Policy Compliance Investigator

Job Description

Job Description

Join BASIS Ed as a Policy Compliance Investigator

At BASIS Charter Schools, we are committed to creating safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environments where all students can thrive. As part of our Legal & Compliance team, the Policy Compliance Investigator plays a critical role in upholding our high standards for equity, integrity, and accountability.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Policy Compliance Investigator (Investigator) reports to the General Counsel (or designee) who has primary responsibility for ensuring schools and school staff follow all applicable laws, regulations and policies and procedures specific to harassment, discrimination, and bullying based on actual or perceived membership in a protected class, such as Title VI and Title IX policies. The Investigator assists in resolving certain complaints of sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, harassment on other bases, protected class discrimination, bullying, and retaliation involving students at public charter schools served by BASIS Ed, as well as providing consultation to schools and staff members dealing with code of conduct violations and policy non-compliance that may not rise to the level of a formal investigation. For formal complaints determined actionable, the Title IX Coordinator, or designee, the Investigator will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation in accordance with applicable policies. The Investigator acts as a neutral party in the investigation, gathers and reviews evidence, evaluates credibility, makes findings of fact and recommendations, and provides a detailed, unbiased report regarding the results of the investigation. At the direction of the leaders of Compliance Services and the Legal division, the Investigator will also assist in training the school and office-based staff on compliance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures, as well as the investigation process.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions Statement(s)

Under the direction of Legal & Compliance leadership, the Investigator will :

Investigation & Consultation

Receive complaints of bullying, harassment, discrimination, and other violations of the Student Code of Conduct or school policy, including all areas covered by Title IX, Title VI, and other applicable laws, and identify relevant policies and Code of Conduct provisions.

Exercise judgment regarding the resolution of complaints including implementation of supportive measures, consideration of informal resolution options, make recommendations regarding the necessity of a formal investigation, and provide guidance and recommendations for the imposition of disciplinary outcomes.

Conduct a prompt, thorough, impartial administrative investigation into complaints including conducting trauma-informed interviews and fact-finding meetings, gathering and assessing information relevant to the conduct and allegations at issue, applying relevant policies and laws, and making findings of fact in individual cases. This includes :

Collecting information in an efficient and supportive manner

Providing thorough information to involved parties, including details regarding the policies and procedures utilized and enforced by the schools

Evaluating the nature and the urgency of the situation and determining the appropriate course of action

Interviewing parties and witnesses, analyzing and synthesizing information gained through the investigation process, and composing a clear and concise report detailing the information obtained and the logical reasoning used to reach recommendations regarding responsibility (findings of fact and conclusions)

Conducting other remedies-based case resolutions tailored to specific circumstances that help prevent behaviors from reoccurring and bridge the gap between intention and impact

Refer individuals to necessary resources and coordinate such referrals with those agencies and departments

Research, recommend, and coordinate relevant professional development and training for school personnel

Support reporting compliance with records management through regular reviews of case files and systems

Maintain internal tracking system and manage database to ensure the availability of reliable program data

Assist in development of innovative tools and templates per industry best practices

Site visits to multiple schools to ensure staff feel supported and informed

Serve as a point of contact and information for students, faculty, and staff, including providing ongoing updates regarding the status of complaints and investigations as required

Actively foster and maintain a climate that is supportive of students and respectful of their differences

Provide information to students, employees, and others regarding the Code of Conduct and network policies and provide consultation to schools regarding policy compliance issues involving student behavior

Research, analyze, and summarize compliance requirements across the network and provide information to schools to implement compliant practices

Maintain awareness of trends and developments in the field as well as knowledge of current changes within legal, regulatory, and technology environments, which may affect investigatory process and operations

Assist in the maintenance of website content and ensure consistency and accuracy of information and resources

Identify areas for policy improvement and recommend programs, strategies, and other collaborative activities to prevent discrimination and harassment from occurring in schools

Participate in the evaluation and ongoing development of relevant policies and procedures for schools and / or departments to improve compliance adherence

Conduct or consult in other investigations related to compliance, personnel, campus culture, or other relevant areas

Other duties as assigned

Community Outreach & Education

Create and facilitate training / presentations to students, employees, and others regarding the schools’ nondiscrimination policies and identifying and integrating best practices into the school and the complaint resolution process

Assist in the development and implementation of educational materials and training for faculty, staff and students regarding compliance with Title VI, Title IX, the ADA and other federal and local laws and regulations, and assist in outreach activities designed to communicate the responsibilities of the Compliance department

Cultivate relationships with school stakeholders (e.g., students, employees, parents, and others) and maintain clear lines of communication

Collaborate with on and off campus resources, including law enforcement and victim services, in resolving complaints and work with various company divisions to ensure that the schools’ processes, responses, and policies are consistent with federal and state laws and regulations related to compliance

Stay abreast of current movements in the field of student conduct investigations by participating in professional associations, attending conferences, building relationships with colleagues at peer institutions, etc., and continuously identify and integrate investigation best practices into school policies and practices

Review current literature, conduct research, and summarize key components of compliance and policy initiatives and requirements that impact K-12 schools

Other duties as assigned

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Competency Statement(s)

Organized – Ability to develop and maintain order while documenting, filing and coordinating tasks

Detail Oriented – Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task

Communication – Effectively convey information both verbally and in writing. Communicate in a manner that is clear, complete and concise.

Accountable – Ability to take responsibility for own work, establish trust, and be receptive to feedback

Judgment – The ability to formulate a sound decision using the available information

Efficient – Prioritize and execute day to day responsibilities to best respond to business demands—maximize productivity and minimize wasted time.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Education : A Bachelor’s Degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university is required.

Certifications and Credentials : Valid Fingerprint Clearance Card and or applicable state background check, or the ability to obtain

Experience : 2 years of professional experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired. Experience in student conduct or an office of discrimination and harassment is highly preferred. Experience working with K-12 students and professional experience conducting investigations, especially in an educational setting also preferred.

Computer Skills : Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), Experienced with internet research

Department : Compliance Services

Job Status : Full Time; Position is located in-person in the Scottsdale, AZ office. Occasional remote work may be possible upon manager’s approval.

FLSA Status : Exempt

Reports To : General Counsel or designee

Positions Supervised : None

Amount of Travel Required : Regular travel may be required in and out of state. Expenses for required travel will be covered or reimbursed by BASIS Ed.

Standard Work Schedule : M-F 8-5