Fraud Investigator I/II (Open and Promotional)

Description
Note: The job announcement was amended on August 14, 2024 to change the recruitment to continuous.

Under general supervision, the Fraud Investigator conducts investigations of suspected welfare fraud and violations of law in connection with various County programs; serve as liaison between the department and other County offices and departments and outside law enforcement agencies in the preparation of charges; and provide high-level investigative support.

The Fraud Investigator I is the entry-level class of the fraud investigation series conducting investigations of suspected welfare fraud and violations of law in connection with various County programs. As proficiency is gained more complex duties are assigned.

The Fraud Investigator II is the journey-level class performing a full range of work in conducting investigations of suspected welfare fraud and violations of law in connection with programs. This series differs from the District Attorney's Inspectors who investigate all types of crimes; and the Benefit Analysts who determine qualifications for various aid programs. Additionally, fluency in Spanish is highly desired but not required for this position.

The incumbents will be required to: complete a 16-week Specialized Investigators Basic Course (SIBC) approved by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) within one year of appointment; and pass a thorough background investigation and psychological examination.

The duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Review, gather, evaluate and analyze evidence and information relating to the investigation of suspected welfare fraud.
• Review a variety of records to secure information concerning suspected welfare violations.
• Maintain records relating to investigations.
• Prepare correspondence and reports of investigation findings; and make recommendations on investigations findings.
• Conduct field investigations and interview clients, witnesses, employers, credit agencies and others to obtain and verify information.
• Refer cases of suspected fraud to appropriate law enforcement agencies.
• Analyze and evaluate testimony and prepare reports to the District Attorney's Office.
• Assemble and prepare evidence for presentation by an attorney in court.
• Cooperate with law enforcement and other government agencies.
• Attend conferences, meetings and training.
• Appear in court as a witness in criminal and civil cases.
• Develop other forms of evidence in accordance with modern investigative techniques.
• Prepare oral and written reports.
• Serve subpoenas and file criminal complaints.
• Generate overpayment referrals.

The ideal candidate will:

• Possess peace officer certification.
• Possess fluent Spanish language skills.
• Possess a calm professional demeanor.
• Establish a cooperative rapport with clients, landlords, employers and others in order to facilitate quality investigations.
• Work efficiently and effectively in managing deadlines.
• Communicate effectively orally in conducting interviews; and write clear and concise investigative reports.

Qualifications
Knowledge of:
Principles and procedures of eligibility determination and grant maintenance; functions of public social services and agencies; public assistance laws and regulations; interviewing techniques; modern techniques and practices of criminal investigation with particular reference to Welfare Fraud Investigation; rules of evidence and court procedures; penal, Civil, Welfare and Institutions Codes, and related laws and regulations; laws of arrest, search and seizure, service of legal process and the legal rights of citizens; methods of identifying, preserving and presenting evidence; and bookkeeping and personal and financial credit transactions.

Skill/Ability to:
Conduct criminal investigations; gather, analyze, correlate and evaluate observed facts and evidence; make recommendations and decisions based on logical conclusions; analyze situations, appraise people and adopt effective courses of action as necessary; act independently and use initiative; keep accurate notes and records; prepare and present clear, concise and comprehensive reports and correspondence; obtain information through interviews effectively; establish and maintain effective work relationships with people contacted during investigations; interview effectively and secure the cooperation of others; secure and present evidence; communicate effectively, orally and in writing; and meet the minimum standards for Peace Officers, including passage of a background check and a psychological evaluation.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

Fraud Investigator I: Two years of experience performing public assistance eligibility work OR one year of investigative experience.

Fraud Investigator II: One year of experience conducting welfare fraud investigations.

Other Requirement:
Successful completion of Specialized Investigators Basic Course (SIBC) approved by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) within one year of appointment.
Application/Examination
Open and Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, extra-help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.

The examination will consist of a panel interview (weight: 100%) which may include performance exercise(s) given before, during or after the interview. Depending on the number of applicants an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations, or a screening committee may select those applicants whose education and/or experience appear to best meet the needs of the position. Possession of minimum qualifications does not guarantee advancement in the examination process. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the 'Apply' button above. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org to apply. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT TIMELINE:
Final Filing Date: Continuous
Screening Date: TBD
Combined Panel Interview Date: TBD

About the County
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community.

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Analyst: Arlene Cahill (Fraud Investigator I/II - G065/G066)

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• County of San Mateo Human Resources Department

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