PUBLIC AID INVESTIGATOR TRAINEE

State of Illinois•Granite City, IL

11d•$61,524 - $85,620•Onsite

About The Position

The Division of Family and Community Services is seeking to hire a position that functions as a trainee performing investigations relating to fraud and/or abuse of the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance (SNAP) program. After successful completion of the trainee program, to last no longer than 12 months, the trainee will progress to a Public Aid Investigator position.

Requirements

Requires a bachelor’s degree with major coursework in law enforcement, criminal justice, or related fields or requires an associate degree with major coursework in law enforcement, criminal justice, or related field, and four (4) years of experience in investigative work such as detective, administrative, civil or criminal investigations, licensing/certification investigations, worker’s compensation investigations, etc.
Requires possession of a valid driver’s license.
Requires ability to pass the Federal Tax Information Access background check.
Requires ability to work a flexible work schedule.
Requires ability to travel statewide in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate, to conduct investigations.

Nice To Haves

Three (3) years of professional experience working with policies, procedures and state and federal laws pertaining to public assistance.
Two (2) years of professional experience working with investigative methods, techniques, and procedures.
Two (2) years of professional experience compiling and summarizing data and preparing records and reports in a clear and concise format.
Two (2) years of professional experience in developing and maintaining collaborative and cooperative working relationship with private and public organizations.
Two (2) years of professional experience working with court procedures, practices, and rules of evidence.
Two (2) years of professional experience applying and interpreting laws and regulations relating to public assistance.

Responsibilities

Participates in an on-the-job training program designed to provide thorough working knowledge of investigative procedures utilized by senior investigative staff of the agency.
Receives instruction in the successful conduct of thorough field investigations of reported or suspected situations of malfeasance or fraudulent activity involving the eligibility of applicants, clients and former clients, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) trafficking, vendor irregularities, etc.
Receives instruction and personal experience in interviewing and obtaining statements and evidence from neighbors, relatives, employers, and others familiar with the situation under investigation.
Learns to represent the agency in liaison with federal and state prosecutors, as well as law enforcement agencies and local office staff.
Testifies in court proceedings and hearings as to facts and evidence obtained in cases investigated.
Develops and maintains working knowledge of agency policy and procedures, as well as applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Benefits

A Pension Program
Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
12 Paid Sick days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
10-25 days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
GI Bill® Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)