Consumer Fraud Compliance Investigator II

The Consumer Protection (CP) Section is seeking an experienced investigator to work with a team dedicated to protecting Colorado consumers from fraud and other unfair and deceptive practices, as well as price fixing, monopolization and other unlawful market manipulations. You will have the opportunity to work on a wide variety of complex cases and collaborate with attorneys and paralegals committed to an important and fulfilling mission. Your casework will have a valuable impact on the community while also offering work-life balance. If you're interested in joining a dynamic team of public servants, apply today!
 
WHO WE ARE
 
The Office of the Attorney General/Department of Law is the "People's Lawyer." The Attorney General, Phil Weiser, was elected by the people of Colorado and is the State's chief lawyer and law enforcement official. Our vision for the Department of Law is: "Together, we serve Colorado and its people, advancing the rule of law, protecting our democracy and promoting justice for all." Our core values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, drive our actions and demonstrate our focus on being principled public servants who are innovative and better together.
Visit our website to learn more: https://coag.gov/.

The work of the Investigations Unit in the Consumer Protection Section involves a hybrid of criminal and civil law enforcement. The Unit conducts investigations of unlawful conduct statewide, often coordinating with other law enforcement and regulatory agencies within Colorado and outside of the State, including County District Attorneys, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The Unit supports complaint triage and case development as primary functions and provides training and technical assistance to other law enforcement agencies and promotes and participates in a variety of consumer outreach and educational efforts. 

The Compliance Investigator II will evaluate and follow-up on consumer complaints that come to the DOL through various channels but primarily though www.stopfraudcolorado.com. The position conducts investigations of consumer fraud and violations of other Consumer Protection Laws, analyzes intake and referral information to determine the existence of Consumer Protection violations, scope and pattern of unlawful activity, and direction of the investigation before making recommendations about next steps. In a multi-person investigation, this position will often act as the case manager/team leader who is responsible for case file management, data management, case flow from inception to disposition, and overall investigative strategy.  Duties include: 

• Identifies and investigates violations of the Colorado Consumer Protection Act and several other state statutes related to consumer protection and economic crime
• Meet with and interview complainants, witnesses, proprietors, and others to obtain information relating to the investigation for enforcement and compliance
• Conduct background investigations of suspects and suspect businesses, research and collect public and non-public records, collect financial records, and conduct complex financial analysis
• Compiles data by collecting documentary evidence, examining records, reviewing electronic data (including online), and rearranging data into a useable format, such as spreadsheets and databases
• Review and analyze financial, business, and other evidence records
• Writes and organizes comprehensive reports of investigations, affidavits, warrants and victim/witness/suspect statements
• Independently or in collaboration with team members prepares charts, PowerPoints, spreadsheets, and graphs which reflect the information obtained during an investigation
• Serves as an advisory witness in Preliminary Hearings, Motions Hearings, and Court Trials, including assisting the assigned CP Attorney/Prosecutor to fully prepare for litigation by organizing the case for presentation, including testifying, preparing exhibits and witnesses
• Provides investigative, supervisory, and logistical assistance on assigned cases, leads a team including but not limited to, other investigators, paralegals, program assistants, forensic accountants, and provides assistance to local, state and federal agencies
• Focuses the effort between and among law enforcement agencies in multi-jurisdictional investigative projects agency law enforcement partners.
• Serves as a specialized expert for other law enforcement and regulatory agencies in matters related to consumer protection
• Provides instructional services, technical advice, and training to other governmental agencies

Salary note: Although a salary range is listed, salary will be set commensurate with the successful candidate's qualifications and in compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in the Department of Law, Consumer Protection.WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
 
Minimum Qualifications and Substitutions: Please document all relevant experience in detail on your application. Experience will not be inferred or assumed. Any part-time experience listed will be prorated. 

Experience Only:

Requires six (6) years of professional experience in investigation either as an investigator, investigative journalist, auditor or fraud specialist, or other field where you were responsible for conducting investigations. This experience must include review of initial complaints, follow up investigation, final recommendation, and further compliance.

OR

Education and Experience: 

Requires a combination of full-time college course work from an accredited institute in criminal justice, public administration, or other closely related college course work AND/OR professional experience in investigation either as an investigator, investigative journalist, auditor or fraud specialist, or other field where you were responsible for conducting investigations totaling six years. This experience must include review of initial complaints, follow up investigation, final recommendation, and further compliance.

Necessary Special Requirement:
Qualified applicants must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the minimum qualifications, the preferred applicant will also demonstrate and clearly describe the following skills and experience in their job application:

• Experience with complex long-term investigations, determining investigation strategy, assembling evidence for case development and enforcement through prosecution or other compliance regulation
• Knowledge and experience investigating consumer fraud or financial investigations
• Certified Fraud Examiner
• Ability to compile and evaluate complex sets of data using spreadsheets, databases or other tools
• Experience with on-line research and background assessment tools
• Excellent analytical skills
• Excellent judgment and decision making
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to work with a wide variety of stakeholders
• Strong written and oral communication skills

Conditions of Employment:
 

• Applicants must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment. 
• This unit offers flexible work arrangements. New employees are generally expected to work in-office a minimum of one day per week. Additional flexibility will be considered for employees after a successful onboarding and training period. Please note, flexible work arrangements may change at any time based on business needs.
• Position may need to travel and/or stay overnight (several days or weeks are possible) to accomplish testifying and/or participating in court proceedings in various jurisdictions, conduct investigative follow-up (interviews, gathering evidence, etc.) as well as participating in and/or providing training to others.
• Position may be required, sometimes on short notice, to work outside of regular business hours, including possible early mornings, evenings, weekend, and overnight assignments as necessary to conduct fast-paced investigations and prepare for trial.

