OVERVIEW

Cooke & Associates, Inc. (CAI) is seeking experienced public safety professionals to support background investigation operations within the Public Safety Support Division – Background Unit. This role provides critical support to background investigators by conducting in-person file reviews of applicant records at law enforcement and fire service agencies.

The position is designed for individuals with prior public safety experience who can work independently, exercise sound judgment, and handle sensitive records with professionalism and discretion.

POSITION DETAILS

Location:                    

Hybrid; remote work with required onsite travel to public safety agencies throughout Northern California and weekly reporting to the CAI corporate office in Danville, CA.

Schedule:                   

Flexible but assigned schedule Monday through Friday, up to 30 hours per week.

Employment Duration:           

Ongoing part-time role.

Compensation:             

$45.00 per hour.

Overtime:                   

Paid in accordance with California state law.

Travel:                        

Required- See more below; travel time is paid. Mileage reimbursed at the current federal mileage rate. Parking fees reimbursed as incurred.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Background File Review Specialist conducts onsite reviews of applicant background files at public safety agencies. This includes examining personnel, internal affairs, and investigative records; identifying discrepancies; and preparing clear, factual written summaries of findings.

Work begins and ends from the employee’s home. Onsite file reviews at public safety agencies are REQUIRED throughout Northern California, including but not limited to the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento to Stockton, and Monterey to Sonoma regions. Remote work is limited to report writing and administrative tasks only. Employees are required to report to the CAI corporate office in Danville, CA once per week, as scheduled. Reliable transportation is required.

Access associated with this role is administrative and investigative in nature only and does not include security, protective, safety-sensitive, or enforcement responsibilities.

The role requires consistent adherence to confidentiality standards, POST guidelines, contractual timelines, and CAI reporting requirements.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate and schedule onsite file reviews to meet contractual deadlines and internal timelines.
• Conduct in-person reviews of personnel, internal affairs, and investigative records in compliance with applicable POST standards.
• Compare agency records against applicant-submitted documentation for accuracy and consistency.
• Identify discrepancies, omissions, or areas requiring clarification.
• Collect, document, and organize relevant information and evidence.
• Prepare clear, factual, and concise written reports of findings.
• Maintain professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality at all times.
• Communicate findings with CAI background investigators and administrative staff.
• Comply with CAI policies and client-specific procedures.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum five (5) years of prior experience in one or more of the following public safety roles: law enforcement, fire service, public safety dispatch, community service officer positions, or records, evidence, or related public safety support functions.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written communication and narrative reporting skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Outlook.
• Reliable transportation and willingness to travel within assigned regions.
• Ability to successfully complete a pre-employment background investigation.
• Must not be listed on, or pending review by, any law enforcement or public safety decertification list.
• Ability to provide proof of completion of a POST-certified 32-hour Background Investigations Course at time of hire, or successfully complete the course within the first 90 days of employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate’s degree or higher.
• Prior experience conducting law enforcement or fire service background investigations.
• Intermediate or advanced POST coursework or certifications.

TECHNOLOGY & REPORTING EXPECTATIONS

• Ability to use standard office technology, including computers, email, and document management systems.
• Ability to accurately complete electronic reports and documentation in a timely manner.
• Compliance with CAI reporting and data handling requirements.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift, carry, or move materials weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to travel to multiple agency locations.
• Ability to sit, stand, and review physical files for extended periods.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Employment with Cooke & Associates, Inc. is at-will, meaning that you or Cooke & Associates, Inc.  may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice. Cooke & Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected factor under federal, state, or local law.