Fraud Investigator

State of Washington • Thurston County – Olympia, WA

2d

About The Position

The Employment Security Department (ESD) is seeking an experienced, analytical Fraud Investigator to serve on the Imposter Detection Team. The position protects the integrity of the Unemployment Insurance and Paid Leave Trust Fund by preventing and detecting financial losses due to fraud or malfeasance. Investigations may involve identity theft, workers' compensation, incarceration fraud, vendor fraud, out-of-country issues, and organized criminal schemes. The role uses crossmatch technology, skip-tracing, referrals, data analysis, and investigative techniques to manage complex, sensitive, and multi-jurisdictional cases throughout their full lifecycle, including investigation, adjudication, evidence collection, and support for prosecution.

The Fraud Investigator analyzes evidence and high-stakes data, develops investigative reports, and coordinates with local, state, and federal oversight bodies, law enforcement, and Assistant Attorney Generals. The position also serves as an expert witness for the state in administrative hearings and criminal court cases, reviews reports for accuracy and policy compliance, and helps develop fraud-prevention strategies. It provides guidance to agency staff and employers and delivers training on state and federal Unemployment Insurance fraud laws and policies.

Candidates must meet one of the listed experience criteria or have equivalent education/experience. Two years of related college-level coursework may substitute for one year of experience. The position requires passing a Unemployment Insurance and Paid Family and Medical Leave claim and fraud check. Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter and resume with the online application and to remove personal identifying information from submitted materials.

Requirements

• Meet one of the following: five years of experience as an investigator with a criminal justice government agency, private organization, or other directly allied field, including three years of field experience; two years of experience as an Investigator 2; or equivalent education/experience.
• Two years of related college-level coursework may substitute for one year of experience.
• Ability to uncover and document fraudulent activities.
• Proficiency in handling complex fraud cases.
• Ability to refine investigative methods and improve processes.
• Proficiency in assessing and enhancing investigative efforts.
• Ability to handle sensitive inquiries discreetly and accurately.
• Ability to perform foundational investigative tasks effectively and adapt to diverse responsibilities.
• Initiative to address unanticipated organizational needs.
• Ability to take action to learn and grow and to meet the needs of others.
• Must pass the Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) claim and fraud check.
• Strong interviewing skills, judgment, integrity, adaptability, collaboration, and cross-agency relationship-building.

Responsibilities

• Investigate complex fraud cases involving identity theft, workers' compensation, incarceration fraud, vendor fraud, and out-of-country issues.
• Conduct sensitive interviews with claimants, victims, and witnesses to gather case facts and insights.
• Manage multi-issue and multi-jurisdictional cases involving multiple claimants, victims, or organized criminal schemes.
• Gather and record evidential facts, perform surveillance, and analyze data to prepare comprehensive investigative summary reports.
• Prepare subpoenas and coordinate evidence collection for ongoing fraud investigations.
• Present findings and partner with federal agencies, local law enforcement, and Assistant Attorney Generals on criminal prosecutions.
• Testify for the state in administrative hearings and Superior and District Court criminal cases.
• Review completed investigative reports for accuracy, clarity, and compliance with established policies.
• Develop and deliver training to employers, claimants, and agency staff on state and federal Unemployment Insurance fraud laws and policies.
• Advise and guide ESD claims staff on fraud prevention processes and referrals to the Office of Special Investigations.
• Support agency-wide fraud prevention strategies and coordinate with local, state, and federal oversight bodies.

Benefits

• Flexible work schedules and teleworking opportunities may be available for eligible positions.
• Support and opportunities for employees to grow and develop.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed