Workplace Investigator

Title: Workplace Investigator

Location: California

Department: Client Services, Organizational Strategy, Talent & Development Solutions

Job Description:

CPS HR Consulting is a self-supporting public agency providing a full range of integrated HR solutions to government and nonprofit clients across the country. Our strategic approach to increasing the effectiveness of human resources results in improved organizational performance for our clients. We have a deep expertise and unmatched perspective in guiding our clients in the areas of organizational strategy, recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, and training and development.

Commitment to Inclusivity

We are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute fully. We believe that diversity of perspectives enhances our collective success and actively work to include individuals from all backgrounds and experiences. Inclusiveness is demonstrated by our intentional efforts to involve a broad range of perspectives, fostering equity and a sense of belonging for all.

Make Your Impact Where it Matters

CPS HR Consulting is seeking experienced California-based Workplace Investigators to support public sector clients throughout the state. This project-based consulting opportunity is ideal for seasoned investigators and employment law professionals who are committed to conducting fair, objective, and defensible workplace investigations.

Our investigators serve as trusted third-party professionals, helping public agencies address sensitive allegations involving harassment, discrimination, retaliation, workplace misconduct, and other employee relations matters. This role offers flexible assignments while providing meaningful opportunities to strengthen accountability, workplace culture, and public trust.

In this role, you will serve in a project-based W-2 consulting capacity with flexible, as-needed engagement. When assigned to a project, hours and project assignments will vary based on client needs and are not guaranteed.

 

 

What You'll Do

 

 

As a Workplace Investigator with CPS HR Consulting, you will independently manage workplace investigations for government and public-sector organizations, including:

• Conducting intake meetings and developing investigation plans.
• Determining investigation scope and identifying relevant witnesses and evidence.
• Conducting interviews with complainants, respondents, and witnesses.
• Reviewing documentation, records, policies, and other relevant materials.
• Assessing credibility and applying appropriate standards of evidence.
• Preparing comprehensive investigative reports with factual findings and defensible conclusions.
• Managing multiple active investigations while meeting established timelines.
• Maintaining neutrality, confidentiality, and professionalism throughout the investigative process.

Travel Requirements

This opportunity is open to California-based candidates. While many activities may be conducted remotely, investigators must be available to travel occasionally to conduct in-person interviews and on-site work throughout the state, as needed.

What Success Looks Like

• Producing high-quality, impartial investigations supported by thorough fact gathering and sound analysis.
• Delivering well-organized, defensible reports that withstand legal, administrative, and labor-relations scrutiny.
• Effectively managing multiple assignments while maintaining investigative quality, responsiveness, and timeliness.
• Demonstrating sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism in sensitive workplace matters.
• Applying consistent investigative methodology while maintaining objectivity and independence.

 

 

What You'll Bring

 

 

Education & Experience

• Must be a licensed attorney in good standing with the State Bar of California OR have an active California Private Investigator (PI) License issued by the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS).
• Must have experience working in the public sector/government.
• Must have demonstrated experience conducting workplace investigations involving harassment, discrimination, retaliation, misconduct, or similar employment-related matters.
• Must have experience preparing written investigative reports and findings.
• Experience working in unionized environments strongly preferred.
• Experience serving as a neutral third-party investigator preferred.
• Background in employment law, employee relations, labor relations, or mediation is highly desirable.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of workplace investigation principles and investigative methodologies.
• Knowledge of federal and California regulatory and compliance frameworks. 
• Knowledge of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, workplace misconduct, and public-sector operating environments.
• Ability to evaluate evidence, apply preponderance analysis, and make credibility assessments.
• Strong interviewing, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
• Exceptional written communication and report-writing capabilities.
• Ability to interact effectively with executives, managers, employees, legal counsel, and labor representatives.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple investigations simultaneously.

What Makes You Fit

• Approaches every investigation with integrity, neutrality, and professionalism.
• Navigates complex and sensitive workplace situations with discretion and confidence.
• Communicates proactively and effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders, including client leadership.
• Proactively manages workload and communicates availability and capacity limitations.
• Understands the unique dynamics of government agencies, legal review, grievances, union environments, and public records sensitivity.

Why CPS HR Consulting?

We’re a mission-driven, employee-centered consulting organization that exists to support the public sector. At CPS HR, you’ll work alongside professionals who are passionate about serving communities through government excellence.

We offer:

• Hybrid and flexible work options

• A culture that values innovation, relationships, and equity
• Exposure to diverse projects, clients, and HR challenges that expand your skills and experience
• Free training and professional development courses to stay current with HR best practices, compliance requirements, and emerging trends.

Equal Opportunity Employer

CPS HR Consulting is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status.