Ethics and Compliance Fraud and Labor Contracts Investigator-26257107FLC

County of San Diego • San Diego, CA

22h • Hybrid

About The Position

The County of San Diego's Office of Ethics and Compliance (OEC) is seeking qualified individuals for the role of Ethics and Compliance Fraud and Labor Contracts Investigator. This position may involve a blend of in-office and teleworking after an initial period. The OEC is committed to upholding the County's dedication to the highest standards of ethics, integrity, accountability, and compliance, ensuring fair treatment for County employees and customers. The office serves as a key resource for employees, departments, contractors, and the public on ethical and compliance matters. Responsibilities include implementing the County's Code of Ethics, developing policies and training programs, and investigating complaints related to discrimination, harassment, retaliation, fraud, waste, abuse, conflicts of interest, privacy concerns, and other improper government activities. Investigators conduct impartial and thorough investigations, assess complaints, develop investigative plans, analyze evidence, conduct interviews, evaluate information, and prepare objective reports. They handle sensitive and confidential matters, provide guidance on complaint processes and ethics requirements, and collaborate with stakeholders to promote accountability and integrity. The role involves leading complex investigations into allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, conflicts of interest, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and vendor misconduct. It also includes conducting administrative fact-finding across various County operations, programs, and activities, with a focus on financial irregularities, misuse of resources, and internal control weaknesses. Additionally, the position supports oversight of County contracts and procurement by identifying risks, reviewing contract administration gaps, and evaluating noncompliance patterns.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency.
• Three (3) years of investigative or conflict resolution experience related to administrative, civil, criminal, or human resources matters.
• Exceptional integrity, accountability, fairness, and public service.
• Ability to navigate sensitive, complex, and high-profile matters with professionalism and discretion.
• Sound judgment, emotional intelligence, and objectivity when handling confidential information and interacting with complainants, witnesses, subjects, employees, contractors, vendors, executives, and County partners.
• Experience conducting complex administrative, ethics, compliance, fraud, equal employment opportunity, and workplace investigations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare high-quality reports, build trust, foster cooperation, communicate difficult findings, and support appropriate resolution while maintaining independence and neutrality.
• Ability to evaluate sensitive information and complex allegations.
• Ability to manage high-tension situations professionally.
• Ability to conduct detailed fact finding involving multiple parties and competing accounts.
• Ability to assess credibility.

Nice To Haves

• Experience applying investigative, compliance, audit, or risk-based approaches within government, procurement, contracting, regulatory, or other highly regulated environments.
• Trauma-informed interviewing skills.
• Culturally responsive approaches.
• Ability to analyze documentary, testimonial, financial, and other evidence to reach objective, well-supported determinations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct impartial, thorough, and timely investigations into alleged violations of County policies, ethical standards, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Review and assess complaints, develop investigative plans, and gather and analyze documentary and electronic evidence.
• Conduct investigative interviews, evaluate conflicting information, and prepare clear, objective, and well-supported investigative reports.
• Handle sensitive, complex, and highly confidential matters involving County employees, contractors, programs, and services.
• Respond to inquiries from County departments, employees, and the public, providing guidance on complaint processes and ethics and compliance requirements.
• Collaborate with County leadership and other stakeholders to promote accountability, fair treatment, and a culture of integrity.
• Lead complex, sensitive, and high-profile investigations involving allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, conflicts of interest, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, vendor or contractor misconduct, and other potential violations.
• Conduct administrative fact-finding across a wide range of County operations, programs, departments, and business activities, including matters involving financial irregularities, misrepresentation, misuse of public resources, improper conduct, and internal control weaknesses.
• Support oversight of County contracts and procurement activities by identifying compliance risks, reviewing potential gaps in contract administration, and evaluating patterns of noncompliance.
• Provide clear guidance and technical assistance to County employees, departments, contractors, vendors, and other stakeholders regarding ethics, compliance, investigative processes, and applicable requirements.
• Operate standard office equipment and utilize proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications.
• Effectively perform work in both remote and field environments.
• Maintain a secure and confidential workspace and safeguard sensitive information.

Benefits

• Future Salary Increases: June 2027 – 4.49% increase to base pay (3.50% Across-the-Board +1.49% Market Adjustment)
• Veteran's Preference Policy
• Preferential credits for military service

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level