Investigative Assistant

Introduction

Placer County is comprised of over 1,400 square miles of beautiful and diverse geography, ranging from the residential and commercial areas of South Placer, through the historic foothill areas of Auburn, Foresthill, and Colfax, and to the County's jewel of the North Lake Tahoe basin. Placer is a great place to live, work, play, and learn! For more information about Placer County, please visit www.placer.ca.gov.

POSITION INFORMATION

There is a current Temporary/Extra Help* assignment available to support the Investigations Unit of the Sheriff's Office. This assignment will be responsible for:

• Case Review & Analysis - Thoroughly reviewing old case files, including reports, witness statements, forensic evidence, and previous investigative efforts to identify new leads or overlooked details.
• Forensic & Technological Advancements - Re-examining physical evidence using modern forensic techniques such as DNA analysis, fingerprint enhancements, and digital forensics to uncover new connections. Understand and utilize advancements in forensic genealogy.
• Witness & Suspect Reinterviews - Locating and re-interviewing witnesses, and persons of interest who may provide new or changed statements due to time, relationships, or new evidence. Collaboration with
• Collaborating with Experts & Other Agencies - Working closely with forensic analysts, crime labs, prosecutors, and other law enforcement agencies to develop leads. Work closely with internal and external stakeholders for family notifications, media releases, case developments or arrests of suspects.

The eligible list established by this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies for both temporary/extra-help and permanent positions.
*Temporary/Extra-help assignments are limited to 28 hours per week with a cap of 999 hours (or 960 hours for CalPERS retired annuitants) in a fiscal year and are not eligible for benefits. Extra-help appointments made from this eligible list may transition to permanent status, should vacancies arise.

To be considered for the first application screening for this recruitment, please submit application materials
by Monday, March 3, 2025, at 5:00pm.

BENEFITS

Placer County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees. The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change. Applicants should inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Click here to view Placer Public Employees Organization (PPEO) benefits.

For more information regarding the benefits Placer County has to offer, please visit Placer County's Human Resources website.

DEFINITION

To assist in conducting criminal and civil investigations, including alleged welfare and other fraud, check forgeries and other violations of laws and regulations; to perform routine and preliminary data collection, gathering of evidence, and investigative research; to perform a variety of clerical and related duties; and to assist in community outreach.

Positions in this classification are located in the District Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office.

When assigned to the District Attorney’s Office, investigations focus on gathering evidence, interviewing and locating witnesses, forensic interviewing, crime scene investigations, and writing reports on findings for use in prosecution, or investigations of alleged welfare and other fraud, check forgeries and violations of welfare law and regulations.

When assigned to the Sheriff’s Office, investigations focus on gathering information and evidence, locating and interviewing victims and witnesses, recording statements, working closely with other law enforcement agencies, reviewing police reports, preparing court exhibits and/or testifying in court.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direct supervision from higher level investigative staff or may receive technical and functional supervision from either supervisory or management personnel.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform and assist in routine investigations of purported law violations including alleged violations of welfare law and regulations and the possibility of welfare fraud and check forgeries or in civil cases, conduct investigations of employee misconduct, tort claims, and citations.
  
• Perform early fraud and related investigations; conduct home visits to observe and look for irregularities and inconsistencies with applicants' documentation and statements or in civil cases, interview, by telephone or in person, complainants, dependents, and witnesses recording and documenting interviews.
  
• Perform investigations of missing persons and/or runaways; conduct home visits and interview family members.
  
• Research and collect required data and documentation for records and criminal case work; obtain court, law enforcement and other records; locate and interview witnesses, record statements, and collect and preserve evidence as directed.
  
• Receive fraud or employee misconduct complaints via the telephone and/or correspondence; request necessary information and documentation and complete appropriate paperwork/forms to initiate or document action taken.
  
• Review cases, case files, police reports, perform necessary follow-up and/or further investigation and make recommendations for appropriate action/disposition.
  
• Coordinate with attorneys and investigators in performing ongoing investigations of alleged violations of welfare laws and regulations, purported law violations, tort claims and litigation including service of subpoenas in non-confrontational circumstances.
  
• Maintain records of investigative and related activities; prepare reports, correspondence and recommendations as necessary and upon request.
  
• Conduct forensic interviews of children using an evidence-based protocol.
  
