Investigator, Dspo Fy2023.032

About the Office of the Inspector General     Since its creation as the first state-level inspector general's office in the country, the Office of the Inspector General (Office) has been at the forefront of promoting effective government and the responsible use of public money and property. The Office is an independent agency charged with preventing and detecting fraud, waste and abuse in the use of public funds and public property. By statute, the Inspector General has broad authority to oversee the use of state, local and federal funds by state and local governments, as well as by those who receive government funds or use public property. This includes state agencies, counties, cities, towns, quasi-governmental authorities and districts, as well as individuals, corporations and not-for-profit organizations that do business with the government.     The Office is led by the Inspector General of the Commonwealth, who is appointed by the Governor, Attorney General and Auditor "...solely on the basis of integrity and demonstrated ability in accounting, auditing, financial analysis, law, management analysis, public administration, investigation or criminal justice administration." M.G.L. c. 12A, 2. The Inspector General is responsible for guiding and leading the Office; determining the balance between its education, training and collaboration with its investigatory, compliance and enforcement functions; and balancing the focus among state and municipal engagement.    The Office is organized into 9 business units, operates from 2 locations, employs approximately 80 staff and has an annual budget of over $9 million. Additional information about the Office may be found here: Welcome to the Office of the Inspector General | Mass.gov.    The Office's enabling statute is Chapter 12A of the Massachusetts General Laws (Chapter 12A). Further details may be found at Chapter 12A (malegislature.gov).    Division of State Police Oversight   The Division of State Police Oversight (DSPO) is responsible for monitoring the quality, efficiency and integrity of the Massachusetts State Police's (MSP) operations, organizational structure and management systems. The DSPO also seeks to prevent, detect and correct fraud, waste and abuse in the expenditure of public funds. One of its specific aims is to improve how the MSP spends public funds on overtime and paid details.   The DSPO's work may lead to reports, letters, draft legislative changes and case referrals, as well as cost recoveries and civil settlements for the Commonwealth. In 2022, the MSP achieved certification and accreditation through a law enforcement accrediting organization. One important part of the DSPO's work is to monitor MSP policy changes brought about through that certification and accreditation process.   The DSPO team includes a director and three investigators. The investigator position involves working directly with all of the Divisions within the MSP and its Command Staff. Some DSPO work involves collaborating with other state and federal agencies.   The Division conducts reviews, audits and investigations of the MSP's operations, organizational structure and management systems.    Responsibilities include: 

• Participating as a team member on specific projects, performing investigative duties such as reviewing documents, analyzing data, creating spreadsheets, conducting interviews and report writing.
• Developing and executing investigative plans.
• Conducting and contributing to meetings and interviews.
• Identifying control weaknesses, potential fraud, the misuse or waste of funds, and opportunities for cost savings at the MSP.
• Proposing recommendations to address identified risks, as well as working with the Director to develop appropriate corrective actions for any areas of concern.

Key abilities, skills and experience: 

• Interest in government and public integrity.
• Ability to organize and work on multiple projects, both independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent research skills and attention to detail.
• Interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively with a team with diverse expertise.
• Ability to remain flexible and show initiative when completing assignments.
• Demonstrated information technology skills and proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
• Strong writing and verbal skills, including the ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner.

Other valued experiences and skills include: 

• Relevant prior experience or undergraduate coursework.
• Experience conducting or working on investigations.
• Knowledge of fraud schemes or methodologies.
• Knowledge of state government, particularly the MSP.
• Experience working in an office setting.
• Bilingual abilities.

Salary Range: $52,000-$62,000Benefits Package:    We value our employees and offer benefits that support their lives and well-being, while promoting an environment focused on inclusion, flexibility, professional growth, trust and respect. The Office therefore is pleased to offer a comprehensive benefits package for its employees. The specific components and eligibility may vary based upon position, hours worked per week and other variables. Consequently, specific benefits for this position may be discussed as part of the interview and offer process.    The overall benefits available include paid vacation; sick and personal leave time; health, dental and vision insurance through the Commonwealth's Group Insurance Commission; and optional pre-tax health savings account plans.To view the details of the various plans and the cost split between employer and employee, go to the Group Insurance Commission website: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/group-insurance-commission.     Employees also participate in the Commonwealth's state retirement plan, which may become a defined benefit plan for those who both vest and subsequently retire from state service. Follow this link for additional retirement information:   https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-state-retirement-board.    In addition, the Office provides employees the opportunity to elect life insurance, long-term disability insurance, deferred compensation savings, tuition remission and pre-tax commuter account plans, along with other programs.    This position may be eligible for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program administered by the federal government.    How to Apply:    Submit cover letter and resume via email or by mail by June 2, 2023, to:    Mary Beth Farrelly, Chief Financial Officer  Office of the Inspector General  One Ashburton Place, Room 1311  Boston, MA 02108  IGO-employment@mass.gov    Diversity Officer:  Mary Beth Farrelly    The Office of the Inspector General is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. The Office does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status. The Office promotes access, inclusion and diversity for all staff, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding working environment and in keeping with its mission. The Office actively seeks to increase the diversity of its workforce and is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.