Job Description

Welfare Fraud Investigator

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.

Detailed Work Activities

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.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education, training and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Education: Graduation from high school or possession of GED certificate, supplemented with course work in Administration of Justice, Police Science, or closely related field; possession of POST Intermediate Certificate.

Experience: Three (3) years' responsible experience in law enforcement including one (1) year of experience in criminal investigations as an Investigator or equivalent position with a City, County, or State law enforcement agency.

Special Requirements: Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

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.

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