Investigator, Department of Human Services

Alamosa, CO
Full Time
Mid Level
Alamosa County, Department of Human Services, Investigator

UNIT: Child Support Investigations
REPORTS TO: Program Manager-Child Support
FLSA STATUS:  Non - Exempt
SALARY: $48,000.00-$53,000.00 DOE
DATE ADOPTED:  October, 2024
CLOSE DATE: November 22, 2024

JOB SUMMARY:

Position is responsible for the prevention, detection and investigation of fraud in a variety of state and federal human services programs.  Position investigates referrals by gathering, identifying, and maintaining information/evidence necessary for administrative hearings and/or prosecution.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (The following are illustrative of essential functions to perform duties and responsibilities of the job.  The position may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional tasks as needed by the Department. Reasonable accommodations, as defined under the American with Disabilities Act, will be made when possible.)
  • Receives, investigates, and evaluates benefit fraud referrals from eligibility units, other department divisions or other entities.
  • Performs field visits to verify residents, household composition, employment, income, and resources, for determination of eligibility for assistance requested.
  • Conducts interviews in the office and in the field to obtain oral and written statements from clients, collateral contacts, public, and private sources.
  • Verify client data with employers, schools, lending institutions, businesses, landlords, friends, neighbors, and other agencies. 
  • Conducts record verifications via Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Revenue (motor vehicle registration), and any other necessary agency/program.
  • Knowledge of investigative and collection techniques, the rules of evidence, procedures of the criminal and civil legal system.  Identifies and maintains information and evidence, primarily of documentary nature and verify and authenticating with respect to validity and admissibility and preserves for presentation to administrative law hearing, law enforcement authorities for court or evidentiary hearings.
  • Prepares reports of investigative findings, evidence, testimony, and documentation for each case for administrative law process or prosecuting attorney for filing of administrative, civil and/or criminal complaints and the recovery of monies unlawfully obtained.
  • Prepares hearing packets for administrative process/hearings and presents case in front of administrative law judges.  Present testimony on results of investigations in administrative hearings, civil, and criminal court proceedings when necessary.      
  • Attends staff meetings for the purpose of exchanging information, discussion of difficult or complicated cases based on investigative findings.
  • Review and work various investigative reports monthly.
  • Initiates disqualification of a recipient found ineligible through intentional program violation or court order; notifies recipient describing length of disqualification, regulations that apply to the action, and the dates that the action will take place.
  • The incumbent must be able to read, analyze, and interpret common and technical journals, program rules and regulations, and the appropriate legal documents.  The incumbent must have good oral and written communication skills, ability to make accurate observations when information may be intentionally concealed and requires application of judgement when analyzing facts.  Work requires travel outside of the office.  Travel is for the purpose of field investigation that require interviewing of clients and witnesses.  The position requires good conflict resolution skills when dealing with angry, hostile, uncooperative clients in their home or office.     
  • Ability to work the schedule assigned by supervisor
  • Ability to follow policies and procedures of the County and Department of Human Services
  • Ability to work well in a team or work independently as required
  • Ability to perform the physical requirements listed below
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

   Knowledge:
  • Knowledge of interviewing techniques to obtain necessary information 
  • Knowledge of legal documents and legal processes
  • Knowledge of applicable privacy laws and statutes
  • Knowledge of program rules and regulations
  • Be proficient with Microsoft Office
Skills:
  • Computer navigation skills adequate to perform job tasks
  • Learn and operate software specific to Department of Human Services
  • Skill to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
  • Conflict resolution skills when dealing with angry, hostile and uncooperative clients
  • Negotiation skills to facilitate an agreement
Abilities:
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in English,  both orally and in writing
  • Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as programs rules and regulations
  • Ability to draft routine reports and maintain required documentation
  • Ability to conduct research, to verify information and reconcile financial data
  • Ability to prepare documentation for Court hearings and give witness testimony
  • Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees
  • Ability to apply common sense understanding  
  • Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written and oral form
  • Ability to work in a stressful environment ​​​​​​​
EDUCATION, CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATION:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Police Science or closely related field preferred but not required
  • Substitution:  High school diploma or general education degree (GED); and three to five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience in investigations or program eligibility. 
  • Valid Driver's License required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, WORK CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT

​​​​​​​The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Minimal physical effort generally required in the performance of duties under typically office conditions. Position requires the ability to operate a computer keyboard at an efficient speed.  This might involve repetitive hand movements and fine coordination.  The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls, and to reach with hands and arms. The position is required to stand, sit for long periods of time, talk and hear. Hearing and vision correctable to normal ranges; close-up vision and the ability to adjust focus across an audience.  Occasionally, the position may stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, carry, twist and push and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight.  The employee is required to communicate both orally and in writing. Employee must be able to reach and manipulate objects, tools or controls, and lift up to 25 pounds. The noise level may be very quiet to noisy depending on the situation.  On occasion it may be required to drive in a variety of weather conditions locally and throughout the state.   This position will require field work when conducting investigations.
_______________________________________________________________________________

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this job, the level of knowledge, skills and abilities typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.  Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.


It is the policy of Alamosa County to not discriminate against any person with regard to all federally protected classifications including race, color, religion, sex (pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), age (over 40), national origin, marital status, any disability, genetic information and testing, family status or any other applicable status protected by federal, state or local law. 

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.


 

​​​​​​​





 
Share

Apply for this position

Required*
We've received your resume. Click here to update it.
Attach resume as .pdf, .doc, .docx, .odt, .txt, or .rtf (limit 5MB) or Paste resume

Paste your resume here or Attach resume file

Human Check*