Chief Welfare Fraud Investigator

WHY JOIN US AT SOLANO COUNTY?

COMMITMENT TO SERVICE: Our mission is to serve the people and to provide a safe and healthy place to live, learn, work and play.

We serve the public in many different ways, including:
• Providing primary medical, dental, alcohol, drug and mental health services to residents, including the uninsured, low-income, and medically underserved
• Providing law enforcement services in the unincorporated area of the county
• Protecting the community from public health threats such as communicable diseases
• Coordinating countywide responses to domestic violence and terrorism or other emergencies
• Managing the criminal justice process after arrest (jail, prosecution, probation)
• Supporting other local governments through efficient property tax collection as mandated by the State, County and local jurisdictions; and,
• Administration and enforcement of Federal, State, and Local laws and policies pertaining to environmental health, building construction, and land use planning

OUR EMPLOYEES: Our diverse workforce is committed to fulfilling this mission and does so by exemplifying our IDEAL Core Values, engaging in our day to day work of serving the public with Integrity, Dignity, Excellence, Accountability, and Leadership.

WHY WE EXIST 

The mission of the Solano County Health & Social Services Department is to Promote Healthy, Safe and Stable Lives.

Vision: A Healthy, Safe and Stable Community

Core Values
• Diversity: We respect and value cross –culturalism creating an environment that is inclusive for all.
• Respect: We treat people with care and courtesy.
• Integrity: We do what we say will.
• Fairness: We are consistent and unbiased in decisions.
• Transparency: We communicate the how and why.
• Equity: We ensure everyone has access to the same opportunities.
• Responsiveness: We react quickly and positively.

To learn more about the Department of Health & Social Services , please visit:  https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/hss/default.asp 

Come join a team to help eliminate welfare fraud and ensure program integrity! 

The Special Investigations Bureau is responsible for conducting investigations of alleged fraud in various public assistance programs, detecting fraud in those programs, and conducting verification inquiries in an effort to prevent fraud before it occurs. The Bureau is also responsible for collecting criminal and administrative overpayments, as well as court-ordered restitution stemming from criminal convictions for welfare fraud.  

To learn more about Solano County, the Department of Health and Social Services, and the Special Investigations Bureau, please visit our website at http://www.solanocounty.com/depts/hss/investigations.asp.

The County of Solano is recruiting for a Chief Welfare Fraud Investigator to manage the Special Investigations Bureau of the Department of Health and Social Services by supporting prosecution of cases involving public assistance eligibility, theft, and fraud, managing technical and support staff engaged in the investigations and prosecutions, ensuring compliance with Federal and State welfare regulatory and statutory authority, and developing operational policies and procedures for the prevention, detection and resolution of welfare fraud and program integrity; conducts internal investigations involving department employees; and functions as the department's Safety and Security Coordinator.

The ideal candidate will have exemplary management and communication skills to formulate and implement the department’s policies, goals, and objectives. The ideal candidate will have a proven leadership record, and comprehensive experience that has led to the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary in the management of the five units within the department: Investigations, Overpayment Recovery, Appeals, Accounting, and Clerical.

A top candidate thrives in a robust environment and is skilled in developing strong interpersonal relationships by engaging others for input, contribution and shared responsibility for outcomes. These candidates will possess the ability to comprehend the organization as a system of integrated and interdependent functions, as well as a strong political acumen that allows them the ability to work skillfully with politics, procedures, and protocols across organizational levels. They will possess professional integrity and ethics by displaying honesty, adherence to principles and personal accountability. A successful candidate will also be a forward-thinking, solution-oriented, decisive and innovative leader.   

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:  

Education: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Public Administration, or a closely related field.

Experience: Five (5) years of full-time paid experience in a recognized public law enforcement agency with criminal or civil investigative work experience, two (2) years of which must have been as a Welfare Fraud Investigator, Public Assistance Investigator, or equivalent in a government agency, and one (1) year of which must have been as a Supervising Welfare Fraud Investigator in Solano County, a supervisor in a welfare fraud investigation unit, or a supervisory experience in a law enforcement agency.

