Public Assistance Investigator

THE POSITION

Public Assistance Investigators, under the general supervision of an Inspector III,  conducts investigations relating to suspected fraudulent payments associated with In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and suspected fraudulent receipt of or application for public assistance, in order to obtain and present facts and evidence to support administrative action and/or criminal prosecution, and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Public Assistance Investigator is a full-time Peace Officer as defined in Penal Code Section 830.35(a).  The incumbent is a part of an investigative team and will collaborate with prosecutors, District Attorney (DA) Inspectors, staff from the Social Services Agency, Department of Child Support Services, and law enforcement.  This position within the DA’s Office will not be authorized to carry a firearm. 

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level.  Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

·       Conducts investigations of persons suspected of fraudulently receiving payments associated with
       IHSS services and fraudulently applying and/or receiving for public assistance.

·       Performs field work and/or home visits to include businesses, schools, or employers to obtain
       evidence of assets, income, household composition and/or residency.

·       Locates and interviews persons suspected of public assistance fraud, absent parents, and/or potential
       witnesses.

·       Examines, reviews, and evaluates a variety of records to secure information concerning suspected
       violations of public assistance laws; obtains search warrants for this purpose.

·       Contacts and interviews individuals and representatives of various business and governmental
       agencies; develops and maintains contacts to obtain information concerning suspected violations of
       public assistance laws.

·       Collects and assembles reports, statements or affidavits and other evidence for use in administrative
       and/or criminal actions.

·       Completes detailed reports documenting investigations to support filing of complaint; prepares other
       appropriate reports, forms, and correspondence; maintains detailed case notes; documents and
       maintains chain of custody of all evidence.

·       Confers with Deputy DA(s) on trial strategy and presentation of evidence; appears in court to testify
       regarding investigative findings.

·       Performs related duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE

The equivalent of three (3) years full-time experience in criminal or civil investigative work that included locating and interviewing witnesses; collecting and preserving evidence; completing reports; obtaining search warrants; and testifying in court.

LICENSE

Possess a valid California State Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Possess P.O.S.T Basic Certificate or Specialized Law Enforcement Basic Certificate.
• Must be at least 21 years of age at time of appointment.
• Must be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident who is eligible for and applied for citizenship at least one (1) year before applying for Public Assistance Investigator.
• A background investigation, psychological examination and medical examination will be conducted.  A record of a felony conviction will result in disqualification.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

·       Understand complexities of public assistance programs, laws, and regulations.

·       Understand rules, and laws pertaining to civil and criminal fraud investigations.

·       Obtain information through thorough interviews.

·       Write clear, concise, and comprehensive reports.

·       Communicate clearly and concisely verbally and in writing.

·       Take detailed statements and affidavits and analyze data and draw valid conclusions.

·       Thorough knowledge of rules of evidence and courtroom procedures.

·       Work independently.

·       Use logic in making decisions and have sound judgement.

·       Prioritize work to meet various deadlines.

·       Conduct multiple investigations and manage cases in various stages of progress.

·       Establish and maintain effective and positive working relationships with those contacted in the course
       of work.

HOW TO APPLY
To apply for the position, please contact Andrea Moreland at andrea.moreland@acgov.org for the application.

The District Attorney’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or physical ability are encouraged to apply.