Welfare Fraud Investigator

Bi-weekly Salary:
Welfare Fraud Investigator: $2,539.06 – $2,799.31
The Del Norte County Department of Health and Human Services is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Welfare Fraud Investigator. This position is classified as FULL-TIME.

Under general supervision of the Department of Health and Human Services Director or designee, the Welfare Fraud Investigator conducts investigations relating to suspected fraudulent receipt of aid; obtains and presents facts and evidence to support administrative action or prosecution; negotiates for and secures repayment of funds fraudulently obtained; and performs related work as required. Employees in this classification receive limited supervision within a broad framework of policies and procedures.

Essential job duties may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Conducts in-house and field investigations of suspected fraudulent receipt of aid.
• Locates and interviews suspected persons, absent parents, and witnesses using a variety of surveillance and tracing methods.
• Analyzes and evaluates witnesses' testimony.
• Enters and retrieves numerical and narrative data from an automated computer system.
• Executes search warrants and make arrests.
• Examines a variety of records to secure information concerning suspected violations.
• Gathers, assembles, preserves, and reports facts, statements, or affidavits and other evidence for use in legal action.
• Assists in fraud prosecutions in accordance with specific instructions and clearly defined guidelines.
• Makes arrangements for the repayment of funds fraudulently obtained and follows-up to enforce actions for collection of such funds.
• Reads and interprets computer printouts and information on computer screens.
• Prepares correspondence and reports.
• Interprets and explains the provisions of laws, rules or regulations related to the purpose of the investigation.
• May act in a liaison capacity between the Health and Human Services department and the District Attorney’s office and County Counsel's office.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Office methods and procedures used in the maintenance of law enforcement records.
• Basic laws and procedures dealing with the use of evidence in criminal investigations and proceedings.
• Methods, procedures and techniques in the recording, preservation and securing of property and/or evidence used in the prosecution of criminal cases, seized or found property.
• Appropriate methods of surveillance, skip tracing methods, and other sources of information used in locating persons or obtaining facts.
• Principles of identification, arrest procedures, search warrant acquisition and execution, preservation, and presentation of evidence.

Ability to:

• Maintain controls and security of complex and confidential records.
• Understand and interpret the laws, regulations, methods and procedures used in handling criminal evidence.
• Interview, analyze, and evaluate the statements of witnesses or suspected violators.
• Learn, interpret, and apply provisions of the welfare laws, search and seizure laws, and the legal rights of citizens.
• Navigate through screens to retrieve information in an automated computer system.
• Write clear and accurate correspondence and reports.
• Perform basic arithmetical calculations.
• Deal effectively with citizens and public officials under conditions requiring tact and good judgment.
• Gather and document information and evidence by observation, record examination, and interview.
• Negotiate for, and secure payment of, funds fraudulently obtained or funds for support of recipients of aid.
• Coordinate and communicate job activities and investigations with staff responsible for other functions within the Department.
• Understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures and instructions.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Use computer and keyboard sufficient to perform functions of report writing.
• To work different and irregular hours as required.
• To establish and maintain effective working relationships with county officials, staff, representatives from other departments and agencies and the public.