LICENSING, CERTIFICATION AND REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS: 

•  Applicants are required to possess a valid California Driver’s License, Class C.
• Possession of a valid and current California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Specialized Investigator Basic Couse (SIBC) is required within one (1) year of appointment; or
• Possession of a valid and current California P.O.S.T. Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced Peace Officer Certificate; or
• Possession of a valid and current Basic Course Waiver (BCW) as awarded by the California Commission on P.O.S.T. within three (3) years prior to appointment.

Solano County offers a cafeteria-style medical package with health benefits, offered through CalPERS. The County contribution for family coverage for the 2021 calendar year is $1,586.60 per month. The County offers a cash back provision for those who choose employee-only or who waive medical insurance coverage. The County may offer a supplemental contribution for employees enrolled in Employee plus Two or More coverage. Dental and vision insurances for the employee and eligible dependents are paid 100% by the County.   

This position participates in CalPERS Miscellaneous retirement and contributes to Social Security.    

The County observes 12 full day fixed and 2 half day fixed paid holidays per year. Additionally, employees in this bargaining unit receive 1 floating paid holidays per year.

Effective July 1st of each year, employees are granted 80 hours of Administrative Leave

Vacation is accrued at approximately 15 days per year for the first 3 years.

Sick leave accrues at approximately 12 days per year.

Employees are eligible to receive an additional 2.5% longevity pay, per level, after the completion of continuous service at 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years. Employees may receive credit for prior years of service employed with California cities, counties, joint power authorities and other special districts as approved by the Director of Human Resources and the County Administrator.

To view the benefits for a regular position, please visit:

https://www.solanocounty.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?blobid=16485 

CULTURE OF LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

Solano County is committed to “Invest In and For the Future” by providing training resources to encourage employee professional development and growth within our organization. While employed with Solano County, employees have the opportunity to pursue their career goals, interests, and develop the competencies on the Solano County Leadership Development Model by participating in the following programs:

• Tuition Reimbursement Program

• Annual Education Fair

• County Mentoring Program

• Leadership Academy

• Supervisory Trainings

• Skill Development Trainings

• Self-paced learning opportunities

08/25/2021 – 5:00pm Deadline to submit application and required documents for first application review.

09/08/2021 – 5:00pm Deadline to submit application and required documents for next application review.

Based on the information provided in the application documents, the qualified applicants may be invited for further examination and will either be pre-scheduled by the Department of Human Resources or be invited to self-schedule. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of an initial application screening, a mandatory information meeting, a supplemental questionnaire assessment, a written and/or practical exam, an oral board exam, or any combination listed. Responses to supplemental questions may be used as screening and testing mechanisms and will be used to assess an applicant’s ability to advance in the process; as such, responses to supplemental questions should be treated as test examination responses. Information contained herein does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

All potential new hires and employees considered for promotion to management, confidential positions or unrepresented positions will be subject to a background and reference check after contingent job offer is accepted.  These provisions are subject to change.

RETIREES - Solano County invites all to apply for positions; however pursuant to Government Code Section 21221(h) and 21224, hiring restrictions may apply to California Public Sector Pension Plan Retirees.

Please visit the County of Solano website, www.jobsatsolanocounty.com, to apply. Applications must be submitted through the JobAps system. Paper copies of applications are not accepted. All additional application materials as requested in the job announcement (degree/transcripts, certificates, DD-214 if applicable, ADA Accommodation Request) must be submitted by fax to (707) 784-3424, or by email to recruitment@solanocounty.com.  Be sure to include the recruitment title (Chief Welfare Fraud Investigator) and the recruitment number (21-417010-02) in your email or fax, and are due by the application review date.

Previously submitted application materials (i.e. copies of diploma and/or transcripts, etc.) for prior recruitments will not be applied for this recruitment but must be re-submitted for this recruitment.

Any further questions can be directed to the Department of Human Resources at (707) 784-6170, business hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. EOE/AA.

Please note that all dates/times listed in the job announcement are Pacific Time.

