Job Description:
CASCADE: IPA Analyst I/II and Senior Analyst
Description
Our diverse and inclusive workforce of more than 7,000 employees play a key role in the success of San José, the heart of the Silicon Valley. All City of San José employees work together as one team to make San José a vibrant, innovative, and desirable place to live and work. Visit
here to learn more about our One Team Leadership Values and Expectations, including quality and excellent customer service and
here to learn more about San José.
The City of San José is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of San José is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at 408-535-1285, 711 (TTY) , or via email at
CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov .
About the DepartmentThe Office of Independent Police Auditor (OIPA) has a three-part mission: (1) provide independent oversight and build trust in the complaint process by objectively reviewing investigations into police misconduct, (2) engage with the San Jose community through outreach, and (3) propose well-considered policy recommendations to the city council; aimed at enhancing the relationship between the San Jose Police Department and the community it serves. For more information about the Office of Independent Police Auditor, visit
their website . The employees of the OIPA have embraced the following values: Integrity, Independence, Confidentiality, Respect, Objectivity and Professionalism. The IPA is seeking individuals whose values align with the values of the OIPA.
Position DutiesSalary ranges for t he classification are:
- IPA Analyst I: $90,222.34-$112,809.58
- IPA Analyst II: $9 8,427.16-$123,105.32
- IPA Senior Analyst: $118,074.06-$143,878.80
This salary range(s) includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation. Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates’ qualifications and experience.
IPA Analyst I/II position performs professional level administrative and analytic work in a variety of assignments at the Office of the Independent Police Auditor (IPA) in support of this Office’s mission to provide independent oversight of the complaint process through objective review of police misconduct investigations.
The position receives and evaluates complaints of alleged law enforcement misconduct, conducting in-depth interviews to gather facts, assess evidence, and frame allegations according to laws, regulations, and policies. It ensures complaints are properly referred for investigation and may review intake work done by others. The role also audits completed investigations for accuracy, impartiality, and thoroughness, requesting additional follow-up when necessary, and research police procedures, legal developments, and best practices from other jurisdictions to support oversight recommendations.
In addition, the position leads public outreach and education efforts to inform residents about the role and services of the IPA, coordinates with community groups and government agencies, and manages public relations activities such as press releases, media interviews, and promotional materials. The role may prepare reports, presentations, and policy recommendations for City Council, represents the office at community and professional events, and oversees aspects of the departmental fiscal budget and administrative functions. Responsibilities may also include supervising office or volunteer staff, leading special projects, and performing complex research to support the IPA’s mission of accountability and transparency in law enforcement oversight. Performs related duties as required .
IPA Analyst Senior position performs professional level administrative and analytic work of considerable difficulty in a variety of assignments at the Office of the Independent Police Auditor (IPA) in support of this Office’s mission to provide independent oversight of the citizen complaint process through objective review of police misconduct investigations.
This position is responsible for receiving and reviewing public complaints regarding potential law enforcement misconduct and plays a central role in ensuring transparency and accountability in the citizen complaint process. The work involves interviewing complainants to document facts, assumptions, and specific allegations, assessing possible corroborating evidence, and framing issues based on legal principles, City policies, and police regulations. Once documented, complaints are forwarded to the Police Department’s Internal Affairs Unit for investigation.
The position also conducts in-depth audits of completed investigations to verify their accuracy, thoroughness, and impartiality, evaluating the weight of the evidence and the quality of investigative analysis. Where needed, it requests additional investigative work or documentation and drafts clear, well-supported written objections. The role requires substantial research into San José Police Department duty manuals, policies, and training bulletins; state and federal laws; criminal procedures; and case law developments, as well as reviewing trends and practices from other jurisdictions to ensure consistency and recommend improvements to policies and procedures.
Beyond case review and research, the position manages and maintains complex complaint-tracking databases to ensure accurate data entry, integrity, and usability, using them to identify trends and patterns in community concerns. It develops and implements community outreach, education, and public relations programs to increase awareness of the Office’s mission and processes, responds to questions and concerns from the public both in person and online, and produces informational materials such as news releases, brochures, and educational content. Performs related duties as required .
