Thomas Jefferson High School wrestling coach Jess Workman is under investigation by the Federal Way School District for what it says are “concerns about the employee’s ability to do his job.”

Workman was placed on administrative leave Feb. 16, and has been banned from school property and instructed to stay away from school sporting events.

District spokeswoman Diane Turner refused to elaborate on the nature of the investigation because it is ongoing. Turner also refused to say whether the investigation was spurred by a complaint from a student, parent or co-worker.

Turner confirmed that neither police nor district security are involved.

Workman was hired by the district in August 2003. In addition to being Thomas Jefferson’s wrestling coach, he was a special education teacher at the high school. Turner said that the investigation into Workman’s ability to do his job was in general, and not specific to either his duties as a coach or as a teacher.

Turner said that the district’s banning of Workman from school property is always a condition of being placed on administrative leave.

Two Thomas Jefferson High School wrestlers competed in state championships over the weekend at the Tacoma Dome; Workman was not seen at that match. Workman was last seen coaching the weekend of Feb. 11. He coached a state champion wrestler last year.

Educators in Washington must agree to a professional code of conduct upon attaining a teaching certificate. Turner said that the investigation is being conducted under both the state’s and the district’s codes of conduct — but she would not point to a specific rule. Some examples of conduct considered “unprofessional” under the state’s code include using alcohol or drugs on the job, lying about professional qualifications, sexual misconduct with students or forcing students to enter into financial agreements.