corrective action and discipline.

The Compliance Investigator works collaboratively with Human Resources, Legal Affairs, District administrators, labor representatives, and other stakeholders to support fair, legally compliant, equitable, and trauma-informed resolution of complaints and workplace or educational environment concerns.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY:

The Bellevue School District is committed to a diverse workforce representative of our students, one that embraces and models cultural competency as an international community.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: (These duties are a representative sample; position assignments may vary.)

• Conducts prompt, objective, and thorough investigations involving employee and student complaints, including allegations of misconduct, discrimination, sexual harassment or Title IX violations, harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB), retaliation, workplace policy violations, and other compliance-related matters.
• Investigates complaints involving certificated staff, classified staff, administrators, students, volunteers, contractors, and other District stakeholders as assigned.
• Interviews complainants, respondents, and witnesses and gathers relevant documentary, electronic, and physical evidence.
• Evaluates evidence, analyzes credibility, and prepares clear, comprehensive, and well-organized investigative reports, findings, and recommendations.
• Makes recommendations regarding corrective action, discipline, policy violations, compliance concerns, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Provides consultation and guidance to administrators and supervisors regarding employee relations matters, student complaints, investigative procedures, and corrective action processes.
• Collaborates closely with Human Resources and Legal Affairs regarding investigations, legal compliance, risk management, employee relations matters, and complaint resolution.
• Coordinates with District leadership, labor organizations, school administrators, and external agencies as appropriate.
• Assists in resolving workplace and school-based conflicts and supports efforts to maintain respectful, safe, and inclusive learning and work environments.
• Develops and delivers training related to workplace investigations, student protections, compliance obligations, employee conduct expectations, Title IX requirements, discrimination prevention, and related topics.
• Serves as case manager or investigation coordinator for assigned matters.
• Maintains accurate investigative records and documentation in accordance with District policies, legal requirements, confidentiality standards, and records retention requirements.
• Monitors timelines and ensures investigations are completed in a timely and legally compliant manner.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

• Reports directly to and is supervised by the Chief of Staff and Legal Affairs or designee.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (positions in this class typically require):

Required:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, Education, Criminal Justice, Law, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in employee relations, workplace investigations, human resources, labor relations, legal compliance, or a related field.
• Experience conducting complex or sensitive workplace investigations.

Preferred:

• Experience in a K-12 educational setting or public sector environment.
• Training or certification related to workplace or school investigations (such as AWI-CH, SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP, PHR/SPHR, ATIXA certifications)
• Legal, quasi-legal, or regulatory compliance experience.
• Advanced degree, Juris Doctor (JD), or equivalent professional experience.

Allowable Substitutions:

Relevant legal, investigative, or employee relations experience may substitute for portions of the required education or experience, as determined by the District.

LICENSING REQUIREMENTS (positions in this class typically require):

• None

KNOWLEDGE (position requirements at entry):

• Knowledge of federal and state labor and employment laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of workplace investigation principles, interviewing techniques, evidence gathering, and report writing.
• Knowledge of employee relations practices and conflict resolution strategies.
• Knowledge of compliance requirements related to discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and workplace conduct.
• Knowledge of case management practices and documentation standards.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and related technology applications.
• Understanding of confidentiality requirements and professional ethics in investigations.
• Understanding of case management techniques and the importance of meeting important deadlines.

SKILLS (position requirements at entry):

• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise, and defensible written reports.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential matters with professionalism and discretion.
• Ability to analyze complex information, assess credibility, and make sound recommendations.
• Ability to maintain neutrality and professionalism in difficult or emotionally charged situations.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with employees, administrators, labor representatives, and community stakeholders.
• Demonstrated cultural competency and ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Ability to organize work, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Ability to interpret and apply District policies, procedures, and legal requirements.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Positions in this class typically require: stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time.

Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, odors, chemicals, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, and intense noises.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

CTSA Salary Grade 8 $112,522 to $118,444 (starting at $112,522) annual salary, 40 hours per week, for a 260-day annual assignment. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life-insurance eligibility is based upon 630 hours worked within a school year. Retirement provided through Washington State Department of Retirement Systems. Other benefits include vacation and paid holidays.

NOTE:

The above job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.

Verification of identity and authorization to work in the United States must be completed. The District does not currently provide visa sponsorship. All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of background checks with prior employers/professional references; satisfactory outcome of a criminal history background check (includes fingerprinting); satisfactory outcome of sexual misconduct information from prior school district employers; and approval by the Bellevue School Board.

Bellevue School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, neurodivergence, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

Civil Rights, Racial Discrimination, and Gender Expression or Identity Discrimination: Civil Rights/Nondiscrimination Compliance Coordinator Nancy Pham, (425) 456-4040 or phamn@bsd405.org.

Sex-based Discrimination, including Sexual Harassment: Title IX Coordinator: Jeff Lowell, (425) 456-4010 or lowellj@bsd405.org.

Disability Discrimination:

Section 504/ADA Coordinator: Kerince Bowen, (425) 456-4168 or bowenk@bsd405.org

Mailing address for all three: 12111 NE 1st Street, Bellevue, WA 98005.

Members of the public with disabilities who have specific concerns about the effectiveness of the District's communications to them should contact Janine Thorn, Chief Communications and Engagement Officer, at 425-456-4000 or thornj@bsd405.org.