Legal Investigator – External Investigations

DTE Energy

  • Full time
  • 2 months ago
  • Detroit,MI
  • OnSite

Job Description

DTE is one of the nations largest diversified energy companies. Our electric and gas companies have fueled our customers homes and Michigans progress for more than a century. And as Michigans largest source of renewable energy, were creating a cleaner, healthier environment to power our future. Were also serving communities beyond Michigan, where our affiliated businesses offer renewable energy, emission control technologies, and energy services to industries in 19 states.

But were more than a leading energy company… and working at DTE is more than just a job. At DTE, we take great care of each other and our customers, and we use our energy to be a force for growth and prosperity in our communities. When you join us, youll be part of a team that welcomes, recognizes, and celebrates differences and values everyones health, safety, and wellbeing. Are you ready to make that kind of difference? Bring your energy to DTE. Together, we can achieve great things.


Testing Required:
Not Applicable

Apply by: No later than July 31, 2024
Location: Remote – Candidate must reside within the Metro Detroit Service Territories

Bidding Restriction: 1 Year


Hybrid Role:
Must be able to come on-site periodically and reside a commutable distance from the assigned work location.

Emergency Response: Yes Must be available to perform a primary assignment in support of DTEs emergency response to storms or other events that impact service to our customers.

Job Summary

  • Investigates criminal, civil, electrical & gas-related incidents & accidents involving fatalities, bodily injury, and major property damage matters affecting DTE Energy & its affiliates. Responds to incidents and endeavors to: minimize Company exposure; estimate potential Company liability & with the input of the Company’s legal staff, negotiate settlements (as appropriate) with parties to the incident(s). Advises management of major incidents; collects and preserves evidence; conducts cause and analyses reviews & risk analyses and recommends solutions to prevent future recurrences. Functions as the Company’s first responder; interacting with media and various levels of federal, state and local government officials. Operates with considerable latitude during emergencies, directing others in investigations at accident scenes, leading a team or group of teams to meet specific objectives. Maintains awareness of current laws, rules of evidence, codes and regulations, National Electric Safety, NFPA 921 (National Fire Protection Association) and Company policies. This position requires up to 40% travel within the service territories.

Key Accountabilities

  • Manages electric / gas related incidents; leads others and directs matters at accident / incident scenes. Directs or coordinates the activity of each assigned case. Acts as a first responder; determines causation; secures and evaluates pertinent internal and external information, records, reports as well as interviewing witnesses to determine Company liability. Interacts with media and other governmental agencies. Primary contact for MPSC / MIOSHA.
  • Maintains detailed, chronological documentation on each case. Proactively conducts follow-up investigations, prepares investigative memos, reports, and timelines. Interviews and takes detailed statements in anticipation of litigation from witnesses, law enforcement, fire officials, experts, medical, technical professionals as well as victims and claimants. Preparation and fact gathering to best prepare for the Company’s defense. Addresses issues; documents lessons learned and suggestions designed to limit liability and to mitigate damages.
  • Maintains a working knowledge of applicable legal provisions and Company policies regarding the matter being investigated. Builds relationships with law enforcement and other government agencies, customers and victims. Provides intervention services of a complex or sensitive nature and responds to potentially rapid changes in newly discovered cases, evidence and/or information. Negotiates resolutions with customers, attorneys, victims, and insurance companies based on investigation and degree of Company exposure.
  • Composes investigation reports; prepares presentations of high profile cases to apprise Management of liabilities. Corresponds with internal and external parties (employees, professionals, and customers) regarding investigations.
  • Recommends corrective actions to prevent or minimize the potential for further liability.
  • Assist in preparation of cases for trial (at the direction of counsel); prepares answers to interrogatories and attorney inquiries, and testifies in legal proceedings on the company’s behalf.

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements

  • Associate degree in criminal justice, security or related field & 5+ years of relevant experience

Other Qualifications

Preferred

  • Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a directly related curriculum
  • Strong field investigation experience preferred
  • Ability to travel up to 40% within the service territories


Other Requirements

  • Well-developed ‘active listening’ & negotiating skills.
  • Communicates effectively (verbally & in writing) with individuals at all levels, inside and outside the Corporation.
  • Consulting and influencing skills consistent with the ability to build relationships and influence parties; may include getting parties to embrace changing expectations and initiatives.
  • Analytical & problem-solving skills consistent with the ability to identify key issues from a broad range of alternatives and recommend optimal solutions for various situations.
  • Physical capacity to work in a power plant environment, e.g. climb stairs, work in hot confined environments.
  • Ability to pass security screening & drug testing (required for access to certain areas).
  • Software Proficiency in the following software applications sufficient to apply/support them with minimal instruction or guidance [Microsoft Word, Excel & PowerPoint]. This level of proficiency typically attainable through 3+ year(s) of substantive experience with these applications.
  • Copes with multiple demands from superiors, and/or subordinates & peers in a positive and evenhanded fashion; displays a calm demeanor under pressure.

Additional Information

Incumbents may engage in all or some combination of the activities and accountabilities, and utilize a variety of the competencies cited in this description depending upon the organization and role to which they are assigned. This description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents in this job. It is not intended as an all-inclusive list of accountabilities or responsibilities, nor is it intended to limit the rights of supervisors or management representatives to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.


PRIVACY NOTICE TO CALIFORNIA JOB APPLICANTS


At DTE Energy, we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and a sense of belonging. We seek individuals with a heart for service, a passion to help our communities prosper, and ideas to help shape the future of energy. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, national origin, citizenship, height, weight, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status or any other status protected by law.

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