Income Maintenance Investigator II- Part Time

Harnett County•Lillington, NC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Employees investigate fraud or alleged fraud cases in a County Department of Social Services income maintenance programs, working with considerable independence. They review case files, evaluate referrals, determine whether errors occurred and identify their causes, and decide how cases should be resolved. When potential client fraud is indicated, they conduct further investigations, work with clients on out-of-court settlements, negotiate repayment arrangements, and prepare or present cases through administrative hearings and court proceedings. The position also involves assembling legal and statutory documentation, coordinating with prosecutors, monitoring repayment, assisting with investigator training, and maintaining records. Employees normally report to a Supervisor or the Agency Director. The position is part time, based at the DSS building, and has a stated hiring hourly pay of $24.8255. Employees use program manuals, agency procedures, and state regulatory communications to conduct investigations and interpret policy. The work takes place in a typical office environment, with periodic exposure to agitated or verbally abusive clients and heavy workloads.

Requirements

Associate degree in Human Services Technology, Social Services Associate, Paralegal Technology, Criminal Justice, Business Administration, Secretarial Science, or a closely related curriculum, and two years of experience as an Income Maintenance Caseworker or Investigator; or high school graduation and three years of experience as an Income Maintenance Caseworker or Investigator; or high school graduation, two years of investigative experience in credit, legal, or law enforcement work, and eighteen months of experience as an Income Maintenance Caseworker or Investigator; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Thorough knowledge of rules and procedures used in determining eligibility.
Thorough knowledge of investigative procedures and techniques.
Thorough knowledge of judicial-system rules and regulations.
Good mathematical reasoning and computer skills.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally with applicants, community partners, and agency staff.
Good listening and negotiating skills.
Good decision-making abilities.
Good record- and note-keeping skills.

Responsibilities

Investigate referrals across all programs administered by the agency and obtain information from employers, clients, caseworkers, collateral contacts, and other relevant sources.
Interview clients and witnesses and gather information to determine whether fraudulent activity occurred.
Reconstruct and analyze case files against applicable income maintenance regulations, rules, and procedures, including those in effect at the time of the alleged error or fraud.
Close referrals when no valid error is found and process referrals caused by agency error; report agency errors to the program manager.
Independently research potential fraud cases and determine whether to dismiss a case, negotiate repayment, pursue an administrative hearing, or refer the matter for prosecution.
Attempt to negotiate repayment plans with clients under NC Program Integrity Policy; prepare cases for court action when negotiations are unsuccessful and required approvals are obtained.
Prepare case summaries for the Program Administrator, DSS Board, and Director, and represent the agency in court.
Assemble legal and statutory documentation for court presentation and work with the district attorney as required.
Monitor client repayment and revise or renegotiate payment plans when necessary.
Assist with training other investigators and help instruct staff on programs, policies, and procedures; attend classes and conferences.
Maintain Daysheets and other proper records.
Review administrative letters, policy changes, DSS Terminal Messages, and training materials, and attend scheduled unit, agency, state, regional, and conference meetings.
Perform other duties as assigned.