The Weld County Department of Human Services Organizational Integrity Division is searching for an Investigator to serve the Weld County Department of Human Services (WCDHS) by reviewing/analyzing discrepancies and investigating allegations regarding potential public assistance program violations and / or fraud. Compile information gained through interviews with clients and collateral contacts, computer searches and other databases for analysis. Follow up on alleged discrepancies and work with applicants or recipients to resolve discrepancies in order to ensure that eligibility is determined correctly, and benefits are issued appropriately. Assist with internal projects including working reports, updating CBMS information, or other assignments.

Mission Statement: Engaging and partnering with the community to improve safety, health and well-being of individuals and families through the delivery of responsive and collaborative services.

Vision Statement: The people of Weld County are connected to the resources needed to thrive in the community and feel safe and empowered.

The Ideal Candidate for the Department of Human Services, Organizational Integrity Division will be someone who possesses the following traits:

1. Strong communication skills to clearly communicate important information regularly.

2. Comfortable working in the community and conducting interviews.

3. Ability to navigate multiple databases and analyze information.

4. Ability to document evidence with attention to detail.

5. Able to organize work to ensure all tasks are given correct priority and timelines are met.

6. Time management skills with the ability to stay focused with the task at hand.

$28.03 - $35.50 per hour plus benefits (see benefits tab on the job posting). The position will normally start at $28.03 per hour.

As an applicant for this position, you should be aware of Senate Bill 19-085, the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. The act requires employers to announce the pay range for job openings. This range encompasses the nine pay steps available should you receive the position and demonstrate satisfactory performance over time.

Use the following link to learn more about Weld County Department of Human Services:

https://www.weldgov.com/Government/Departments/Human-Services

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned. (Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all duties which may be found in positions of this class.)

Receive assignment of cases requiring additional research regarding allegations of public assistance program violations and/or fraud. Compile evidence to prove or disprove the alleged public assistance fraud. Demonstrate the ability to complete accurate and efficient work product results with minimal supervision.

Demonstrate the ability to independently research, understand, and incorporate the administrative rules for the various public assistance programs including general eligibility, noticing provisions, and requirements for reporting changes. Discuss cases with eligibility technicians and provide eligibility guidance consistent with administrative rules. Review the individual’s casefile to determine if any fraud or misrepresentations have occurred, considering the administrative rules for that public assistance program.

Demonstrate accurate and appropriate investigative skills by gathering information and documentation from public and non-public sources, including such resources as (but not limited to): the Colorado Benefits Management System; Weld County Document Management Systems; Weld County Workflow Systems; LexisNexis: employment and income records; banking institutions; tax records; Department of Labor; county assessors’ office; law enforcement; probation / parole; Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles; Secretary of State; state-wide judicial system; and school districts. Use internet searches to gather other relevant information for the individual, including Google and social media, with an ability to use critical thinking skills to determine the accuracy of the information gathered.

Display appropriate and effective interview skills by questioning individuals to obtain as much information as possible regarding the circumstances surrounding the alleged misrepresentations, recognizing the individual is not required to cooperate with or speak with an investigator. Conduct interviews in person at the Department of Human Services in an office setting. May conduct interviews via a visit to an individual’s home; home visits are completed with a coworker. Serve subpoenas duces tecums for other investigators. May serve or deliver Child Support or Child Welfare subpoenas or other documentation.

Understand and use legal documents and processes to gather additional relevant or background information from the individual and collateral contacts. Request documents and provide actual income information obtained from employers and other income sources for the purpose of preparing detailed claim requests. Identify suspected fraudulent, altered, or illegal documents and take appropriate action. Work with law enforcement to obtain information, if needed. As a mandatory reporter, identify and report instances of suspected child or elder abuse.

Compile and document all information and evidence gathered in a concise and logical manner utilizing current unit standards. Safeguard all information and documentation and adhere to confidentiality. Analyze all information and draw conclusions to the investigation based upon the program regulations, rules of evidence, state statutes and applicable policies. Clearly articulate the exact misrepresentations or fraud committed by the individual, considering each public assistance program’s rules. Determine if a claim for over issuance of benefits is required. Prepare accurate written reports detailing the progression and findings of the investigation. Present completed results to Investigations Supervisor for review. Provide recommendations as to the appropriate manner of resolution. Prepare for and present at administrative conferences and hearings. May appear and testify as a witness at criminal proceedings.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• High School diploma or GED equivalency.
• Successful completion of an associate degree preferred.

Required Experience:

• Two (2) years full time experience in a work environment including Human Services, field investigation, legal action, court proceedings and / or legal research.

Preferred Work Experience:

• Experience determining eligibility for public assistance programs in the Colorado Benefits Management System (CBMS) is high desired.
• Experience conducting investigative interviews.

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Must have demonstrable skills in critical thinking and independent judgment.
• Ability to keyboard at 35 words per minute.
• Must possess a valid Colorado driver's license and liability Insurance. Must provide own transportation and be willing to travel throughout the state. Must be willing and able to travel to other states on occasion when needed.
• Must pass Human Services’ background check.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Bilingual in Spanish.

Preferred Certification:

• Legal Investigator Certificate or Paralegal Certificate.

Testing may be required for applicants who are selected to move forward in the hiring process.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to enter data into several different computer programs. Ability to learn and apply new computer skills on a regular basis. Knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Windows and Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Ability to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence and department policies and procedures. Ability to write correspondence.

Ability to effectively communicate in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients and other employees of the organization.

Ability to apply math concepts and calculations in the work environment.

Ability to apply common sense to problem solve in a work environment.

Ability to adapt to fast paced, high volume and ever-changing work environment and be able to handle high stress situations.

Adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines and appropriate release of information.

Must be able to learn and retain program rules, regulations and policy after being trained in them and demonstrate the ability to incorporate these into the conclusion of the investigation.

Ability to apply principles of logical thinking to a wide range of investigative situations while also considering the rules of evidence.

Occasionally, the job will require the entrance into areas of a less than desirable nature.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee may be required to sit for extended periods of time and is occasionally required to stand and walk. Occasionally the employee may be required to lift and/or move heavy files or objects up to 25 pounds. The employee frequently is required to use their hands and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus such as that used when using a computer or reading.