Investigator Manager 1 - Deputy Chief Investigator

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Job Description:

Are you a confident and ethical investigator who thrives in high-stakes environments and leads with integrity? The Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) is seeking a Deputy Chief Investigator to help lead our Professional Standards Office (PSO)-a unit dedicated to youth safety, organizational accountability, and continuous improvement. As the Deputy Chief, your day will involve guiding and mentoring a team of investigators through complex and sensitive cases involving youth, staff, and contractors. You'll review investigative reports for legal and procedural accuracy, coordinate evidence handling and preservation, and ensure investigations meet legal thresholds while remaining trauma-informed and timely.

This position is fast-paced, requiring strong case management, analytical thinking, and clear communication across multiple stakeholders-including OYA leadership, Human Resources, external law enforcement, the Governor's Youth & Family Advocate, and others. You'll provide leadership in policy interpretation, cross-reporting, and investigative strategy while modeling a calm and professional demeanor under pressure. The ability to build effective, collaborative teams and give constructive feedback is essential. Ideal candidates will bring advanced investigative experience, a proven track record of working across systems, and the judgment needed to navigate sensitive situations with discretion, consistency, and care. If you're ready to play a vital role in building a culture of accountability and excellence within OYA, we welcome your application.

Top Duties of the Position:

• Reports directly to the PSO Chief Investigator
• Provides direct oversight to a team of investigators. Providing technical and management leadership to resolve complex cases.
• Plans and develops long range unit objectives & adjusts short range operations as needed.
• Oversee accuracy of screening process for all referrals for investigation and prioritize workload as required.

**Would you like to learn more about this position and OYA? Join us on Wednesday, July 23 between 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. for OYA Career Chats.

Click Here to Register for OYA Career Chats!

Additional Information:

• For a complete list of duties and responsibilities, please click here.
• This position is not approved for hybrid telework and is required in office work at our Central Office location in Salem, Monday thru Friday.
• This recruitment will be used to establish a list of qualified candidates to fill current and future vacancies.

• Comprehensive and equitable base salary offer within the listed range based on your experience, skills and education. For more information on pay equity, click here.

• The salary range listed is the non-PERS participating rate. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6%. Please review the Classification and Compensation page for more details.

• This position receives annual increases on the anniversary date until the maximum of the salary range is reached.

• Please save a copy of this job announcement for your reference, as it may not be available for you to view after the job closes.

Possible Interview Dates:

• VidCruiter video interview (virtual): August 15-19, 2025
• 2nd round interviews (in-person): August 28, 2025

What You Need To Qualify:

• Five years of lead work, supervision, or progressively related experience; OR
• two years of related experience and a bachelor's degree in a related field.

DESIRED ATTRIBUTES/APPLICATION SCORING CRITERIA: In addition to your related work experience and education, we will use the attributes below to determine whom to interview.

• Experience with criminal investigation and evidence handling.
• Demonstrated expertise in collaborative team building and facilitation.
• Proven track record of successfully working across various boundaries to build & sustain effective teams.

• Advanced investigative skills are needed to oversee & conduct criminal & administrative investigations for youth, staff and contractors misconduct.

• Excellent communication skills, both oral & written (assessed in written materials and at time of interview).
• Ability to analyze and review investigative reports and direct investigation staff on techniques.

How to apply:

• Complete the application fully or upload a complete resume including dates of employment and duties/responsibilities of each position.
• Complete the questionnaire / supplemental questions.
• COVER LETTER REQUIRED: In your cover letter, please describe your experiences, skills, and knowledge as they relate to the desired attributes of the position and explain why you are the best fit for this role. Limit your cover letter to no more than 2 pages and ensure it is in PDF format for accessibility.
• After you submit your application please respond to the public records request authorization and gender identity questionnaire. This step will come after you submit and will complete the process. If you are an employee, the tasks will come to your Workday inbox.
• If you are a veteran, you may receive preference.

About OYA

The Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) is a national leader in the juvenile justice field, pioneering the implementation of a positive human development framework for its work with staff and youth, and using data to match the right youth with the right services. We seek to foster cultural competence and pursue equitable solutions to support youth under our care. Our agency mission is to protect the public and reduce crime by holding youth accountable and providing opportunities for reformation in safe environments.

If you are looking to join a team that values individual and cultural differences and the opportunity to contribute in the success of youth reformation by enriching our workforce with diversity, OYA wants to hear from you!

People of color, women and other members of historically underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply!

For more information please visitwww.oregon.gov/oya.

What's in it for You?
OYA values our employees. We believe that your time outside of the workplace is as valuable as it is inside the workplace. We offer a great work/life balance with flexible work schedules on most positions and a competitive benefits package, including low-cost, high-coverage health insurance, generous time-off, and a competitive retirement plan.

Discover moreabout working in Oregon state government byclicking here.

Additional Information

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we are here to serve. OYA is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be individualized based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law." The more diverse we are, the better our work will be.

Applicants with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process. For assistance regarding reasonable accommodation or for alternative format please contact OYA Recruitment at 971-345-1236. Oregon Relay Service can be reached by calling 7-1-1.

Pre-employment Checks:

In keeping with our mission, OYA will conduct a criminal record check, per OAR 416 Division 800, a driving record background check and a vulnerable population abuse and neglect check. Information obtained about an individual is confidential. An individual who refuses to consent to a criminal records/background check shall be disqualified from consideration in the position for which you applied. All applicants are subject to additional pre-employment check(s) such as fingerprint based on criminal records check, pre-employment drug screening and/or education verification as required for the position.

In 2003 Congress passed the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), the first federal civil statue focused specifically on addressing sexual violence in juvenile facilities, jails, prisons, and other facilities. In recognition of the rights, safety, and well-being of the youth we serve you will be asked specific questions about your background to ensure our hiring and promotion practices comply with the National PREA standards.

All positions in OYA will require the incumbent to serve as a "mandatory reporter" of child abuse.

Visa Sponsorship:

We do not offer Visa sponsorship. If you are hired, you will be required to fill out the US Department of Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming you are able to work in the US. OYAuses E-Verify to confirm that applicants are authorized to work in the United States.

Have Questions?:

For questions about the job announcement, contact our Recruitment Team OYAjobs@oya.oregon.gov