MacEwan University is seeking a Senior Investigations Specialist for a full-time continuing opportunity with the Office of the General Counsel.
In this role, you will support internal departments engaged in investigations and complaint resolution. You will be responsible for intake, triaging complaints for urgency, complexity, sensitivity and risk, file entry, and tracking. You will also assist investigations by guiding processes, coordinating information, gathering evidence, and reviewing or writing reports for quality and consistency. Lastly, you will lead preventative and education initiatives related to policy, legislation, and ever evolving practices.
This position works collaboratively with Human Resources (HR), Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), the Office of Student Conduct, Legal Services, and Internal Audit Services on matters such as harassment, human rights violations, fraud, sexual misconduct, Public Interest Disclosure (PIDA) matters, and professional and student misconduct. Accordingly, this position will be entrusted with confidential information on a regular basis.
Key responsibilities include:
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Supporting the triage of complaints and requests for investigations to determine Area of Responsibility (AOR) and confirm AOR’s assessment and classification (Level 1, 2, 3); disputes related to classification are referred to the Manager;
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Providing oversight and support to the AOR on Level 2 investigations which includes providing best practices around investigative techniques and processes and providing resources and supporting documents;
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Assisting AOR with preparing investigation plans and providing support and advice on interim measures and investigation strategies, identifying potential sources and gathering evidence, conducting interviews, managing disclosure and drafting letters and writing reports;
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Reviewing AOR’s investigation reports, recommend changes or further action/follow-up and supporting the Investigation Owner with implementing the outcomes and recommendations from the investigation;
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Participating in notification, debriefings, post-investigation discussions to identify areas for process improvement and preventative measures;
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Investigating or overseeing investigations into disclosures that are assessed to be significant or high risk;
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Assisting Manager, Investigations or external investigator with Level 3 investigations, this may include gathering facts, conducting interviews, and reviewing materials and data;
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Developing, delivering and facilitating skills-based training on investigation strategies, procedures and best practice on the Investigation Framework and related programs, as well as the legislation and regulations that govern them;
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Contributing to the development resources, standardized practices, guidelines, and procedures related to conducting investigations including guides, case studies, and reference documents;
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Support the Manager with the ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the framework and programs while making recommendations to improve efficiency and effectiveness;
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Conducting quality assurance assessments and reviews on investigations to ensure consistency, compliance and completeness; present systemic issues and potential solutions to the Manager;
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Collecting and analyzing data and metric to identify trends and systemic issues to provide the Manager with prevention strategies;
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Supporting the management of the Threat and Risk Management Program by clearly communicating processes and collaborating with internal stakeholders to manage threats and risks effectively; and
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Assisting the Manager with the recruitment of suitable outside subject matter experts such as contract investigators and threat assessors, to participate in investigations as required.
You will have:
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Advanced knowledge of investigative principles and strategies and industry best practice including trauma informed approaches to conducting investigations;
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Knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations, policies and legal frameworks;
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An understanding of the principles of criminal and civil law to evaluate complaints and determine if they should be referred to law enforcement or provincial authorities;
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Strong investigative, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills to deal with upset people and assist with mediation;
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The ability to provide a fair and open assessment, using investigative and analytical skills, to evaluate compliance with policy and legislation;
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The ability to conduct interviews in a professional and empathic matter;
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Excellent communication, both verbal and in writing, with the ability to organize and present complex information in a clear and concise manner;
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Sound judgment and the ability to assess and evaluate information and credibility to make decisions and recommendations without precedent;
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A high level of integrity and ethical code, confidentiality and professionalism, particularly when dealing with sensitive investigations;
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The ability to work independently and collaboratively to meet objectives and provide a high level of service to internal client groups and senior leadership;
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The ability to train others and reinforce learning through guidance, coaching, and mentoring; and
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
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A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in criminology, sociology, psychology, or related fields.
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A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in conducting criminal, workplace, regulatory and/or administrative investigations including matters of interpersonal misconduct including harassment, sexual harassment, violence.
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A minimum of 2 years of leadership experience which includes leading projects, initiatives, or cross-functional teams.
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Specialized training in investigation and quasi-legal processes, with a strong understanding of the principles of natural justice, procedural fairness and administrative law.
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Experience with interviewing, evidence management, procedural determinations, procedural fairness, decision making, and report writing.
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Experience working with diverse client groups and leading stakeholder consultation processes.
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Experience in student conduct, academic integrity, restorative justice, and sexual assault response would be considered an asset.
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Experience in a unionized environment would be considered an asset.
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Supervisory experience would be considered an asset.
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A certificate in Fraud Examiner (CFE) or a certificate in Workplace Investigations, or any other relevant certification or accreditation would be considered an asset.
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An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
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A valid investigator’s license pursuant to Alberta’s Security Services and Investigator’s Act is required within 60 days of hire.
When you become part of the MacEwan University team, you will enjoy a competitive salary. Our total compensation package includes:
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Competitive base pay
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Generous vacation time
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Secure pension plan
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Flexible benefits package
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Continuous learning culture
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Opportunities for career growth
