Social Service Senior Welfare Fraud Field Investigator

Contra Costa County’s Employment and Human Services Department works diligently to provide the community with resources that support, protect, and empower individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency. The department is committed to hiring candidates that share our core values of delivering an exceptional customer service experience, encouraging open communication, embracing change, practicing ethical behavior, and embracing diversity.

Under general supervision, the Social Service Senior Welfare Fraud Field Investigator is responsible for investigating suspected welfare fraud in active and intake/pending cases in Contra Costa County. The Fraud Prevention Unit consists of a team of investigators, a unit clerk, and a fraud unit supervisor. The unit works with other fraud units under the Fraud and Appeals Division of EHSD as well as with the Contra Costa District Attorney’s office.

The Contra Costa County Employment & Human Services Department (EHSD) is seeking qualified candidates to fill one (1) vacancy for the Social Service Senior Welfare Fraud Field Investigator classification.  

We are looking for someone who:

• Is self-motivated
• Possesses strong attention to detail
• Works well in a team and independently
• Has strong oral and written communication skills
• Possesses strong critical thinking skills
• Is able to use tact and clarity when communicating with members of the community
• Is able to recognize potential safety concerns when contacting clients

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Conducting field investigations of persons suspected of fraudulent application for aid
• Interviewing, locating and observing witnesses and persons suspected of fraudulent application for public assistance
• Contacting individuals, employers and other representatives of business or governmental organizations to secure required verifications and gather evidence
• Evaluating witness statements
• Collecting documentation to support field investigation
• Examining evidence and preparing brief, concise reports of each field investigation, recommending an appropriate course of action
• Gathering, assembling, preparing reports for presentation in court, and testifying in court and assisting in prosecutions

A few reasons you may love this job:

• You will work with a team that has the same goals and objectives
• You will work independently
• You will be able to expand your knowledge and expertise in a unique law enforcement role
• This position will not require shift work or weekend work during normal duties

A few reasons you might find this job challenging:

• You will need to learn the various benefits programs managed by the county and how to identify fraud within those programs
• You will need to adhere to strict deadlines to complete investigative reports and caseload statistics for state reporting
• Caseloads may fluctuate significantly

Competencies Required:

• Analyzing & Interpreting Data: Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative or qualitative data
• Delivering Results: Meeting organizational goals and customer expectations and making decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks
• Fact Finding: Obtaining facts and data pertaining to an issue or question
• Legal & Regulatory Navigation: Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
• Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Self-Management: Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
• Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals

To read the complete job description, please visit our website, www.cccounty.us/hr
The eligible list established from this recruitment may remain in effect for six (6) months.License: Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Out of State valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License will be accepted during the application process.

Education: Possession of a high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalency or a high school proficiency certificate.

Experience: Two years of full-time experience or its equivalent in a law enforcement agency performing investigative duties; or one year of full-time experience or its equivalent in a county welfare department performing field duties in the prevention and investigation of fraudulent application/receipt of public assistance.

Peace Officer's Standards and Training Certification: Pursuant to California Penal Code 832.25; Possession of a valid Specialized Investigator's Basic Course certificate as awarded by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) OR Possession of a valid Basic Peace Officer certificate as awarded by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) OR Successful completion of the Regular Basic Course certified by P.O.S.T. within three years prior to appointment

Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship.

Physical Requirements: Ability to meet such health standards as may be prescribed by the County Medical Consultant.

Background: 1) A thorough background investigation, which will include psychological testing, shall be conducted according to the specifications of the State of California Commission of Peace Officer Standards and Training; and 2) 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 states or in any federal jurisdiction which would have been a felony if committed in this state.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience as a detective or investigator for a law enforcement agency
• Experience conducting informal interviews of suspects and witnesses
• Prior experience investigating financial crimes
• Knowledge of eligibility determination in a public welfare setting
• Training in interview and interrogation techniques
• Training in tactical communication techniques

1. Application Filing and Evaluation: Applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application; applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process. 
2. Online Virtual Interview: Candidates who possess the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in an online interview.  In the oral interview, candidates must achieve an average passing score of 70% or higher on each of the oral interview competencies, as well as an overall passing score of 70% or higher.  The interview will measure candidates' competencies as they relate to the Social Service Senior Welfare Fraud Field Investigator position.  These may include, but are not limited to: Delivering Results, Professional and Technical Expertise, Professional Integrity and Ethics, Self-Management, Oral Communication, and Building and maintaining Relationships (Weighted 100%) 
    
   The online interview will be administered remotely using a computer or mobile device such as a tablet. You will need access to a reliable internet connection to participate in the online interview, as well as computer or mobile device with a camera.                       

The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.
  

Salary : $85,812 - $104,306