What are the responsibilities and job description for the Welfare Fraud Investigator position at Ramsey County?
The current vacancy is in the County Attorney's Department. The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department or County.
To conduct investigations on behalf of the County Attorney into suspected welfare fraud cases; and to perform related work as assigned.
Flexible Workplace
This position is identified under the designation of ‘flex work eligible’, meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in-office full-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two-days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote-first environment. Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county’s flexible workplace policy. To view Ramsey County’s Flexible Workplace policy, go to: Flexible Workplace policy.
If an internal candidate is selected, salary will be set in accordance with the personnel rules (i.e., promotion, transfer, or voluntary reduction).
To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: Job Descriptions. Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.
- Review complaints alleging welfare fraud and evaluate their credibility; and prioritize investigations according to the nature of those complaints.
- Plan investigations and collect evidence pertaining to cases of suspected welfare fraud by utilizing field surveillance, interviewing witnesses and welfare fraud suspects, examining relevant governmental and business files and expert witness reports, composing correspondence to procure information, issuing subpoenas, and executing search warrants.
- Evaluate the credibility, relevancy and admissibility of investigative findings to decide if there is probable cause for prosecution; and make recommendations to supervisor or attorney on whether to prosecute or terminate the case.
- Recommend that actions be taken to terminate or reduce welfare grants where recipients have been determined to be ineligible for the amount of aid they are receiving; and write reports relating to non-criminal collection referrals and restitution.
- Prepare affidavits and search warrants containing summaries of investigative findings (probable cause documents) for use in final phases of investigation.
- Plan the execution of search warrants to ensure that sufficient staff is available to execute the warrant; that potentially dangerous situations are anticipated and adjustments in personnel coverage made accordingly; and that the search is conducted and the warrant returned within the time limit prescribed by law.
- Execute search warrants, together with other investigators and police personnel, to obtain evidence.
- Compile reports of investigative findings for the purpose of presenting an organized set of case facts to prosecuting attorneys.
- Expedite prosecution of fraud cases by assisting attorneys with various aspects of trial preparation, including serving subpoenas, researching regulations, compiling visual aids and locating or re-interviewing witnesses; and share information with defense attorneys concerning individual cases and applicable welfare regulations.
- Testify in court and administrative hearings to relate first-hand evidence obtained during investigation.
- Recommend action(s) which can be taken by public agencies to reduce instances of abuse of public assistance programs; and coordinate joint efforts and share information with the public and private sector in an effort to curb welfare abuse.
- Compile statistics on time spent in each public assistance program and dollar amounts of case dispositions in order to receive federal reimbursements, facilitate fraud convictions and collect restitution and overpayments.
(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this work and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position’s management approved work schedule is required.)
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Education: High school graduation or equivalent.
Experience: Two years of investigative experience (including conducting surveillance, interviewing witnesses, preparing or issuing subpoenas and warrants, and writing reports) in a law enforcement agency or related legal-based investigative work.
Substitution: None.
The examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated:
- Training and Experience Rating = 100%
The examination for Welfare Fraud Investigator 1 will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating. The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions – do not mark “see resume” or “see work history” as a response. Please answer all your questions clearly and completely. Failure to respond could affect your score and final rank on this examination.
Eligible List: The names of all applicants who filed a properly completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as a Welfare Fraud Investigator 1. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for 3 months until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted, informing them that the list has been certified and their status.
Veteran's Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.
Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.
E-Verify Participation: Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin.
Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives being equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide, will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.
To print a paper application for this posting click Paper Application. You will need to print this posting AND answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.
For further information regarding this posting, please contact Megan.Simmons@co.ramsey.mn.us
Salary : $63,814 - $95,722