• Assist in community outreach efforts; update social media platforms.
  
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
  
• Photograph and/or diagram crime scenes.
  
• Prepare court exhibits and/or testify in court.
  
• Perform related duties as assigned.
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Two years' experience, either as a California Peace Officer as defined by Section 830 of the California Penal Code, or as a Community Service Officer or equivalent position with a law enforcement agency performing crime prevention and other law enforcement related work

OR

Three years of experience performing civilian field, office clerical or secretarial work in direct support of higher-level law enforcement or private sector management.

OR

Three years performing public assistance eligibility determination.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Completion of POST certified PC 832 course is desirable.

Required License or Certificate:
May need to possess a valid driver’s license as required by the position. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Basic investigative techniques and procedures, including resources for locating people.
  
• Public assistance programs and eligibility requirements.
  
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
  
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation
  
• Basic accounting and mathematics.
  
• Basic criminal and civil law, civil process and procedures including rules of evidence.
  

Ability to:

• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports and special projects; remember accounts given by witness; identify suspects; apply the law to field situations; observe while conducting surveillance; problem solve crime situations; and explain law to the public.
  
• On an intermittent basis, sit at desk or in a vehicle; walk, stand, bend, squat and kneel while retrieving files and documents; walk, stand, or climb stairs during field interviews, home visits or surveillance activities; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling and fine manipulation. Use telephone and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means or retrieve information/data; see with sufficient acuity to observe subjects; hear and speak with sufficient acuity to interview and communicate with subjects, witnesses and other parties; and lift moderate weight.
  
• Learn the California statutory laws related to criminal or civil investigation, including welfare fraud investigation, arrest, custody, rules of evidence, search and seizure, interviewing and interrogation, and hearing and trial procedures.
  
• Learn modern police science, technology and investigative techniques.
  
• Learn to analyze and evaluate evidence.
  
• Understand complexities of civil law, public assistance programs and regulations.
  
• Compile oral and physical evidence.
  
• Establish rapport with and manage witnesses.
  
• Take detailed statements and affidavits.
  
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
  
• Obtain information through interview and deal fairly and courteously with the public.
  
• Act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
  
• Analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine proper course of action.
  
• Work unusual and/or prolonged work schedules while conducting investigations.
  
• Use a computer, calculator, typewriter, telephone, dictation machine, facsimile machine, postage meter and photocopy machine.
  
• Use tools and equipment used in investigation including flashlight, binoculars, camera, police radio, and tape recorder.
  
• Communicate clearly and concisely in both oral and written forms.
  
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  
• Read and comprehend reports.
  

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Training & Experience Rating (100%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training, and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula. Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination (which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation), sign a constitutional oath, and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S. For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation (which may include a voice stress analysis and/or a polygraph), and/or be bonded. Additionally, positions in law enforcement classifications and those supporting law enforcement functions will be required to complete a conviction history questionnaire prior to or during the interview process. Applicants for positions with access to Medi-Cal billing software or who are licensed providers must clear the Federal Exclusion List, credentialing, and social security verification. Failure to clear these requirements may result in an employment offer being withdrawn.

SUBSTITUTE LISTS

The eligible list resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification. For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey level) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

EMPLOYEES OF OTHER PUBLIC AGENCIES

Placer County offers an expedited process for qualifying certain applicants for interviews. Candidates currently employed, or employed within the last year, by a public agency operating under a personnel civil service or merit system may be eligible to be placed on a Public Agency Eligible List and certified as eligible for appointment to a similar job assignment without going through the examination process. For more information on the Public Agency Eligible List, to download forms, or to apply, please click here.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that unlawful harassment, discrimination, and retaliation are prohibited and that all employees, applicants, agents, contractors, and interns/volunteers shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, transfer, and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of the following characteristics: gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, race (including traits associated with race, which include, but are not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, ancestry, religion (including creed and belief), national origin, citizenship, primary language, immigration status, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including parental status, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), reproductive health decision making, the person’s use of cannabis off the job and away from the workplace, political orientation, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law or any combination of two or more characteristics stated herein. Please contact the Human Resources Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

Conclusion

For questions regarding this recruitment, please email PCHRDSRFRecruit@Placer.ca.gov.

Closing Date/Time: 3/17/2025 5:00:00 PM

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• Placer County

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