Human Resources - Workplace Investigator

SoCalGas, the nation’s largest gas distribution utility, is dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and affordable energy to over 21 million Southern California customers. Through innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to the needs of our communities we proudly uphold our mindset of “Glad to be of Service” and provide exceptional customer service today and ready to meet California’s energy needs with innovative solutions for tomorrow.

As an employee of SoCalGas, you will support our core values to do the right thing, champion people, and shape the future. You will play a pivotal role in the energy transition initiatives, supporting our mission: Safe, reliable, and affordable energy delivery today. Ready for tomorrow. We are committed to attracting top talent and fostering a diverse workforce that reflects the vibrant communities we serve.

As an employee of SoCalGas, you’ll enjoy a competitive compensation plan, upward mobility opportunities and the ability to find a true work life balance. Discover the rewards of joining SoCalGas by exploring our website: Our Mission; Sustainability, In the Community, and Employee Benefits. Join SoCalGas today and become a vital part of a team that is driving innovation, championing community needs, and shaping the future of energy in California.

Primary Purpose

Responsible for conducting thorough, impartial investigations into complaints involving alleged violations of laws, regulations, company policies (including those prohibiting discrimination, harassment, retaliation and workplace bullying), and the Company's Code of Conduct. The investigator ensures that all investigations are conducted in a fair, timely, and confidential manner, and that findings are documented, reported accurately, and supported by evidence. Manages a caseload of numerous investigations, working both autonomously and collaboratively with fellow team members, Human Resources, Labor Relations, Internal Audit, Corporate Security, Supply Management, and Legal. Regularly interacts with employees at all levels, helping to build understanding, transparency, and trust around the Company's Investigation function.

Duties and Responsibilities

- Conducts Investigations. Performs prompt, thorough, and fair investigations from intake to completion, including conducting investigative interviews of employees and others, and reviewing, analyzing, and synthesizing documents and data collected as part of the investigations. Makes objective and analytically sound investigative findings. Works with HR and Labor Relations to determine appropriate corrective action. Manages low to moderate complexity investigations independently and complex cases with Manager/Sr. Investigator oversight. Designs and develops an investigation plan. Effectively manages investigative caseload to meet deadlines. Communicates timelines with appropriate parties, sharing updates as needed.

- Drafts comprehensive investigation reports and correspondence related to the investigations that summarize evidence, findings, and actions taken. Collects and preserves relevant documents. Prepares executive summaries and provides appropriate investigation updates to management and Law Department. Effectively interacts and communicates with individuals involved in matters being investigated, managers and the HR teams that support those individuals during the investigation and post-investigation processes. Briefs decision-makers on investigative findings and makes oral presentations as needed.

- Thoroughly documents investigative efforts internally using a case management system. Assures appropriate retention of documentation relating to investigations. Conducts accurate and timely data entry into the case management system and other post-investigative tasks.

- Performs other duties as assigned (no more than 5% of duties).

Education

- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field, or equivalent experience is required.

Experience

- 5 years Progressive experience in Human Resources or as a litigator/auditor, including 2+ years of experience conducting investigations, preferably at a private or publicly traded company, or equivalent case management, fact-finding, and analytical experience (2+ years is included in overall experience). Required

- Currently licensed California attorneys, certified paralegals, or Human Resource professionals with experience in employment law and/or employee relations (included in overall experience). Preferred

- Utility experience (included in overall experience). Preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

- Interpersonal skills and the ability to interact and communicate effectively with employee-witnesses, members of management, and others during investigations. Advanced Required

- Ability to easily develop trust and rapport and influence partners and business leaders Advanced Required

- Ability to remain respectful and diplomatic in the face of difficult and uncomfortable situations surrounding an investigation Advanced Required

- Diplomatic and articulate written, spoken and presentation communication skills. Advanced Required

- Collaborative work approach with ability to work across lines of businesses and levels. Advanced Required

- Action orientation, superior attention to detail, project management and organizational skills. Advanced Required

- Ability to recognize and put aside personal biases, to see different perspectives, and to conduct investigative interviews, and investigations, in an objective manner. Advanced Required

- Critical thinking and analytical skills, especially in complex and nuanced situations. Advanced Required

- Writing skills and the ability to consistently produce high-level written product Advanced Required Advanced Required

- Ability to be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and highly organized. Advanced Required

- Ability to act using a personal ethical code and integrity. Advanced Required

- Ability to confidently make difficult decisions and to exercise expert judgment when working with disputed issues Intermediate Required Advanced Required

- Ability to be resilient in managing a demanding caseload, balancing shifting priorities, and meeting deadlines. Advanced Required

- Ability to remain calm and professional when working in high-conflict and crisis situations. Advanced Required

- Ability to maintain privacy and confidentiality. Advanced Required

- Ability to work with volumes of data and identify trends and patterns. Intermediate Required

- Ability to strategize on developing long-term solutions for systemic issues. Intermediate Required

- Ability to engage in continual learning and to contribute to the learning of the team. Intermediate Required

- Ability to demonstrate a high degree of empathy balanced against an ability to provide direct feedback and confront witnesses with difficult information. Intermediate Required

Licenses

- Association of Workplace Investigators AWI-CH certificate holders, or other investigation-based formalized education or certification from other organizations. Preferred

- Currently licensed California attorneys or certified paralegals. Preferred

Benefits

SoCalGas offers a comprehensive benefits program to help support employees both personally and professionally. These benefits include, but are not limited to:

- Competitive pay & Annual Bonus program

- Medical, dental, and vision packages (plus free Mental Health resources/sessions)

- 401K company match & Company provided Pension Plan

- Work/Life Balance including generous PTO

- Wellness Programs/Classes

- Tuition/Education Reimbursement

- Career Development Tools & Resources through SoCalGas University

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Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled