Title:  Welfare Benefits Fraud Investigator-Hybrid Work Model

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF JOB:

Welfare Benefits Fraud Investigator for the Arapahoe County Attorney’s Office serves the Arapahoe 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:

• 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.
• Understand and apply applicable state and federal 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 peers and management.
• Confidently and accurately, assess evidence needed to prove program violations. 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 when the case warrants it.
• 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.
• 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 database searches to gather information and support documentation from public local, state and federal sources.
• Prepare subpoenas 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 and present investigative findings and exhibits for court 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.

REQUIREMENTS:

Skills, Abilities and Competencies:

• 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 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.
• Ability to interview witnesses and persons of interest.
• 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.
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills.

Behavioral Competencies (these are required for all positions at ACG):

• Accountability
• Accessibility
• Inclusivity
• Integrity

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree, with a preference towards a concentration in criminal justice or one of the behavioral science fields.
• Successful completion of a police/law enforcement academy may substitute for the bachelor’s degree.
• A minimum of two years related work experience in investigations or related law enforcement work experience, preferably within criminal investigations, human services fraud investigations or financial fraud investigations.
• Any equivalent combination of education and work experience that satisfy the requirements of the job will be considered.

Pre-Employment Additional Requirements:

• Must successfully pass pre-employment testing which includes an acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR) and background check.
• Possession of a valid Class “R” Colorado Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within two weeks of appointment and not have had a suspension within the last five years.

Post-Employment Requirements:

• Will require fingerprinting and a Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) background check.
• 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.

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.

• 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.
• Occasionally uses cart, dolly, or other equipment to carry in excess of 20 lbs.
• Occasionally climbs, stoops, kneels, balances, reaches, crawls and crouches while performing office or work duties.
• Verbal and auditory capacity enabling constant 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.