What are the responsibilities and job description for the Special Agent S, OSIG position at Commonwealth of PA?
THE POSITION
Do you have a strong eye for detail and enjoy complex investigatory assignments? The Pennsylvania Office of State Inspector General (OSIG), Bureau of Fraud Prevention and Prosecution, is seeking a diligent Special Agent to join forces with our team of investigators. This is a vital profession which affords the opportunity to conduct field and overpayment investigations relating to both initial and ongoing eligibility for the programs administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS). If you have the necessary education, training, and experience and this kind of investigative work appeals to you, we want to meet you!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
The Special Agent in this capacity is responsible for investigation, administrative hearings, and prosecution of cash assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), medical assistance, and subsidized childcare overpayments. Investigative work is also conducted for electronic benefit transfer (EBT) fraud and SNAP trafficking, as well as other DHS programs referred to OSIG such as Low-Income Heating Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), special allowances, and the Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP).
Excellent interpersonal skills are necessary to interview applicants, recipients, DHS employees, and other relevant sources for information about residence, assets, income, and other eligibility factors. You will review all case related documentation for relevant information and collect, evaluate, and develop evidence for legal presentation and complete an investigation report for review and approval.
Comprehensive investigative techniques are implemented to conduct investigations, interview witnesses and subjects, and analyze statements, case records, and inter-governmental matches. Investigations may also include conducting record searches at courthouses, banks, and employers and developing leads that are followed to a reasonable end.
You will prepare and file criminal complaints and, if needed, affidavits, witness lists, and the confidential information sheet at the magisterial district judge level and prepare witnesses to testify for hearings and trials. Strong organizational skills are vital to assist the District Attorney (DA) with presentation of the Commonwealth’s case at criminal preliminary hearings and trials, or to present the Commonwealth’s case if no DA is present for the hearing. Commonwealth cases will be presented at Administrative Fair Hearings and Administrative Disqualification Hearings conducted by the DHS Bureau of Hearings and Appeals.
Travel is required throughout the Commonwealth to conduct investigative activities, attend administrative hearings, conduct subject/collateral contact interviews, participate in prosecutions, and attend trainings. Out of state and overnight travel may be required as deemed necessary.
Excellent interpersonal skills are necessary to interview applicants, recipients, DHS employees, and other relevant sources for information about residence, assets, income, and other eligibility factors. You will review all case related documentation for relevant information and collect, evaluate, and develop evidence for legal presentation and complete an investigation report for review and approval.
Comprehensive investigative techniques are implemented to conduct investigations, interview witnesses and subjects, and analyze statements, case records, and inter-governmental matches. Investigations may also include conducting record searches at courthouses, banks, and employers and developing leads that are followed to a reasonable end.
You will prepare and file criminal complaints and, if needed, affidavits, witness lists, and the confidential information sheet at the magisterial district judge level and prepare witnesses to testify for hearings and trials. Strong organizational skills are vital to assist the District Attorney (DA) with presentation of the Commonwealth’s case at criminal preliminary hearings and trials, or to present the Commonwealth’s case if no DA is present for the hearing. Commonwealth cases will be presented at Administrative Fair Hearings and Administrative Disqualification Hearings conducted by the DHS Bureau of Hearings and Appeals.
Travel is required throughout the Commonwealth to conduct investigative activities, attend administrative hearings, conduct subject/collateral contact interviews, participate in prosecutions, and attend trainings. Out of state and overnight travel may be required as deemed necessary.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
- Full-time employment
- Work hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
- Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 12 days per month, based upon operational needs. You will be required to be in the office or in the field at least 2 days per week. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg.
- Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
- You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
- One year of investigative experience and a bachelor’s degree; or
- An equivalent combination of experience and training.
Special Requirements:
- You must possess an active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C driver’s license or equivalent.
- All employees must obtain CLEAN/NCIC certification within two months of employment and maintain this certification for the duration of employment in this job.
Additional Requirements:
- You must adhere to and understand organizational protocols including the chain of command.
- You must have an understanding of investigative processes and principles.
- You must adhere to the values and ethics of the OSIG.
- You must demonstrate professionalism and discretion in your work.
- You must possess solid written and verbal communication skills
- You must show initiative and problem solving skills
- You must be able to perform essential job functions.
Legal Requirements:
- A conditional offer of employment will require submission of criminal history reports. See hiring agency contact information.
- You must pass a background investigation.
- This position will have access to Federal Tax Information (FTI) and is subject to the provisions of IRS Publication 1075 (Pub 1075) which requires you to pass an enhanced background check prior to beginning employment. Under Pub 1075, acceptance of a conditional offer of employment will require submission to and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports, including but not limited to: a fingerprint-based federal records check; a PA State Police clearance; a check of local law enforcement agencies where you have lived, worked, and/or attended school within the last five (5) years; and a citizenship/residency verification.
- Due to Act 29, the selected candidate will have limited law enforcement powers, which require all employees with access to agency systems to undergo fingerprinting and an in-depth background check to include criminal, tax, and credit history.
How to Apply:
- Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
- If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
- Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
- Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
Veterans:
- Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans’ Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
- 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
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We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
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