A Bachelor's Degree is required for this position. All applicants are encouraged to submit either a copy of their college diploma (verifying the degree, date earned and area of specialization) or official/unofficial transcripts (verifying the date and degree conferred) by the final filing deadline. However, proof of this education requirement must be submitted prior to appointment.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:  Candidates who attended a college or university that is accredited by a foreign or non-U.S. accrediting agency must have their educational units evaluated by an educational evaluation service.  The result must be submitted to the Human Resources Department no later than the close of the recruitment.  Please contact the local college or university to learn where this service can be obtained.

How to Submit Your Documents

In addition to uploading attachments when applying online, candidates may submit documents by fax to (707) 784-3424, or by email to recruitment@solanocounty.com.  Be sure to include the recruitment title (Chief Welfare Fraud Investigator) and the recruitment number (21-417010-02) in your email or fax.

• Candidates for Chief Welfare Fraud Investigator will be required to pass a an extensive background investigation, physical examination and psychological evaluation in accordance with applicable law, regulation and/or policy.     
• Peace Officer Requirements:  
  • Incumbents in this class have limited peace officer powers as delineated in the California Penal Code and must, therefore, meet training requirements in accordance with Penal Code, Section 832 which includes the successful completion of a P.O.S.T. approved firearms training program and continuing on-the-job weapons familiarization and qualification and situational training and demonstrated proficiency in the use of firearms.
  • Applicants must meet minimum peace officer standards concerning citizenship, age, character, education and physical/mental condition as set forth in Section 1029 and 1031 of the California Government Code.   
• Investigator Requirement:  In accordance with Section 832.25 (a) of the California Penal Code all Chief Welfare Fraud Investigators shall attend and complete a California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) approved Specialized Investigator Basic Course (SIBC) or Regular Basic Course (RBC) within one year of being hired as the Chief Welfare Fraud Investigator.  Possession of a Basic Course Waiver (BCW) or possession of a POST Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced Certificate fulfills this requirement.   All training must be in compliance with the POST three year rule.
• Child Abuse Reporting:  Selectees for employment must, as a condition of employment, sign a statement agreeing to comply with Section 11166 of the California Penal Code relating to child abuse reporting.
• Independent Travel:  Incumbents are required to travel independently, for example, to perform investigative work such as interviewing witnesses, conducting surveillance, etc.; to attend meetings with other County employees; to attend meetings with employees in other law enforcement agencies; etc.
• Hours of Work:  Incumbents may be required to work weekends, holidays, irregular hours, and after normal business hours.

Note:  Incumbents hold peace officer powers pursuant to Section 830.35 of the California Penal Code, however, this is not considered an active law enforcement classification for such personnel administrative matters as retirement, industrial disability or workers' compensation.     

It is the policy of Solano County that all employment decisions and personnel policies will be applied equally to all County employees and applicants and be based upon the needs of County service, job related merit, and ability to perform the job.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES:  Qualified individuals with a disability, who are able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, and need an accommodation during any phase of the recruitment/testing/examination process (as detailed in the “Selection Process”), must complete the following Request for Testing Accommodation by Applicants with Disabilities Form: http://www.solanocounty.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=23215.

This form must be received in the Human Resources Department by the final filing date of the recruitment.  Applicants will be contacted to discuss the specifics of the request.

OUR COMMUNITY

Solano County is the ideal place to live, learn, work and play…  The America's Promise Alliance has named Solano County as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People for six straight years—the only California community with that distinction. 

• Live – Solano County as well as cities within the County have ranked in the top 15 hottest markets across the country and within the Bay Area due to prime location and affordability.
• Learn – Higher education abounds! Within the County, education choices include: Solano Community College, CSU Maritime Academy, Brandman University, and Touro University. Bordering our County is the renowned University of California Davis.
• Work – The blend of agriculture, corporate business and pleasant lifestyle enhance the attraction of Solano County. Blessed with a thriving agricultural economy, the county is also home to biotechnology and other growth industries.
• Play - Situated midway between San Francisco and Sacramento—the State capitol, Solano County is home to rolling hillsides, waterfronts and fertile farmland. County residents can enjoy day trips to the San Francisco Bay area, Lake Tahoe region and the Napa and Sonoma Valleys.

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

County Population (2018): 439,793

SOLANO COUNTY IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER