Fraud Investigator

El Paso County • El Paso, CO

6d • $58,000 - $63,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

El Paso County is seeking a detail-oriented Fraud Investigator for its Fraud Unit. This desk investigator role involves reconstructing income history using financial documents, performing calculations, and building comprehensive case files. The reports generated will be reviewed by legal professionals, including attorneys and hearing officers. The position requires collaboration with County Attorney partners and investigators from other counties. The ideal candidate will have experience with eligibility determination, possess strong written communication skills to articulate facts clearly within policy guidelines, and be able to differentiate between agency error, client error, and intentional program violations. Empathy and objectivity are crucial for client communication, which is primarily conducted via email. Experience testifying in hearings or court is a significant advantage. Knowledge of Colorado public assistance regulations, proficiency in database research, Excel, and Outlook are also highly valued. The role demands discretion in handling sensitive information and upholding El Paso County's standards and values.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent education.
• Four years of experience determining eligibility for public assistance in a social services agency; OR Two years of investigative experience.
• Knowledge of and ability to effectively use all standard investigative methods and procedures.
• Ability to maintain a high standard of ethical behavior.
• Ability to treat clients with dignity and respect.
• Working knowledge of human services and public assistance rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Strong time management skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to efficiently plan, schedule, and organize.
• Ability to utilize and demonstrate professional judgment in all aspects of interpersonal relationships, public relationships, and work-related duties.
• Ability to assess situations and make prudent and appropriate decisions.
• Ability to apply conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with co-workers, clients, other agencies, and the public.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service.
• Ability to use standard office equipment including computer, calculator, copier, and telephone.
• Ability to utilize and demonstrate proficiency in current software applications including but not limited to Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to conduct internet and database searches and use and maintain databases.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
• Must pass conditional post offer background investigation and drug screen.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in providing professional and effective testimony in hearings and court proceedings.
• Eligibility determination experience.
• Ability to write clearly within policy requirements.
• Ability to accurately distinguish among agency error, client error, and intentional program violations.
• Knowledge of Colorado public assistance regulations.
• Strong database research skills.
• Proficiency in Excel and Outlook.
• Experience testifying at hearings or in court.
• If assigned to field investigations: Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• If assigned to field investigations: Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations to prevent, detect, or deter fraud and ineligibility in various Department of Human Services (DHS) programs.
• Review public assistance benefits and case records.
• Conduct interviews and obtain statements from complainants.
• Gather all available information and factual evidence pertinent to cases.
• Prepare professional reports of investigations.
• Contribute to the preparation and submission of cases to law enforcement authorities for criminal and/or civil action.
• Establish recovery for improperly issued public assistance benefits.
• Review information and referrals to determine the type of investigation required.
• Review and research case files and Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) regulations to determine the conduct of investigation and applicable regulations/statutes.
• Verify past and present eligibility for public assistance.
• Gather necessary evidence regarding allegations, including researching state and federal databases.
• Perform database searches, conduct interviews with neighbors, schools, employers, and clients.
• Obtain and confirm verbal and written statements.
• Identify and maintain information and evidence, verifying and authenticating its validity and admissibility for presentation in court or evidentiary hearings.
• Determine if a recipient received an overpayment due to agency error, client error, intentional program violation, or criminal fraud.
• Prepare professional reports documenting all aspects of investigations, including findings, evidence, testimony, and supporting documentation, meeting established timelines.
• Verify employment, identity, and location information using various databases and search engines.
• Assist with the preparation and submission of cases to law enforcement and the District Attorney's Office.
• Complete forms to establish recovery and ensure recipients receive proper notices of action.
• Update applicable systems and distribute copies to relevant parties.
• Initiate disqualification for recipients found to have committed fraud, notifying them of the length of disqualification and applicable regulations.
• Meet with legal staff in pretrial and trial conferences to assist in the preparation and presentation of criminal prosecution.
• Prepare, conduct, and testify in hearings as needed.
• Conduct and participate in training sessions and workshops regarding fraud referral criteria and procedures.
• Facilitate the acquisition of case files for fraud referrals.
• Track all requests and ensure timely receipt of necessary files.
• Document all actions in the unit’s tracking system.
• Prepare and disseminate fraud-related reports to leadership and external agencies.
• Assist the unit in identifying fraudulent trends and preventing expenditures to ineligible clients by verifying household composition, questionable income, and resources prior to benefit issuance.
• Perform other duties as required.
• Provide expertise or limited guidance/direction to employees, such as overseeing work quality, training, and guidance, acting as a subject matter expert.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Paid holidays
• Flexible scheduling options available (subject to change)
• Retirement plan (implied by typical government benefits, but not explicitly stated)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED