Salary : $109,218.99 - $132,782.57 Annually
Location : Santa Rosa, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 24/06-4251-O
Department: Human Services Department (HSD)
Opening Date: 06/05/2024
Closing Date: 7/1/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 41
Position Information
The Sonoma County Human Services Department (HSD) seeks an experienced professional who possesses strong leadership, criminal justice, and investigative skills to join the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) as their next Senior Welfare Fraud Investigator!
Starting salary up to $63.62 /hour ($132,782/year) plus a competitive total compensation package!*
The Senior Welfare Fraud Investigator is responsible for reviewing all suspected fraud referrals submitted to the Human Services Department's Special Investigations Unit (SIU), utilizing California Department of Social Services (CDSS) guidelines to identify the type of fraud or eligibility issue in question and monitoring the case until its conclusion. The Senior Investigator will also maintain oversight and control of each Welfare Fraud Investigators workload and assign new in-coming cases to members of the team accordingly. Additional responsibilities include:

• Entering and adjusting cases within the SIU electronic tracking system, ensuring timely completion of on-going cases
• Assisting investigators in developing investigative plans on assigned cases, and approving certain investigative actions such as surveillances, search warrants, and operational plans
• Conferring with investigators to determine the proper disposition and reviewing and approving all completed cases
• Liaising between Fraud Investigators, Fraud Technicians, and program Eligibility Specialists
• Maintaining the evidence locker and routinely completing inspections to ensure compliance with evidence code requirements
• Collaborating with personnel from various internal and external programs as well as outside agencies to facilitate fraud investigations
• Ensuring proper application of codes, laws, procedures, and regulations
• Directly supervising four Welfare Fraud Investigators

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Strong caseload management and organization skills
• An extensive background in the preparation and service of search warrants, arrest warrants, and criminal court orders
• Strong familiarity with the laws of evidence and court presentation
• Knowledge of Human Services programs and clientele, including social factors underlying criminal behavior
• Experience effectively leading a team, with the ability to identify areas of improvement
• The ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with others, with experience applying critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• The ability to work in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment
• Emotional intelligence, political acumen, and a clear sense of SIU's role within HSD
• Knowledge of and experience with relevant laws, regulations, and policies governing public assistance programs
• An understanding of cultural diversity and sensitivity using a lens of equity to meet the needs of people from different backgrounds and underserved communities

About the Human Services Department (HSD)
HSD fosters a positive work environment, where our commitment to providing opportunities for advancement is strengthened by a robust staff development program. We believe in the merits of work/life balance and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that our work contributes to the betterment of our community.

As the largest agency in Sonoma County government, our mission is to protect vulnerable children and adults, and to promote maximum independence and well-being for individuals and families. HSD is responsible for child and adult protective services, veteran services, and administration of state and federal programs, including CalFRESH, CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, and In-Home Supportive Services. The department is dedicated to providing high-quality, client-focused, cost-effective services and values the diversity, integrity, teamwork, leadership, and accountability of all staff in accomplishing the mission of the department.

The Department works collaboratively at the federal, state, and local levels to find creative solutions to support the well-being of individuals, families, and the community. To meet that goal, the department has fostered strong relationships with other public and private sector partners, including other government agencies, community-based organizations, and business leaders. For more information regarding HSD's services please visit .
What We Offer
Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing your contributions work to better our shared community. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:

• Hybrid Telework - A schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending on the assignment
• Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
• Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
• County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee family health plan options
• Staff Development/Wellness Pay - Annual benefit allowances of up to $940 and ongoing education/training opportunities
• Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
• Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
• Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
• Student Loan Debt Relief - County employees may be eligible for through the U.S. Department of Education

*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the and our .
This recruitment is being conducted to fill a full-time Senior Welfare Fraud Investigator position with the Human Services Department. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience: Four years of recent, full-time paid experience performing responsible investigative work with public or private agency
(OR)
Three years of full time paid experience comparable to a Welfare Fraud Investigator II/I with the County of Sonoma.
Education: Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable General Education Development Certificate as required by the California Commission of Peace Officers Standards and Training. Possession of the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, academic coursework in the behavioral sciences, law enforcement and the techniques of investigations would provide such and opportunity.
Special Qualifications: Possession of a Specialized or Regular Basic Certificate issued by the California Commission on Peace Officers' Standards and Training OR a certificate of completion issued by an approved training institution verifying that the candidate has completed approved California P.O.S.T. courses that make the candidate eligible for award of a Specialized or Regular California P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate upon successful completion of probationary employment as a Senior Welfare Fraud Investigator. Possession of a Supervisory P.O.S.T. certificate is highly desirable.
License: Possession of a valid California driver's license.
Citizenship Requirement: Permanent resident aliens who wish to be employed as peace officers must apply for citizenship at least one year before application for such employment. If a permanent resident alien has not obtained citizenship within three years after application for employment or is denied citizenship he or she shall be disqualified for peace officer status.
Background Requirements: Incumbents shall not have been convicted of a felony in this state or any other state or in any federal jurisdiction, or of any offense in any other state or in any federal jurisdiction, which would have been a felony if committed in this state, nor be under current formal probation supervision.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of: modern procedures and methods employed in Welfare Fraud detection and investigation; Welfare Fraud law; criminal attitudes and behavioral patterns and of the social factors underlying criminal behavior; the penal, evidence and civil codes and the code of civil procedure and particularly as they relate to the securing of restitution in welfare fraud matters.
Considerable knowledge of: the English language; its usage, syntax and grammatical structure.
Working knowledge of: the State Department of Human Services Manual of Policies and Procedures; the laws and the legal procedures to enforce payment of funds; the principles of supervision; financial record keeping.
Knowledge of: the principles and techniques of supervision, motivation and training.
Ability to: train subordinate investigative staff; supervise, train and evaluate the work of subordinate investigative staff; conduct effective field investigations; analyze and interpret laws relating to welfare fraud; establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public and staff; obtain information through interview, interrogation and observation; enforce the law firmly, impartially and with tact; carry out special and general assignments requiring an organization of materials and development of procedures without direct supervision; direct and review the work of subordinates; prepare basic factual reports in both written and oral formats.
Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying

• Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
• You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
• You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
• Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.

Please visit to review more detailed information about the application, examination, and department selection processes.
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED. Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.
The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:

An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Relevance of work history, related experience, and achieved level of education and/or training as described in the application and responses to the supplemental questions.

Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list in order of most qualified to least qualified based on the achieved score received in the Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination which evaluates the education, training, experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, and other qualifications that you demonstrate in your application and/or response to the supplemental questionnaire. Please be aware that resumes and cover letters are not typically evaluated in the Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination. Scores may be adjusted based on such factors as the number of candidates, anticipated vacancies, past practice, and natural breaks in the scores achieved by this group of candidates.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.

Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the to determine the requirements for this position.

HOW TO APPLY
Applications are accepted online at: Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.

The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

HR Analyst: EP
HR Tech: EV
IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.
COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS: GENERAL*
These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:
Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.
Health Plan: Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generous County contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit). For more information, please see the appropriate MOU.
Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit
IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.
Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.
Student Loan Debt Relief: County employees may be eligible for through the U.S. Department of Education.
Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.
For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to or, contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at or (707) 565-2900.
*IMPORTANT NOTES: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.
01

How did you first learn about this opportunity?

• Careers in Government
• College or University
• County of Sonoma Human Resources Office
• Craigslist
• DiversityJobs
• Employee of Sonoma County
• Facebook
• Glassdoor
• GovernmentJobs.com
• Handshake
• Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Sonoma County
• Indeed
• Instagram
• Job Fair
• Latino Service Providers
• LinkedIn
• Los Cien
• POST
• Press Democrat
• sonoma-county.org/www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org
• Start Here!
• X (Twitter)
• Veterans Services Office
• Women's Organization or Group
• Other Internet Site
• Other Publication

02

Please check all that apply:

• I am willing to undergo a thorough background investigation that will include a review of criminal, employment, educational, driving and credit records, and an inquiry into my personal and social history, including use of drugs and alcohol
• I have not, as an adult, been convicted of a felony
• I am not currently on probation
• I am a U.S. citizen or a resident alien who has applied for citizenship prior to the date of the application for Senior Welfare Fraud Investigator

03

Please indicate which of the following you have completed (check all that apply):

• High School Graduation or General Education Development Certificate
• Supervisory California P.O.S.T. Certificate
• California P.O.S.T. Specialized Investigator Basic Certificate
• California P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate
• Certificate of Completion issued within the last 3 years by a California P.O.S.T. training institution verifying coursework completion
• None of the above

04

For this question, and all subsequent questions, please provide sufficient information to allow for a thorough evaluation of your qualifications. Responses to supplemental questions may be scored using specific criteria and may be reviewed by hiring managers.
Please describe any coursework, training, or other P.O.S.T. certifications you have completed that relate to this position. Include the course name(s) and number of units completed.
05

Please describe your experience performing investigative work, including the type and scope of the investigations you have performed. Include a specific example of a complex and/or sensitive case on which you took the lead and describe the challenges you faced, decisions and conclusions you made, and the outcome of the case.
06

Please describe your experience working with agencies that serve populations that are socially or economically disadvantaged. Highlight the situation and stakeholders involved, your role and responsibilities in the process, the approach you took to address any challenging aspects of the collaboration, and the outcome.
07

Please describe your experience supervising and/or managing employees. Provide details about the types of positions you supervised/managed (e.g., administrative, clerical, professional, law enforcement, investigation, technical) and the specific responsibilities you've held, including coordinating work assignments, hiring, developing employees, and administering progressive discipline.
Required Question