Supervising Welfare Fraud Investigator

One immediate vacancy in the Human Services Department; future vacancies may be filled from the eligible list to be established.

Confers with investigative staff and social services staff on mutual concerns and problems of jurisdiction and procedure; reviews requests from agency staff for eligibility information requiring investigative methods and investigations of suspected fraud; assigns cases to investigators; reviews completed investigations for adequacy of charge and sufficiency of documentation for legal action; refers cases to the District Attorney's office for determination of legal action; trains and advises subordinate investigators and support staff; coordinates firearms qualification training; interviews recipients of aid; interprets and explains the provisions of laws, rules and regulations applicable to investigations; negotiates for and secures repayment of funds fraudulently obtained; supervises security oversight for Human Services personnel, offices and waiting areas, including confronting, detaining and/or physically restraining unruly or threatening participants or members of the public on department premises; may consult with the County Counsel's office to recover funds by civil action; serves as liaison with the District Attorney's office, advising the District Attorney on Human Service Agency policy and procedures; assigns complaints on behalf of the Human Services Agency; supervises and assigns the work of clerical staff in the unit; prepares reports and correspondence; arranges for and provides food stamp and building security. (Essential duties may vary from position to position within classifications. Reasonable accommodation will be made when requested and determined by the County to be appropriate under applicable law.)

Certification: Possession of a valid basic peace officer certificate issued by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST); OR successful completion of the POST basic training course within three years of the date of appointment; OR Successful completion of the Specialized Investigators Basic Course (SIBC) approved by POST.

Experience: Two years of experience equivalent to a Welfare Fraud Investigator II in Kings County; OR four years of full-time experience in criminal investigation work locating, observing and interviewing suspects and witnesses and preparing reports of findings.

License: Possession of a valid, appropriate California driver's license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Special Requirements:

(1) Ability to work irregular hours including evenings, weekends and occasional holidays;

(2) Successfully pass a thorough background investigation, including fingerprint check pursuant to specifications of the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training; and,

(3) Complete and pass a job-related medical evaluation/examination, which includes a comprehensive psychological exam.

Knowledge of: Public welfare program goals; principles and practices of supervision; investigative techniques and sources of information; principles of identification, preservation and presentation of evidence; legal procedures and rules of evidence pertaining to fraud investigation; effective interviewing techniques; firearm handling and proper training techniques; financial and credit transactions, including the principles of bookkeeping.

Ability to: Effectively supervise, train, guide and evaluate subordinates; interpret and apply provisions of laws applicable to fraud investigations; analyze data and draw valid conclusions; exhibit tact and sound judgment in relationships with citizens and public officials; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; think and act quickly and appropriately in emergency situations; follow safe work practices as directed and trained; operate a motor vehicle safely.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; sufficient manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination to operate special investigative equipment; ability to climb, stoop, crouch and kneel; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communications; use of office equipment including computers, telephones, calculators, copiers, and FAX.

Work is performed in office, outdoors, and driving environments, in varying temperatures; and includes continuous contact with staff and the public. Work may involve stressful situations, and include dealing with erratic and sometimes threatening behavior.

Depending upon the number of applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, a screening committee may evaluate each candidate's application. Those demonstrating the strongest backgrounds related to the position will be invited to an oral examination (100%) which may include a written component to determine placement on the eligible list.