New York State Education Department
Investigative Specialist 1, Box OEP-12/21670
New York State Education Department, Albany, New York, United States
Job Summary
Investigative Specialist 1, Box OEP-12/21670
– New York State Education Department, Office of Higher Education. The Office of School Personnel Review and Accountability (OSPRA) investigates complaints concerning allegations about the moral character of individuals holding or applying for NYS teaching certificates. OSPRA provides administrative support for due process hearings for tenured teachers pursuant to Education Law, Section 3020, and determines whether employment clearances for school district officials should be issued based upon fingerprint‑supported criminal history background checks. Responsibilities
Review and evaluate moral character complaints and interview complainants, school officials, subjects and witnesses; Correspond with applicants, school districts, members of the public, courts, police departments and other law enforcement entities regarding fingerprinting and case investigations; Maintain a working relationship with all law enforcement agencies and secure court records relating to fingerprinting and case investigations; Collect, review and evaluate evidence, including criminal history records; Participate in case and witness preparation and testify at administrative hearings; Review, interpret and summarize New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services and Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal background records; Review criminal history responses in relation to clearance determinations for fingerprinting and case investigations; Complete clearance and/or denial recommendations in accordance with NYS Correction Law standards; Write investigative reports and maintain and update TEACH and database records. Minimum Qualifications
One year of permanent competitive or 55b/c service as an Investigative Specialist 1; or Six years of experience in a field investigative position, including conducting interviews of witnesses and others; taking written statements and affidavits; collecting and analyzing physical and documentary evidence; preparing detailed written reports of investigative findings; Associate’s degree in criminal justice or related field may substitute for two years of qualifying experience; Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field may substitute for four years of qualifying experience. Applicants must clearly indicate how they meet the above minimum qualifications in their resume. Failure to do so may result in disqualification and removal from consideration. Additional Comments
This will be a permanent, non‑competitive appointment. For 55b/c appointment, candidates must possess the minimum qualifications, a current 55b/c eligibility letter, and be subject to verification of applicant eligibility. Promotions and transfers may change appointees’ negotiating unit. Changes in negotiating units may affect salary, insurance, and other benefits. Verification of degree and/or work experience will be required at the time of interview for all candidates. This position allows telecommuting up to 30% each bi‑weekly pay period at the discretion of the supervisor and appointing office. The position requires 2% in‑state/Statewide travel. Fingerprinting through the FBI and the Division of Criminal Justice Services is required for employment. Fees associated with this process are at the department’s expense. Benefits
Holiday & Paid Time Off: 13 paid holidays annually; 13 days paid vacation leave year one, increasing to 20+ with additional years of service; 5 days paid personal leave annually; 13 days paid sick leave annually for PEF/CSEA/NYSCOPBA and 8 days for M/C. Health Care: Eligible employees and dependents can choose from a variety of affordable and generous health insurance programs; family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost. Retirement: Enrollment in the New York State pension system or Optional Retirement Defined Contribution Plan with 8% salary match (eligibility applies); NYS Deferred Compensation and exclusive 403(b) Optional Retirement Savings Plan. Parental and Family Leave: Paid Parental Leave for all employees and Paid Family Leave (M/C Only). Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and life insurance options. Opportunities for telecommuting. Application Process
Qualified candidates should send a resume and letter of interest by
November 6 2025
to
oepjobs@nysed.gov
(email submissions are preferred). Your resume must clearly indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. Include the Box number ( OEP‑12/21670 ) of the position in the subject line and cover letter to ensure receipt of your application. Links to application materials will not be accepted (e.g., Google Docs). Your social security number may be required to confirm eligibility. New York State Education Department (NYSED) is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. NYS Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination based on age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, disability, prior convictions, marital status, domestic violence victim status, gender identity, or other protected characteristics. Seniority Level
Mid‑Senior level Employment Type
Full‑time Job Function
Other
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Investigative Specialist 1, Box OEP-12/21670
– New York State Education Department, Office of Higher Education. The Office of School Personnel Review and Accountability (OSPRA) investigates complaints concerning allegations about the moral character of individuals holding or applying for NYS teaching certificates. OSPRA provides administrative support for due process hearings for tenured teachers pursuant to Education Law, Section 3020, and determines whether employment clearances for school district officials should be issued based upon fingerprint‑supported criminal history background checks. Responsibilities
Review and evaluate moral character complaints and interview complainants, school officials, subjects and witnesses; Correspond with applicants, school districts, members of the public, courts, police departments and other law enforcement entities regarding fingerprinting and case investigations; Maintain a working relationship with all law enforcement agencies and secure court records relating to fingerprinting and case investigations; Collect, review and evaluate evidence, including criminal history records; Participate in case and witness preparation and testify at administrative hearings; Review, interpret and summarize New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services and Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal background records; Review criminal history responses in relation to clearance determinations for fingerprinting and case investigations; Complete clearance and/or denial recommendations in accordance with NYS Correction Law standards; Write investigative reports and maintain and update TEACH and database records. Minimum Qualifications
One year of permanent competitive or 55b/c service as an Investigative Specialist 1; or Six years of experience in a field investigative position, including conducting interviews of witnesses and others; taking written statements and affidavits; collecting and analyzing physical and documentary evidence; preparing detailed written reports of investigative findings; Associate’s degree in criminal justice or related field may substitute for two years of qualifying experience; Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field may substitute for four years of qualifying experience. Applicants must clearly indicate how they meet the above minimum qualifications in their resume. Failure to do so may result in disqualification and removal from consideration. Additional Comments
This will be a permanent, non‑competitive appointment. For 55b/c appointment, candidates must possess the minimum qualifications, a current 55b/c eligibility letter, and be subject to verification of applicant eligibility. Promotions and transfers may change appointees’ negotiating unit. Changes in negotiating units may affect salary, insurance, and other benefits. Verification of degree and/or work experience will be required at the time of interview for all candidates. This position allows telecommuting up to 30% each bi‑weekly pay period at the discretion of the supervisor and appointing office. The position requires 2% in‑state/Statewide travel. Fingerprinting through the FBI and the Division of Criminal Justice Services is required for employment. Fees associated with this process are at the department’s expense. Benefits
Holiday & Paid Time Off: 13 paid holidays annually; 13 days paid vacation leave year one, increasing to 20+ with additional years of service; 5 days paid personal leave annually; 13 days paid sick leave annually for PEF/CSEA/NYSCOPBA and 8 days for M/C. Health Care: Eligible employees and dependents can choose from a variety of affordable and generous health insurance programs; family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost. Retirement: Enrollment in the New York State pension system or Optional Retirement Defined Contribution Plan with 8% salary match (eligibility applies); NYS Deferred Compensation and exclusive 403(b) Optional Retirement Savings Plan. Parental and Family Leave: Paid Parental Leave for all employees and Paid Family Leave (M/C Only). Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and life insurance options. Opportunities for telecommuting. Application Process
Qualified candidates should send a resume and letter of interest by
November 6 2025
to
oepjobs@nysed.gov
(email submissions are preferred). Your resume must clearly indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. Include the Box number ( OEP‑12/21670 ) of the position in the subject line and cover letter to ensure receipt of your application. Links to application materials will not be accepted (e.g., Google Docs). Your social security number may be required to confirm eligibility. New York State Education Department (NYSED) is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. NYS Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination based on age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, disability, prior convictions, marital status, domestic violence victim status, gender identity, or other protected characteristics. Seniority Level
Mid‑Senior level Employment Type
Full‑time Job Function
Other
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