CHIEF WELFARE FRAUD INVESTIGATOR

Job Specifications

Class Code:	RH4
Analyst:	JAD/ TJC

Date Originated:	7/81
Date Revised:	4/82,  8/83, 12/85, 1/07, 2/08

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DEFINITION

Under general direction, to plan, organize, coordinate, supervise and evaluate the work of the Program Integrity and Appeals Unit staff in the Human Services Department; to perform the more difficult, sensitive or responsible investigations; and to do other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This single position class manages the Program Integrity and Appeals Unit (PI&A) in the Human Services Department. The incumbent provides administrative and technical supervision to staff investigating cases of general welfare fraud, earnings clearance and asset matching and assists staff to prevent fraud.

TYPICAL TASKS

Plans, organizes, coordinates, supervises and evaluates the work of investigative and support staff; reviews incoming reports, complaints and requests for investigations; establishes priorities and assigns cases to investigators; serves as a team leader on difficult and complex cases; conducts the most complex, difficult and sensitive investigations; assures that cases are documented and prepared for referral to the District Attorney's Office; develops and delivers in-service training programs to staff on fraud prevention and related subjects; trains investigative, technical and clerical staff; conducts and/or oversees the conduct of internal investigations; develops policies and procedures to improve the program and to reflect changes in regulations; develops proposed division budget; keeps abreast of changes in eligibility regulations and procedures; oversees the fraud prevention program coordinating with eligibility staff; keeps administration informed of the status of investigations and of unusual cases; appears in court as a witness; writes reports and correspondence; may access, input and analyze data using a computer; attends meetings and conferences.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge:

• Thorough knowledge of investigative techniques;
• Working knowledge of the legal process involved in the prosecution of welfare fraud, the rules of evidence, laws of arrest and search and seizure;
• Working knowledge of the regulations governing eligibility and grant determination for Food Stamps and General Assistance programs;
• Working knowledge of the laws relating to welfare fraud;
• Working knowledge of report writing techniques and procedures;
• Working knowledge of client rights and the Fair Hearings and Civil Rights Process;
• Some knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision and training;
• Some knowledge of budgeting, management and organization;
• Some knowledge of data processing applications.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, coordinate, supervise and evaluate the work of subordinate staff;
• Interpret, explain and apply complex regulations, laws and directives dealing with welfare fraud and eligibility for public assistance programs; Conduct complex and sensitive investigations;
• Review and evaluate investigative reports, statements and complaints to determine appropriate action;
• Establish and maintain an effective working relationship with others;
• Communicate clearly and logically in oral and written form and make effective presentations;
• Develop and deliver in-house and on-the-job training;
• Learn to access, input and analyze data using a computer.

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

Three years of law enforcement supervision experience which would demonstrate application or possession of the knowledge and abilities listed above.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must meet minimum employment standards defined by Section 1031 of the Government Code. Possession of a POST Basic Certificate or Specialized Investigators Certificate.

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License.

Previous Title: Welfare Fraud Supervisor

Benefit Status: 11

EEOC Job Category: 03
Occupational Grouping: 62
Workers' Compensation Code: 0285