What are the responsibilities and job description for the Investigator position at Superior Court of California, County of Solano (CA)?
Under general direction, this professional-level position conducts investigations related to probate, conservatorship, guardianship, stepparent adoptions, termination of parental rights, and child custody cases; prepares reports and recommendations to the court; and informs parties of their legal rights and obligations. This position is regular, full-time, and exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act. This is a represented position.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities – The successful applicant will possess the following (KSAs):
Pursuant to Rule of Court 10.777(a), applicants must meet these criteria:
A valid California driver’s license is required or the ability to provide alternate transportation if prohibited by a medically documented disability from obtaining a driver’s license.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
The duties assigned to this position require standing, walking, using hands to finger, handle, pinch, pull objects or controls, reaching with hands and arms, climbing stairs, and balance. Customarily, assigned work may include frequent lifting of up to approximately 10 pounds. Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds may be required, and the need to sit and work at a computer for long periods of time. Some bending, stooping, and/or squatting may be required. While performing assigned duties, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The environment at site visits will vary and is unpredictable. The noise and traffic levels in the work environment are similar to those of a busy business office. Reasonable accommodation requests will be considered when requested, medically documented, and determined by the court to be appropriate under applicable law.
- Receiving and reviewing petitions and files related to assigned cases.
- Conducting background investigations of involved parties, including criminal history, fingerprints, collateral contracts, interviews, and other related matters.
- Working with other agencies (e.g., CPS, APS, NBRC) to develop information related to parties in the case; may refer parties for services.
- Conducting home visits to determine the suitability of the environment and gather additional information.
- Recommending additional expert consultation where indicated, such as psychological evaluations.
- Advising an individual of their rights and options.
- Preparing reports documenting investigation processes, findings, and recommendations.
- Reviewing and monitoring conservatorship and guardianship accountings and actions on behalf of the conservatee or ward.
- Establishing and maintaining a variety of records, correspondence, and reports.
- Maintaining current knowledge of codes and regulations related to adoption, child custody, conservatorship, and guardianship.
- Performing other related work as required by business needs or as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities – The successful applicant will possess the following (KSAs):
- Ability to organize and prioritize work assignments.
- Ability to understand and apply written and verbal instructions & convey information to others.
- Ability to communicate effectively with people of diverse socio-economic backgrounds and temperaments.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of information.
Pursuant to Rule of Court 10.777(a), applicants must meet these criteria:
- A Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree in a science, a social science, a behavioral science, liberal arts, or nursing from an accredited educational institution
AND - A minimum of two years of employment experience performing casework or investigations in a legal, financial, law enforcement, or social services setting.
AND - Applicant must meet requirements outlined in Probate Code section 1454(b):
- The training or experience, or both, necessary (i) to make the investigations required under this division, (ii) to communicate with, assess, and deal with persons who are or may be the subject of proceedings under this division, and (iii) to perform the other duties required of a court investigator.
- A demonstrated sufficient knowledge of law so as to be able to inform conservatees and proposed conservatees of the nature and effect of a conservatorship proceeding and of their rights, to answer their questions, and to inform conservators concerning their power and duties.
- Independent travel is required.
- May be required to work outside normal business hours.
A valid California driver’s license is required or the ability to provide alternate transportation if prohibited by a medically documented disability from obtaining a driver’s license.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
The duties assigned to this position require standing, walking, using hands to finger, handle, pinch, pull objects or controls, reaching with hands and arms, climbing stairs, and balance. Customarily, assigned work may include frequent lifting of up to approximately 10 pounds. Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds may be required, and the need to sit and work at a computer for long periods of time. Some bending, stooping, and/or squatting may be required. While performing assigned duties, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The environment at site visits will vary and is unpredictable. The noise and traffic levels in the work environment are similar to those of a busy business office. Reasonable accommodation requests will be considered when requested, medically documented, and determined by the court to be appropriate under applicable law.
Salary : $82,754 - $100,589
