TITLE: Certified Investigator (CI)
II) DEFINITION: This position supports the organization’s work in certified investigations.
III) BASIC FUNCTION: The Certified Investigator (CI) is a specialized, highly regulated role responsible for conducting formal investigations into critical incidents as mandated by Chapter 6100 regulations. The CI ensures that incidents involving
individuals served are thoroughly researched through objective fact-gathering, trauma-informed interviewing, and comprehensive analysis.
The primary goal is to determine the facts of an incident while identifying systemic improvements to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants. programs and services Friendship Community offers. This includes management and oversight of incident, quality, and regulatory compliance management and oversight across all programs offered.
The CI operates in direct alignment with the organization’s strategic plan, mission, and core values. To ensure comprehensive oversight,theCI is granted high-level access—up to and including Administrative rights—within critical systems such as TabulaPro,
Care Tracker and HCSIS/EIM."
IV) ACCOUNTABILITY: Compliance, Incident, and Quality Management Coordinator
V) RESPONSIBILITIES:
a) Fact-Gathering & Evidence Management
a. Identify, collect, and preserve physical and documentary evidence (e.g., logs, medical records, and digital files).
b. Maintain a strict chain of command for all evidence gathered during the investigative process.
c. Assess the relevance and credibility of various data points to build a clear timeline of events.
b) 2. Trauma-Informed Interviewing
a. Conduct structured interviews with staff, witnesses, and individuals receiving services.
b. Utilize trauma-informed practices to ensure the psychological safety of interviewees while eliciting accurate information.
c. Adapt communication styles to meet the diverse needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism.
c) 3. Reporting & Documentation
a. Synthesize all findings into a formal Certified Investigator Report (CIR).
b. Ensure reports are objective, evidence-based, and free from personal bias or unsubstantiated opinions.
c. Meet all regulatory deadlines for report submission as defined by state oversight entities.
d) 4. Root Cause Analysis & Prevention
a. Analyze gathered facts to identify underlying root causes of critical incidents.
b. Collaborate with management to recommend meaningful corrective actions.
c. Provide insights to prevent the recurrence of incidents and improve the overall quality of care.
VI) WORK SCHEDULE: This full-time (40 hours per week), hourly position is based in the organization’s corporate office. Although the hours are generally between 8:00 and 4:30 pm, Monday- Friday, there are occasions where needs must be addressed outside of these typical business hours.
VII) EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
a. State Certification: Must have successfully completed the ODP Certified Investigator
Initial Course and passed the exam with a minimum score of 80%.
b. Age Requirement: Must be at least 21 years of age.
c. Education: High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent required.
d. Background Clearances: Must pass all mandatory background checks, including:
i. PA State Police Criminal Record Check.
ii. Child Protective Services Law (CPSL) Clearance.
iii. Older Adult Protective Services Act (OAPSA) Clearance.
VIII) PERSONAL FACTORS: Must be able to handle high-stress situations and sensitive subject matter. Able to travel to various service sites may be required to conduct on-site evidence collection and interviews.
IX) KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
a) Objectivity: Ability to remain neutral and detached from internal politics during sensitive investigations.
b) Critical Thinking: Strong analytical skills to connect disparate pieces of information.
c) Writing Proficiency: Excellent technical writing skills with the ability to explain complex events clearly and concisely.
d) Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of Chapter 6100 and ODP (Office of Developmental Programs) incident management regulations.
X) PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
a. To successfully perform the essential functions of this role, an employee must meet the following physical requirements. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
i. Communication & Senses: Regularly required to speak and hear effectively. Specific vision requirements include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, as well as the ability to adjust focus.
ii. Manual Dexterity: Frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, and controls.
iii. Mobility: Occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The role may also involve occasional climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
iv. Lifting: Must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
v. The noise level in the work environment is typically moderate.
XI) DISCLAIMER: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position. Employees may be required to perform other job-related instructions or duties as requested by authorized management. All listed duties are considered essential functions and are subject to modification to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Proficiency in the required skills, aptitudes, and abilities is expected for successful performance. This document does not constitute an employment contract, and employment remains "at will."
