Risk Management Investigator at Goodwill of the Finger Lakes

SUMMARY:

The Risk Management Investigator is responsible for protecting company assets and promoting safety through investigation, enforcement, audit, and assessment of company operations. This role requires a strong presence in the Syracuse area, with at least one day per week spent in the Rochester office. The Investigator will provide root cause analysis, detailed reports, and investigative summaries across multiple domains.

The Risk Management Investigator consistently upholds Goodwill of the Finger Lakes’ mission, vision, and values with professionalism.

Competencies needed to be successful in this job include the following

1. Integrity, fairness, and discretion
2. Conflict management and de-escalation
3. Critical thinking and decision-making
4. Emotional intelligence and learning agility
5. Strong analytical and investigative skills
6. Ability to work independently and under pressure

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Investigations (50%)

1.  Maintain compliance with the law and company policies concerning
2. investigatory and assessment techniques
3. Conduct internal and external theft/criminal investigations in accordance with local, State and Federal laws as well as organization policies.
4. Investigate employee misconduct, motor vehicle accidents, and customer complaints
5. Liaise with law enforcement agencies
6. Perform surveillance using manual and electronic methods
7. Analyze financial discrepancies including cash overages/shortages

2. Safety & Risk Assessments (20%) 

• Conduct safety inspections and accident investigations
• Ensure proper operation and repairs of alarm and surveillance equipment.
• Respond to alarm incidents and ensure proper functioning of alarm/surveillance systems
• Train staff on alarm systems and maintain call lists and codes
• Conduct risk, insurance, and corporate investigations as assigned
• Effectively partner with site leadership, district management and retail administration to achieve identified organizational goals. Maintain a strong partnership with the District and Site Managers to ensure execution of all operational efficiencies, policies and programs relating to loss prevention and safety.
• Ensure compliance and understanding of the shortage reduction requirements.

3. Reporting & Documentation (15%) 

• Prepare detailed investigative reports for leadership
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion • Analyze exception reports and business intelligence to identify issues

4.Training, Collaboration & Compliance (10%) 

• Partner with site and district leadership to support loss prevention and safety goals
• Participate in associate awareness efforts and internal investigations
• Complete all required Risk Management training and certifications

5. Court Testimony & Other Duties (5%) 

• Testify in court as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned by Risk Management leadership
• Flexible with scheduling and available to work retail hours which may include day, evening, weekends and/or holidays.

 QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS 

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field
• 5–10 years of investigative experience in retail, corporate, law enforcement, or government
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Advanced computer skills (Microsoft Office, Salesforce)
• Ability to pass criminal and credit background checks
• Acceptable motor vehicle history

Preferred

• Master’s degree
• Certifications such as CPP, PSP, CFI, PCI, OSHA 10/30, First Aid/CPR/AED
• Interview & interrogation training (Wicklander-Zulawski, Reid)
• NYS Bureau of Municipal Police Training

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• This position requires frequent travel (up to 50%) throughout the Finger Lakes, Western New York, and Adirondack regions, with a primary focus on the Syracuse area.
• The Investigator is expected to maintain a regular presence in the Syracuse region, supporting field operations, investigations, and safety assessments.
• A minimum of one day per week is required in the Rochester office for team collaboration, reporting, and administrative responsibilities.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain an acceptable motor vehicle history.
• Occasional overnight travel may be required based on investigative needs or special assignments.

LANGUAGE SKILLS 

Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills. Ability to interpret and create instructional documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals

REASONING ABILITY 

Ability to think and act clearly in possible stressful and hostile situations. Ability to problem solve and analyze situations as they arise

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods of time and also involves regular walking, standing, hearing, and talking. Some kneeling, stooping, crouching, or crawling may be involved. The employee will be required to frequently lift 30 pounds and may be required to lift 50+ pounds. Must have ability to use restraints in an apprehension. Must have ability to sustain long periods of time enclosed in surveillance areas. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to communicate effectively. This position requires 80% of work time for travel.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.

Goodwill of the Finger Lakes is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.