Welfare Fraud Investigator I

The County of Sonoma Human Services Department seeks an experienced investigator to join their team as a Welfare Fraud Investigator I.

The Welfare Fraud Investigator I is designated as a specialized peace officer for the purpose of Welfare Fraud investigation. This position investigates criminal and civil violations, under applicable penal code and welfare institutions code sections, pertaining to the fraudulent receipt of public assistance funds. Additional responsibilities include:

• Performing interviews via phone and in person to gather comprehensive information to further investigations
• Serving civil papers and criminal complaints
• Acquiring financial information using search warrants and/or other legally sanctioned methods
• Explaining provisions of laws regarding Welfare Fraud
• Collaborating with other investigators and community partners
• Conducting field surveillance to gathering pertinent information and evidence
• Preparing case record files for trial and/or administrative hearings
• Consulting with the Supervising Investigator and the Chief Investigator to determine final dispositions for investigations
• Requesting issuance of complaints from the District Attorney's Office
• Making arrests and pursuing criminal prosecution as necessary

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Demonstrated proficiency in managing caseloads and conducting thorough field investigations
• The ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Experience working with socially or economically disadvantaged populations
• The ability to produce clear and concise reports, case notes, and criminal complaints
• Supplementary training in search warrant processes, interview and interrogation techniques, and financial crime investigations
• Effective oral and written communication skills with the ability to interact with the public and internal staff
• Strong computer skills with the ability to manage data and conduct analysis in the investigative process
• A strong commitment to public service and assisting the community
• An awareness of the services provided by the Human Service Department, including CDSS programs (CalFresh, CalSAWS, General Assistance, etc.)
• Expertise in current case law, case preparation and presentation, courtroom testimony, and rules of evidence is desired, but not required
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills are desired, but not required

Welfare Fraud Investigators are required to be eligible for award of a Specialized or Regular California P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate on or before completion of the probationary period. Failure to acquire P.O.S.T. Certification by the end of the probationary period will result in termination of employment.
NOTE: The Human Services Department is not an eligible employing agency and does not provide eligible law enforcement experience as described under Post Administrative Manual, Section B, subsection 1010(a)(3)(E)1. Therefore, candidates must have acquired or be in the process of acquiring sufficient law enforcement experience to qualify under the P.O.S.T. Certificate requirements.
About the Human Services Department (HSD)

HSD fosters a positive work environment, where our commitment to providing opportunities for advancement is strengthened by a robust staff development program. We believe in the merits of work/life balance and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that our work contributes to the betterment of our community.
As the largest agency in Sonoma County government, our mission is to protect vulnerable children and adults, and to promote maximum independence and well-being for individuals and families. HSD is responsible for child and adult protective services, veteran services, and administration of state and federal programs, including CalFRESH, CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, and In-Home Supportive Services. The department is dedicated to providing high-quality, client-focused, cost-effective services and values the diversity, integrity, teamwork, leadership, and accountability of all staff in accomplishing the mission of the department.
The Department works collaboratively at the federal, state, and local levels to find creative solutions to support the well-being of individuals, families, and the community. To meet that goal, the department has fostered strong relationships with other public and private sector partners, including other government agencies, community-based organizations, and business leaders. For more information regarding HSD's services please visit http://sonomacounty.ca.gov/Human-Services.
What We Offer

Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing your contributions work to better our shared community. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:

• Hybrid Telework - A schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending on the assignment
• Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
• Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
• County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
• Staff Development/Wellness Pay - Annual benefit allowances of up to $850 and ongoing education/training opportunities
• Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
• Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
• Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment

*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.
This recruitment is being conducted to fill a Welfare Fraud Investigator I position. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.

• Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
• You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
• You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
• Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.

Please visit Getting a Job with the County of Sonoma to review more detailed information about the application, examination, and department selection processes.

The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:
An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination(weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Relevance of work history, related experience, and achieved level of education and/or training as described in the application and responses to the supplemental questions.

Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list in order of most qualified to least qualified based on the achieved score received in the Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination which evaluates the education, training, experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, and other qualifications that you demonstrate in your application and/or response to the supplemental questionnaire. Please be aware that resumes and cover letters are not typically evaluated in the Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination. Scores may be adjusted based on such factors as the number of candidates, anticipated vacancies, past practice, and natural breaks in the scores achieved by this group of candidates.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.
Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position.
HOW TO APPLY