Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

Barbara Lutu

San Diego,CA

Summary

Enthusiastic and eager to contribute to team success through hard work, attention to detail and exceptional analytical skills. I am a highly experienced, investigative professional with 15 plus years of remarkable investigation and analytical skills. I am outstanding in coordinating multiple activities through efficient scheduling and prioritization. Outstanding interpersonal skills, ability to interact and communicate efficiently with multiple federal agencies, Human Resources, employee relations, employers, members of the public, military, law enforcement and external parties. I have strong skills in leadership, mentorship, conflict resolution, teamwork, and instruction. I have been a successful contributor to the safety and security of our nation, and value trust and integrity above all else.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Financial Representative

Northwestern Mutual
12.2022 - Current
  • Worked closely with clients to determine goals and recommend appropriate services to maintain long-term relationships with account holders.
  • Met with customers to assess needs, financial status and eligibility.
  • Provide expert guidance and innovative solutions for the comprehensive planning needs of individuals,families,and businesses in the areas of retirement planning,insurance and investment services, estate planning, business planning, eduction funding, and employee benefits
  • Develop trust and rapport with clients to build strong relationships and help them drive profitable growth.
  • Communicate effectively while educating and explaining recommendations and information to clients.
  • Collect and analyze all financial documents and data to evaluate the effectiveness of the financial plan. Prepare recommendations to present to my client that mitigates risk and provides financial security.

Senior Investigator

Paragon Investigations
08.2017 - 02.2022


  • Directly support national security and suitability investigations, focusing on performing background investigations on behalf of government clients.
  • Conduct face-to-face investigative interviews with person under investigation, employer, co-workers, neighbors, friends, and associates.
  • Responsible for conducting thorough on-site record searches at courthouses, law enforcement agencies, medical doctor’s, financial institutions, employers, and educational institutions.
  • Conduct research, gather, and analyze all information necessary to formulate a detailed report of investigation in compliance with federal standards, all laws, and other federal agency regulations.
  • Analyzed, used sound judgement and problem- solving skills to develop a method for an investigative strategy to resolve all issues.
  • Conducted background investigations on applicants by screening their criminal history, determining substance abuse problems, employment disciplinary actions or lawsuits, and compliance or security violations. Conducting thorough investigations on applicants to find undesirable candidates that may cause risk to national security.
  • Liaising with federal agencies, Human Resources, employee relations, members of the public, military, law enforcement and external parties.
  • Compiled and organized all information in a clear, concise investigative report in accordance with federal investigative standards.
  • Worked independently, coordinate multiple activities through efficient scheduling and prioritize work to meet quality, timeliness, and production metrics.
  • Upheld ethics and compliance in maintaining confidential and classified information, records, and materials through case management.

Background Investigator

Jamul Tribal Gaming
02.2016 - 02.2017
  • Obtained and analyzed all information and documentation relating to the personal history of all applicants to determinesuitability to hold and maintain a gaming license or work permit in accordance with all Tribal, Federal, and State ordinances and regulations.
  • Conducted face-to-face interviews with applicants to obtain and verify all information provided on licensing applications.
  • Participated in all internal interviews and licensing hearings to discuss recommendations of suitability based off issues identified in investigation with Human Resources and Tribal Gaming Commission.
  • Effectively interacted and communicated directly with Background/Licensing Supervisor, Director, Tribal Members, Human Resources, and employee relations, regarding decisions of applicant’s suitability for a gaming license.
  • Provided guidance and instruction to Human Resources on understanding and implementing the security policies and procedures required in accordance with the Gaming Commission investigation process for new hires.
  • Ensure confidentiality, follow all security policies regarding all licensing information of all applicants.
  • Analyzed information gathered and produced a detailed investigative summary report with my recommendation of a gaming license to the National Indian Gaming Commission.

Senior Investigator/ Field Training Officer

US Investigations Services- OPM Federal Contractor
02.2004 - 09.2014


  • Conducted face-to -face investigative interviews with applicant, their neighbors, coworkers, employers, friends, and associates.
  • Conducted national security and public trust background investigations for the US Office of Personnel Management and private companies.
  • Worked independently, coordinated multiple activities through efficient scheduling and prioritized work to meet quality, timeliness, and production metrics.
  • Responsible for conducting on site record searches at courthouses, law enforcement agencies, medical doctor’s, Human Resources, employee relations, employers, financial institutions, and educational institutions.
  • Liaising with federal agencies, Human Resources, employee relations, members of the public, military, law enforcement and external parties.
  • Effectively interacted and communicated with team leader and case review officers to update them on developments in the investigation and status.
  • Upheld ethics and compliance in maintaining confidential and classified information, records, and materials through case management.
  • Analyzed and used problem solving skills on issues that would occur during the investigative process to resolve all problems.
  • Compile and organize all obtained information in a clear, concise report of investigation in accordance with federal investigative standards.
  • Field Training Officer and Mentor, which included organizing and conducting orientation, on the job training, reviewing reports of investigation, providing constructive criticism, conducting on site compliance inspections, providing guidance to investigators on best practices to conduct and document investigations.
  • CBP/ICE contract Supervisor, mentored, trained, and supported 15 employees. Conducted inspections on employee's investigative work and reports to make sure they were compliant.
  • Prepared statistical reports detailing investigators metrics for the month to my director. Created and authored CBP/ICE handbook and guided trainings for CBP/ICE policies and procedures in conducting investigative best practices.
  • Organized and conducted instructional training designed for new investigators to help them improve their performance in fieldwork, reporting, and investigative techniques.

Education

Master of Science - Forensic Science (specializing in Investigations)

National University
La Jolla, CA
01.2009

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology/ Legal Studies

University of San Francisco
San Francisco,CA
05.2003

Skills

  • Excellent communication, writing, and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to adapt to changes and maintain current knowledge of policies and procedures
  • Exceptional eye for details
  • Strong public relations techniques
  • Excellent active listening and interview skills
  • Strong individual worker or effective as part of a team
  • Strong time management, organizing and planning skills

Affiliations

  • Association for Computing Machinery

Timeline

Financial Representative

Northwestern Mutual
12.2022 - Current

Senior Investigator

Paragon Investigations
08.2017 - 02.2022

Background Investigator

Jamul Tribal Gaming
02.2016 - 02.2017

Senior Investigator/ Field Training Officer

US Investigations Services- OPM Federal Contractor
02.2004 - 09.2014

Master of Science - Forensic Science (specializing in Investigations)

National University

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology/ Legal Studies

University of San Francisco

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Barbara Lutu