Distinguishing Characteristics
This is the highest level in the Analyst, Independent Police Auditor series that involves the most difficult and complex assignments in police complaint data analysis and oversight, deals with the most sensitive issues, and interfaces with the higher levels of community and government officials. It differs from the Analyst II, Independent Police Auditor in that an incumbent of the latter class performs less complex assignments, may lead or supervise office staff only and has less responsibility for the most complex analytical issues and programs.
The position may prepare reports, memoranda, and presentations for City leaders and the City Council, representing the Office of the Independent Police Auditor in meetings with City officials, professional organizations, and community groups. It also participates in departmental budget planning and tracking and may supervise volunteers, professional staff or lower-level Analysts, assigning work, providing training, and conducting performance evaluations. This role requires strong analytical and communication skills, the ability to navigate complex legal and policy frameworks, and a commitment to impartial, thorough, and independent oversight in support of public trust and confidence in law enforcement oversight.
Minimum QualificationsIPA Analyst I /II :
Education: Completion of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in sociology, business, public administration, administration of justice or a closely related field.
Experience : None
Licenses : Possession of a valid driver’s license authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in the State of California.
IPA Analyst II : Completion of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in sociology, business, public administration, administration of justice or a closely related field.
Experience : Two years of increasingly responsible professional analytic experience at a level equivalent to Analyst I, Independent Police Auditor with the City of San Jose.
Licenses : Possession of a valid driver’s license authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in the State of California.
IPA Senior Analyst:
Education: Completion of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in sociology, business, public administration, administration of justice or a closely related field.
Experience : Four (4) years of increasingly responsible professional staff analytic or administrative experience in community advocacy/customer service/law/law enforcement.
Acceptable Substitution: A Master’s degree in sociology, business, public administration, administration of justice or a closely related field or a Juris Doctor may be substituted for one year of experience.
Licenses: Possession of a valid driver’s license authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in the State of California.
Other QualificationsOther Qualifications for IPA Analyst I/II and IPA Senior Analyst
The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history.
- Job Expertise - demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations.
- Analytical Thinking - approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue.
- Communication Skills - effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills; displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts.
- Computer Skills - experienced with common business computer applications including but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Access, and MS Excel.
- Multi-Tasking - can handle multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously; has handled a wide variety of assignments in past and/or current position(s).
- Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills - demonstrates a positive attitude and flexibility along with the ability to develop effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.
- Reliability - Completes quality work assignments in a timely and efficient manner; fulfills responsibilities and maintains confidentiality as appropriate .
Selection Process:
The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to all the job specific questions. You must answer all questions to be considered or your application may be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses. Please be advised that use of AI content in your responses may result in your removal from the hiring process. Only those candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews, one of which may include a practical/writing exercise.
You must answer all questions to be considered or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration.
If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Eduardo Gonzalez at
Eduardo1.Gonzalez@sanjoseca.gov .
Additional Information: Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San Jose will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.
You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses. Please be advised that use of AI content in your responses may result in your removal from the hiring process.
Please note that applications are currently
not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system.
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.
Please allow adequate time to complete the application and submit before the deadline or the system may not save your application. If your online application was successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address you provided. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION, please email
CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov and we will research the status of your application.
The City of San Jose offers a wide range of core health benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Disability, and Savings Plans. Please visit the City's
benefits pagefor detailed information on coverage, cost, and dependent coverage.
For information on the City’s Retirement Plan(pension for full-time employees), please visit the Office of Retirement Services
website. You will be able to view information based on different Sworn/Federated job classification.
In additional to the benefits above, there is an
additional perks siteto explore further benefits of working for the City of San Jose like paid leave, educational reimbursements, and holiday pay are specific to the job classification and union membership.
Closing Date/Time: 9/8/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary:
$90,222.34 - $143,878.80 Annually