Welfare Fraud Investigator I

Position Information

Grow your investigative career with the County of Sonoma Human Services Department.

Become a Welfare Fraud Investigator I!

Starting salary up to $52.64/hour ($109,866/year) plus a competitive total compensation package*!

The Human Services Department is currently recruiting to fill two Welfare Fraud Investigator positions at either the trainee, I, or II level. If you are interested in applying at the other levels of this opportunity, you must apply to the separate, concurrent recruitments being conducted for those levels.

The Welfare Fraud Investigator I plays a critical role in uncovering and addressing fraudulent welfare and public assistance activities within the County of Sonoma. Investigator Is work with greater autonomy to conduct in-depth investigations, gathering evidence and contributing to case resolutions. They are also responsible for reviewing multiple cases for completeness, conducting interviews and fieldwork, preparing search warrants, performing surveillance, attending court proceedings or hearings, completing case files and records, and drafting reports. Additional responsibilities include:

• Conducting detailed research into suspected welfare fraud cases, reviewing case histories, financial records, and related documentation to identify inconsistencies or violations
• Performing detailed interviews in person and over the phone with suspects, witnesses, and other parties
• Gathering comprehensive evidence, including witness statements and documentation, to substantiate findings
• Preparing and executing search warrants to obtain financial and other records
• Utilizing advanced legal procedures to ensure compliance with evidence collection standards
• Conducting surveillance to observe and document suspect activities, using photographic, video, and written methods while adhering to legal guidelines
• Collaborating with supervisors, attorneys, and team members on case strategies
• Preparing clear, organized reports summarizing findings and evidence for administrative or legal actions
• Testifying in court and administrative hearings, based on evidence gathered during investigations
• Adhering to laws, policies, and ethical standards throughout all investigative activities
• Staying updated on welfare programs, fraud detection methods, and procedural requirements

The ideal candidates will possess many of the following:

• Experience in investigative work, especially in handling caseloads and conducting field investigations
• Familiarity with current case law, case preparation, and courtroom testimony
• Expertise in search warrants, interviewing techniques, mobile surveillance, and financial crime investigations
• The ability to obtain certification from the California Commission on Peace Officers' Standards and Training (POST), including Specialized or Regular Basic Certificates
• Expert computer skills with the ability to manage data and perform analysis during the investigative process
• Familiarity with case management tools, law enforcement databases, and analytical software
• Strong oral communication skills with the ability to interact with the public and internal staff
• Training in search warrant processes and execution and strong interview and interrogation techniques
• A strong commitment to public service and a keen interest in investigating fraudulent welfare cases
• The ability to write clear, concise reports, case notes, and criminal complaints
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills are desired, but not required

Welfare Fraud Investigator Is 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 P.O.S.T. 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)

As the largest agency in Sonoma County government, the Human Services Department’s mission is building upon strengths, we bridge people to opportunity through responsive safety-net services. We work to protect vulnerable children and adults, to help people rise above poverty and thrive in our community, 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 responsive, client-focused services so that all in our community can live freely chosen lives up to their full potential throughout their lifespan. The core values that drive our work are dignity, humility, integrity, responsiveness, partnership, and belonging.

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.

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
• Student Loan Debt Relief - County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education

*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Sonoma County Law Enforcement Association (SCLEA) and our Employee Benefits Directory .

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.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience: Any combination of training and experience which would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, two years of recent, full-time paid experience performing responsible investigative work with public or private agency OR one year of full-time paid experience comparable to the level of Welfare Fraud Investigator Trainee with the Sonoma County Human Services Department, would provide such experience.

Education: Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable General Education Development Certificate as required by the California Commission on Peace Officers' Standards and Training. Academic course work in the behavior sciences, law enforcement, and the techniques of investigations is highly desirable.

Special Qualifications: Possession of a Specialized or Regular Basic Certificate issued by the California Commission on Peace Officers' Standards and Training

OR

a certificate of completion issued by an approved training institution verifying that the candidate has completed approved California P.O.S.T. courses that make the candidate eligible for award of a Specialized or Regular California P.O.S.T Basic Certificate upon successful completion of probationary employment as a Welfare Fraud Investigator I.

License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including necessary special endorsements, as required by the State of California to perform the essential job functions of the position.

Background Requirement: Incumbents shall not have been convicted of a felony in this state or any other state or in any federal jurisdiction, or of any offense in any other state or in any federal jurisdiction, which would have been a felony if committed in this state, nor be under current formal probation supervision.

Citizen Requirement: Permanent resident aliens who wish to be employed as peace officers must apply for citizenship prior to application for such employment. Permanent resident aliens must cooperate with the U.S. Department of Immigration in meeting all requirements for U.S. citizenship, or he or she shall be disqualified for peace officer status.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Working knowledge of: investigative techniques; information commonly used in locating persons; interviewing principles and techniques; the principles of identification, preservation and presentation of evidence; the English language, its usage, syntax and grammatical structure; the legal rights of citizens as pertains to welfare fraud investigations.

Some knowledge of: legal procedures and rules of evidence with particular reference to investigation; basic laws and welfare regulations relating to welfare assistance programs; financial record keeping.

Ability to: conduct effective field investigations; establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public and staff; prepare basic factual reports in both written and oral formats.

Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying

• 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.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.

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

Applications are accepted online at: www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org . Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.

The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

HR Analyst: EP
HR Tech: EV

IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.

COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS: GENERAL*

These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:

Paid Time Off :Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.

Health Plan :Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generousCounty contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit). For more information, please see the appropriate MOU.

Retirement :Fully integrated with Social Security.For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit https://scretire.org/active-/-deferred/when-you-are-hired .

IRS 457 Plan : Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.

Retiree Medical : County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.

Student Loan Debt Relief :County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education.

Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.

For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331.Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources/divisions-and-units/employee-relations/labor-agreements-and-salary-resolution . For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources or, contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at benefits@sonoma-county.org or (707) 565-2900.

*IMPORTANT NOTES: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 2/3/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

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• County of Sonoma

• 707-565-8059

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