WELFARE FRAUD INVESTIGATOR I (#RH2 )

$35.40-$44.75 hourly / $6,136.00-$7,757.00 monthly / $73,632.00-$93,080.00 yearly

WELFARE FRAUD INVESTIGATOR II (#RH3 )

We are currently accepting applications for this position. To apply, please close this pop-up window and then click on the link for Employment Opportunities. $45.39-$51.04 hourly / $7,867.00-$8,847.00 monthly / $94,411.20-$106,163.20 yearly

Under direction, to investigate cases of suspected welfare fraud and violations of the Public Assistance laws and regulations; to locate and interview witnesses and persons suspected of violations; to obtain and present facts and evidence to support administrative action or prosecution; and to do other work as required. 

Welfare Fraud Investigator I is the entry level position in the Welfare Fraud Investigator series. Incumbents carry a modified caseload working initially under close supervision within established guidelines. This class differs from the next higher class of Welfare Fraud Investigator II in that the latter carries the full range of welfare fraud cases.  After meeting Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) requirements and gaining experience and demonstrating expertise in investigative work, Welfare Fraud Investigator I incumbents are eligible for promotion to Welfare Fraud Investigator II.

Welfare Fraud Investigator II is the journey level position in the Welfare Fraud Investigator series. Incumbents carry the full range of caseloads involving general fraud, fraud prevention and early detection and assets match and earnings clearance. This class is distinguished from the class of Welfare Fraud Investigator I in that the latter class performs work under close supervision within established guidelines. Incumbents may provide initial training and guidance to Welfare Fraud Investigator I.

Welfare Fraud Investigator I & II: Investigates cases of known or suspected violations of the law related to the fraudulent receipt of welfare funds; prevents fraud by verifying applicant information and conducting random investigations; examines assets match and earnings clearance information provided by the state and conducts investigations as appropriate; examines records, questions suspects, conducts interviews and surveillance; determines the most effective way to conduct the required investigations; may investigate child stealing cases; develops and delivers in-service training programs on fraud prevention and related; may conduct internal investigations; prepares and serves search warrants; contacts other agencies, business organizations and employers to secure and verify information and evidence; locates and interviews recipients suspected of fraud and others who may have knowledge of a case, such as relatives, neighbors and landlords; records content of interviews; secures and preserves written statements from witnesses and other parties; analyzes and evaluates statements from witnesses, bank statements and other evidence; works jointly as required with other agencies to develop evidence; prepares evidence for District Attorney's Office and testifies in court; writes reports and correspondence; develops and sustains sources of information; may input, access and analyze data using a computer; attends meetings and conferences.

Knowledge:

Welfare Fraud Investigator I

• Working knowledge of interviewing techniques and procedures;
• Working knowledge of the sources of information and the techniques used to locate persons;
• Working knowledge of report writing;
• Some knowledge of investigative techniques and procedures;
• Some knowledge of the legal rights of citizens;
• Some knowledge of financial record keeping;
• Some knowledge of data processing applications;
• Some knowledge of human motivation and behavior.

Ability to:

Welfare Fraud Investigator I & II

• Conduct effective investigations;
• Obtain information and evidence by observation, record examination, interview and interrogation;
• Analyze and evaluate the statements of witnesses and suspected violators;
• Interpret, understand and apply provisions of the welfare laws;
• Prepare clear and concise written and oral reports;
• Deal effectively with the public, departmental staff and law enforcement agencies;
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action;
• Negotiate agreements and payments of monies due;
• Adhere to the Peace Officer Code of Ethics;
• Enforce the law firmly, impartially and with tact;
• Learn to access, input and analyze data using a computer;
• Have normal color vision and unrestricted peripheral vision and have vision of at least 20/20.  If corrective lenses are worn, uncorrected vision of 20/100 correcting to 20/20;
• Be able to sit, stand and/or walk for extended periods of time.

Education and Experience/Training:
 
Any combination of training and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Welfare Fraud Investigator I: Possession of a High School Diploma or GED Equivalency and equivalent to two years of college course work in political science, criminal justice or related courses and one year of paraprofessional investigative work or related experience;  OR

Possession of a High School Diploma or GED Equivalency and two years of experience performing public assistance eligibility work or two years of experience performing responsible investigative work in a law enforcement agency.

Welfare Fraud Investigator II: One year of experience as a Welfare Fraud Investigator I at Santa Cruz County or equivalent:   OR

Possession of a High School Diploma or GED Equivalency and three years of professional experience performing responsible  investigative work in a law enforcement agency.
 
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/CONDITIONS:
 
License/Certificate:  For both levels:  Possession and maintenance of valid Class C California Driver’s License issued by the California State Department of Motor Vehicles during the course of employment. 

Welfare Fraud Investigator I: Successful completion of a Specialized Investigator’s Basic Course  approved by POST (to meet Penal Code. 832.25 requirements) within 12 months of appointment to the class OR possession of a valid Basic Peace Officer Certificate as awarded by POST OR successful completion of the regular basic course certified by POST within three years prior to appointment. 

Welfare Fraud Investigator II: Successful completion of a Specialized Investigator’s Basic Course  approved by POST (to meet Penal Code  832.25 requirements) within three years prior to appointment to the class OR possession of a valid Basic Peace Officer Certificate as awarded by POST OR successful completion of the regular basic course certified by POST within three years prior to appointment. 

Background Investigation: Ability to pass a full background investigation, medical exam as well as a required psychological exam to meet provisions of Government Code Section 1031.

Special Working Conditions: Exposure to variable temperatures and weather conditions; confined work spaces; heights; two-way radio noise; strong, unpleasant odors; infections which might cause chronic disease or death; dust and pollens; chemical irritants; possibility of experiencing bodily injury and/or burns; and contact with a diverse population. 

Other Special Working Requirements:  Must be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship; Willingness when necessary to work irregular hours in various locations throughout the County. Note: These classifications have a 12-month probationary period.    

Bargaining Unit:  41
EEOC Job Category:  032
Occupational Group:  62
Workers Comp Code:  0285
Analyst:  JAD, MM
Revised Date(s): 12/85