Welfare Benefits Fraud Investigator

Overall Job Objective

Description

Our Mission: Arapahoe County Department of Human Services (ACDHS) builds strong communities by promoting the safety, independence and stability of individuals and families.

Our Vision: To end the cycle of poverty and prevent abuse and neglect of children and vulnerable adults (using an integrated Two-Generation approach)

ACDHS uses an integrated Two-Generation (2Gen) approach to address all of the basic human services needs of the entire family unit. The 2Gen approach begins with a mindset focused on family-centered program design, continues with the alignment of services and resources within the department as well as across multiple organizations, resulting in coordinated services to children and adults together (family) in order to create long term stability and sustainability.

The 2Gen approach builds well-being for families by focusing equally and intentionally on high-quality services in five areas of focus: early childhood education, adult education and employment pathways, economic security, health and well-being and social capital. This approach will help us achieve our core mission of breaking the generational cycle of poverty, preventing neglect and abuse and building strong communities.

The County Attorney's Office has an exciting new opening for a Welfare Benefits Fraud Investigator position working for the ACDHS Division. Welfare Benefits Fraud Investigator for the Arapahoe County Attorney's Office serves the Arapahoe County Department of Human Services (ACDHS) by investigating allegations of welfare fraud and public assistance program violations that result in administrative consequences and criminal prosecution.

Duties

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and ability required, however, additional duties may be assigned.

• Review fraud referrals and allegations from ACDHS, from the public or from other internal staff concerning public assistance program violations. Determine scope and method of investigation and resources necessary.
• Exercise discretion and use independent judgment in determining whether a person has committed an intentional program violation (IPV) or a client error, or whether there is sufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges.
• Understand and apply applicable state laws, including but not limited to the elements of fraud, statutes of limitations, other federal and state laws governing public benefits and Department of Human Services rules and regulations.
• Manage a caseload of investigations effectively and with limited supervision. Seeks guidance or assistance from your supervisor, the collections/welfare fraud Assistant County Attorney, the District Attorney's Office, law enforcement and other investigative agencies. Receive direction and feedback from your supervisor and your attorney.
• Confidently and accurately assess evidence needed to prove program violations versus criminal offenses. Competently and concisely present cases to the Assistant County Attorney, the District Attorney's Office and the Courts. Compile all information and evidence gathered in a concise, organized and logical manner. Analyze all information, make inferences and draw conclusions based upon the rules of evidence, program regulations and other applicable laws.
• Conduct field visits at residences, businesses and other locations.
• Conduct interviews of suspects and witnesses to obtain information, evidence and written statements to support fraud and to verify past and current eligibility for public assistance programs. Interviews will generally be in person and either within the office or at a person's home, business or other off site location.
• Conduct surveillance.
• Identify and collect documents, information and evidence necessary to prove or disprove allegations of welfare fraud and program violations, including documents and information from employers, law enforcement, the courts, probation, parole, school districts, banking institutions, social media and other entities.
• Use computer searches to gather information and support documentation from public sources, state, local and federal databases and pertinent sites such as those for social media.
• Prepare subpoenas, affidavits for arrest warrants and search warrants and reports for internal distribution or referral to the District Attorney's Office for criminal prosecution. Must be able to write in a concise, grammatically correct and impartial manner.
• Prepare investigative findings and exhibits for IPV hearings and present evidence at such hearings. Testify at administrative and possibly criminal judicial proceedings. Act as an expert or advisory witness during criminal proceedings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Highly organized and able to identify and prioritize evidence needed to support an allegation of welfare fraud or program violation.
• A self-starter and highly effective at problem solving, as well as identifying and utilizing resources necessary to gather information for investigations.
• Experience with criminal, Department of Human Services or financial fraud investigations and the application of legal concepts.
• Knowledge of investigative methods and techniques, the rules of evidence and procedures of the legal system.
• Skill in using computer systems and various applications.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, management, ACDHS and outside agencies.
• Attend trainings within ACDHS and outside of the office. Collaborate with outside agencies.
• Understand and interpret ACDHS rules and regulations concerning public benefits. Understand ACDHS procedures, protocols and administration of public benefits.
• Ability to interview witnesses and suspects. Ability to assess evidence and collate data effectively and in a timely manner.
• Spend time in the field and adequately assess cases to prioritize urgency and allocate time inside and outside the office appropriately.
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills.

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's Degree, with a preference towards a concentration in criminal justice or one of the behavioral science fields*.

OR

Successful completion of a police/law enforcement academy may substitute for the Bachelor's Degree.

AND

A minimum of two (2) years related work experience in investigations or related law enforcement work experience, preferably within criminal investigations, human services fraud investigations or financial fraud investigations.

*Accepted Human Behavioral Science degrees are defined as: Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Guidance and Counseling and/or Child Development.

Supplemental Information

This position requires successful completion of pre-employment background and motor vehicle checks.

Must provide own transportation and be willing to travel within the state of Colorado, usually within Arapahoe and surrounding counties. Mileage reimbursement will be provided per legal guidelines.

Must work outside of regular 8:00a.m.- 5:00p.m. hours if appropriate for an investigation.

Must use surveillance and other investigative tools outside of the office.

Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver's License and not have had a suspension within the last five (5) years.

The salary grade listed is the full salary range for the Welfare Benefits Fraud Investigator position. Please note that the hiring salary will typically be near the lower end of the pay range listed.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work environment varies from within the office to outside the office based upon the needs of the investigation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The following are some of the physical demands commonly associated with this position.

• No unusual physical demands are associated with this position.
• Spends 50% of the time sitting and 50% of the time either standing or walking.
• Occasionally lifts, carries, pulls or pushes up to 20 lbs.
• Uses cart, dolly, or other equipment to carry in excess of 25 lbs.
• Occasionally climbs, stoops, kneels, balances, reaches, crawls and crouches while performing office or other work duties.
• Verbal and auditory capacity enabling interpersonal communication through automated devices, such as telephones, radios and similar; and in public meetings and personal interactions.
• Constant use of eye, hand and finger coordination enabling the use of automated office machinery or equipment.
• Visual capacity enabling constant use of computer or other work related equipment.

Definitions:
Occasionally: Activity exists less than 1/3 of the time.
Frequently: Activity exists between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time.
Constantly: Activity exists more than 2/3 of the time.

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