Confidential Investigator

New York City, NY • Manhattan, NY

150d

About The Position

The New York City Department of Investigation (DOI) is one of the oldest law enforcement agencies in the country; its mission is to combat municipal corruption. DOI serves the people of New York City by acting as an independent and nonpartisan watchdog for New York City government, City agencies, and City employees, vendors with City contracts, individuals and entities that receive City funds. The Department of Investigation (DOI) is seeking a highly skilled Confidential Investigator Level 3 to join Squad 12, which oversees the New York City Department of Social Services (DSS), including the Human Resources Administration (HRA) and the Department of Homeless Services (DHS). DSS is responsible for providing critical social services through the administration of more than 12 major public benefits programs and emergency shelters to assist the City's most vulnerable New Yorkers transition rapidly into permanent housing and self-sufficiency. DSS is the largest social services agency in the country, and the second largest City agency, employing over 16,000 employees, administering over $14 billion in benefits annually, and managing the City's homeless shelters. In this investigative role, you will conduct complex criminal, administrative, and policy-driven investigations into fraud, corruption, mismanagement, and systemic failures within DSS/HRA/DHS. You will work collaboratively with attorneys, auditors, policy analysts, and law enforcement partners to support DOI's mission of rooting out wrongdoing and recommending effective reforms.

Requirements

• A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent approved by a State's Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization and four years of satisfactory full-time experience in an industrial or governmental agency in the field of investigation, auditing, law enforcement, security, inspections, or in a major operational area of the agency in which the appointment is to be made.
• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
• Education and/or experience equivalent to '1' or '2' above.

Nice To Haves

• Minimum three (3) years of professional investigative experience in law enforcement, oversight, regulatory, compliance, or a similar environment, ideally involving benefit or social services fraud.
• Experience conducting investigative interviews, sworn statements, or depositions ability to manage field investigations independently.
• Strong analytical ability to review composite documents and identify suspicious patterns or anomalies.
• Excellent writing skills, including experience drafting investigative reports, memoranda, briefs, or case referrals with minimal supervision.
• Ability to present complex information clearly to internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively on complex investigations in a fast-paced setting.
• Familiarity with New York City governmental structures and programs is a plus.
• Demonstrated ethical integrity, sound judgment, and a professional demeanor when handling sensitive matters.
• Proficiency in investigative tools (e.g. benefits data systems, case management databases, Excel, legal research tools).

Responsibilities

• Lead investigations into suspected fraud, corruption, and misconduct involving DSS employees, contractors, vendors, and public benefit recipients, such as SNAP.
• Examine a wide range of records and data --including benefits program data, financial statements, procurement contracts, and internal agency policies --to detect vulnerabilities and irregularities.
• Plan and execute investigative operations, including interviews of witnesses and subjects, surveillance activities, subpoenas, and fieldwork across New York City.
• Collaborate closely with DOI attorneys, auditors, analysts, and investigators, as well as prosecutors and local law enforcement, HRA/DHS agency leadership, and other stakeholders, in advancing case strategy and sharing findings.
• Draft clear and compelling investigative reports, internal memoranda, and written referrals, and contribute to public reports detailing findings and policy recommendations.
• Propose operational and procedural reforms to strengthen agency controls and reduce risk, based on case findings and proactive reviews of DSS/HRA/DHS processes.
• Maintain meticulous case documentation in compliance with DOI standards and uphold confidentiality and integrity in all investigative activities.
• Participate in cross-team case briefings, trainings, and interagency coordination meetings.

Benefits

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility.
• New York City residency requirement within 90 days of appointment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Justice, Public Order, and Safety Activities
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees