Detective

Job Description and Duties

Under the direct supervision of the Supervising Special Investigator I (Lieutenant) or Captain, Protective Services Branch (PSB). T he Investigator hereinafter referred to as “Detective” is a sworn Peace Officer pursuant to section 830.3(v) of the California Penal Code. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, conducting independent criminal, civil, and/or administrative investigations to identify violations of Federal, State, and/or local laws, and facility policies. Developing and implementing an investigative plan. Conduct and complete investigations within established guidelines as set forth in the PSB Law Enforcement manual. Investigations will include but are not limited to; client deaths, allegations of abuse and neglect, fraud, embezzlement, and criminal history investigations based on a subsequent arrest or DOJ/FBI notification; Collect clear, concise, and accurate reports; may conduct undercover or surveillance operations; cooperate with outside law enforcement agencies. May appear as a witness in court or administrative hearing; may be assigned to travel overnight, work holidays, weekends, and/or odd/irregular hours under varying conditions; May be asked to respond and support uniformed officers during a critical incident; And assist in search operations for missing persons (AWOLs).

Effective July 1, 2025, State employees are subject to a salary reduction of two percent in exchange for 3.5 hours per month of the Personal Leave.

The Department now offers an entrance salary rate of $6,974for the Investigator classification .

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Pursuant to California Government Code requirements, candidates must be residents of the State of California at the time of appointment.

This position requires lawful authorization to work in the United States. The Department does not sponsor employment visas for this position.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) Psychological Evaluation clearance prior to being hired.

The Protective Services Branch (PSB) is a Law Enforcement Agency. After the background check clears, the applicant will be appointed to the position. This background check includes interviews of employment and personal references; and FBI, California DOJ fingerprint clearances and DMV clearance(s). The selected applicant must complete a notarized waiver for access to their personal records.

Completion of the Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Basic Academy or Specialized Investigators Basic Course is required (Please attach certificate to application) . Current California driver’s license are required. This is a sworn Peace Officer position pursuant to California Penal Code section 830.3(v). Successful candidate will undergo a complete background investigation, in accordance with the Commission on POST requirements. All appointments subject to pre-employment physical and fingerprint clearance.

If you are using list eligibility from an on-line exam to qualify for this position, you MUST include with your application any documentation (i.e., copy of transcript, degree, license, etc.) to verify meeting the MQ’s or you may not be considered for the position.

The MQs will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If it is determined that an applicant does not meet the MQs of the classification, the applicant may not be considered and withheld from the eligible list.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

Knowledge of investigation techniques and procedures for conducting criminal and administrative investigations; collection and preservation of evidence; laws of arrest; search and seizure, and interviewing techniques for both criminal and administrative investigations. Must gather and analyze facts and evidence; reason logically; draw valid conclusions; communicate effectively; prepare written documents and accurately detailed investigation reports; follow written and oral instructions. Knowledge of various types of developmental disabilities and knowledge of specific commitments that allow admission to the Developmental Centers/Community Facility.

Ability to be professional, diplomatic, and remain calm in emergencies. Must have the ability to make a physical arrest if necessary, and the ability to perform these duties while being unarmed. Must have the ability to prepare written investigative reports that are clear, concise, accurate, and completed in a timely manner. Must be able to use and identify crimes using codes, including but not limited to the California Penal Code, Health and Safety Code, Welfare and Institutions Code, Government Code, the California Code of Regulations, and be able to identify and use facility policy manuals.

Benefits

As a state employee working for the Department of Developmental Services, you and your family will have access to excellent medical, dental and vision insurance benefits in addition to retirement benefits.

Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base and length of appointment. Additional benefits may also be outlined for specific bargaining units in employee collective bargaining contracts. For more information, please visit the links below:

Benefit information can be found on the website and the website.

Additional Information

Electronic application submission is highly encouraged.

Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment. This recruitment may be utilized to fill future vacancies that may occur during the life of the certification list.

All appointments are subject to State Restriction of Appointment (SROA), Departmental Restriction of Appointment (DROA), Re-employment List procedures, pre-employment physical and fingerprint clearances. Further information on the definition of the above may be found on the California Department of Human Resources' website at: .

If you have not taken the Investigator exam/assessment you may find the exam for this classification at the link below. You must take and pass the exam/assessment to obtain eligibility for hire. Click here to gain list eligibility.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Other - POST or Specialized Investigator Basic Course Certificate