Colorado Department of Law participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

HOW TO APPLY
 
Required Application Materials
 

1. A completed State of Colorado Application: Applicants are responsible for ensuring that the application provided is fully completed and clearly describes their education, training and experience as it relates to this position.  Applications left blank or marked “See Resume” will not be considered.
2. Resume 
3. Cover Letter: A detailed cover letter explaining your interest in the position, any information regarding your skills, qualifications, accomplishments, etc. and how you meet the listed preferred qualifications is due at the time of application.

Veteran’s Preference: In order to be considered for veteran’s preference you must attach a copy of your DD214 forms as well as any documentation required to prove disability or marital status.
 
Your application will be reviewed by a qualified Human Resources Specialist to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. If your application does not demonstrate that you meet the minimum requirements, you will be notified that you will not proceed in the selection process for this position. If your application is rejected and you have questions, you may contact Susie Esparza at 720-508-6539 or susie.esparza@coag.gov.  
 
Assessment Information:
Colorado Revised Statutes require that all state employees be hired and promoted through comparative analysis of merit and fitness. Upon meeting the minimum qualifications, the next phase of the process is typically a structured application/resume review by a panel of subject matter experts against the job duties and/or preferred qualifications in this job announcement to determine technical competence, depth and breadth of experience and potential job fit.  

• Technical Competence – Technical experience as it relates to the duties outlined in this job announcement. 

• Depth and Breadth of Experience – Experience that covers multiple areas outlined in this job announcement and demonstrates the level of responsibility assigned. 
• Job Fit – Experience will be evaluated to determine how well experience aligns with and meets the business needs of this position.  Current experience is preferred. 

It is imperative that the “Work Experience” section of your application is complete and specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work product, and accomplishments as they relate to the Description of the Job, Minimum Qualifications, and Preferred Qualifications as listed above. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions by the closing date may result in your application not being accepted and/or may affect your inclusion in the final pool of eligible applicants as the materials may be used to identify a top group for additional assessment or establish an eligible list for referral to the hiring manager for final consideration.
 
Appeal Rights: 
 
If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.
 
An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email, US Mail, faxed or hand delivered within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.
 
For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board go to spb.colorado.gov or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.

WHY WORK FOR US
 
We Embrace Flexibility
We aim to produce outstanding work product for our clients, be efficient with our time, and support each other as team members – which also means we embrace flexible working arrangements when and where possible.
 
We Are Committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
At the DOL, our commitment to DEI is thriving. We know that we are better together when our differences are valued and everyone is inspired and empowered to contribute. As such, we strive to provide a safe environment where individuals feel valued and respected for who they are; demonstrate a behavior and mindset where differences are welcomed, and individuals are treated equally and empowered to do their best work; and promote growth and innovation through a diverse workforce. We empower an active Diversity Equity & Inclusion Impact Team that creates approaches to ensure safe spaces and a culture supportive of people being their authentic selves, hosts events and programs on DEI areas important to our employees, enables development and sustainability of resource groups that give a voice to historically marginalized populations, focuses on retaining our incredible talent, and more!  If your professional goals include promoting growth and innovation with colleagues who recognize that we are better together when our differences are valued and respected, then DOL is your place to be!
 
We Have Strong Core Values
Our core values drive our actions. At the Department of Law, we are: 1) principled, maintaining the highest ethical standards, rigorous legal analysis, and careful evaluation of facts; 2) public servants, who are always ensuring our work is not about us, but instead is about the people of Colorado; 3) innovative, by seeking to identify the best approach, make deliberate decisions, and look to improve; and 4) "better together," by working to support each other and collaborate.
 
We are Committed to Developing our Employees
We are deeply invested in our talent and regularly provide meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth through training and coaching. Further, our professional development and performance goal setting process is collaborative and ongoing, and aimed at helping our employees grow and succeed.
 
We Offer Excellent Benefits
In addition to the comprehensive State of Colorado benefits package including competitive medical and dental health plans, employer-paid life insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans with Colorado PERA, and vacation and sick leave earned each month, there are many other unique benefits that we offer, including:

• Medical and dental health plans
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Paid vacation and sick leave earned each month
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness – A borrower may qualify for forgiveness by making 120 on-time payments while employed full-time in public service, if they have certain kinds of federal loans in a qualifying repayment plan
• Free access to an on-site fitness center
• Strong, flexible retirement benefits including 401K and 457 plans
• Distinctive career advancement opportunities throughout the State personnel system
• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible work schedules, professional development opportunities, and an employee discount program

To learn more about our benefits visit: https://www.colorado.gov/dhr/benefits.
 
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
 
The Department of Law is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, Julie Christopher at hr@coag.gov.

Salary : $70,140 - $96,000