State of Connecticut Executive Branch

Social Services Investigator - Fraud and Resources (5042SH)

$31.19-$38.94 Hourly / $2,494.45-$3,114.76 BiWeekly /
$65,105.00-$81,295.00 Yearly


PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Social Services, Investigations Division, this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks in investigations relevant to fraud and recovery of public assistance.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of a Social Services Investigator Supervisor (Fraud and Resources), Lead Social Services Investigator (Fraud and Resources) or other employee of higher grade.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May lead lower level employees as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • Performs investigations of suspected fraudulent activity by providers or recipients of various programs administered by the department, including but not limited to Medicaid, SNAP, Child Care, CEAP, TFA, PCA Waiver, State Supplement;
  • Conducts interviews with clients, recipients and providers;
  • Contacts employers, financial institutions and other agencies to obtain information;
  • Conducts interviews and obtains information about income, real property and all personal assets;
  • Works closely with other State agencies;
  • Conducts field visits and surveillance when appropriate;
  • Prepares detailed investigation reports;
  • Consults with and provides case information to agency Legal Division, Office of the Attorney General and Chief State's Attorney;
  • Prepares arrest warrant applications (affidavits);
  • Prepares subpoenas;
  • Prepares summaries and testifies at administrative hearings, probate hearings and other court hearings.
  • Performs related duties as required.
FRAUD:
  • Conducts research on active and closed case files where there is an allegation, suspicion or actual program violation;
  • Identifies and evaluates demographics data and financial resources pertaining to applicant, client, deceased client or relative;
  • Performs various data integrity matches and subsequent investigation;
  • Analyzes financial data and legal documents and substantiates intentional program violations;
  • Conducts title searches to identify ownership and transfer history of personal and real property and determines if a property lien, assignment of interest on claims or decedent's estate is necessary;
  • Conducts research to determine fair market value of all assets;
  • Prepares various financial documents and executes assignment of interest in claims, estates and other assets;
  • Provides consultation of legal and policy requirements and procedures;
  • Makes recommendations to management and negotiates with attorneys and financial institutions;
  • Conducts interviews and unannounced home visits to interview applicants, client and/or third party to determine facts related to eligibility or program violations;
  • Determines and documents intentional program violation and whether the case warrants an administrative hearing or referral for criminal prosecution;
  • Conducts electronic bank transfer Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) client trafficking investigations and assists in retailer SNAP trafficking;
  • Performs related duties as required.
RESOURCES:
  • Conducts property appraisals and comparable property sales searches to determine fair market value of real market property;
  • Conducts title searches of real property, reviews records lien with town clerks, investigates income/assets to determine improper transfers of assets, calculates and recommends penalty periods for improper transfer of assets;
  • Conducts investigations for closed case reviews and calculates funeral payments;
  • Prepares and executes assignments of interest in claims;
  • Prepares spousal assessments reports;
  • Retrieves and investigates collateral contact information;
  • Conducts investigation to determine the financial resources for the determination of recipient eligibility;
  • Calculates overpayments;
  • Prepares fraud referral packages;
  • Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Knowledge of
    • and ability to interpret and apply relevant agency policies and procedures;
    • and ability to interpret and apply relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; 
    • public assistance programs;
    • investigatory methods and techniques;
    • property ownership and personal finances;
    • court procedures and related legal instruments;
    • legal terminology;
  • Skills
    • conducting investigation skills;
    • interpersonal skills;
    • oral and written communication skills;
    • interviewing skills;
  • Ability to
    • gather and analyze financial data;
    • interpret financial and legal documents for cases supporting fraud;
    • summarize and articulate findings;
    • prepare reports;
    • perform arithmetical computations;
    • utilize computer software and systems.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Five (5) years of experience in fraud investigations related to public assistance programs or real and personal assets.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

  • College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's Degree.
  • For state employees, one (1) year as a Social Services Investigator (Child Support) substitutes for the General Experience.
  • For state employees, two (2) years as an Eligibility Service Worker may substitute for the General Experience.
  • Successful completion of a Connecticut Careers Trainee program approved by the Department of Administrative Services may be substituted for the General Experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Travel to DSS sub-offices, state courts and administrative state agencies may be required.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

JOB CLASS DESIGNATION

Classified/Competitive

OCCUPATIONAL GROUP

(14)-Inspection-Investigation

BARGAINING UNIT

(12)-SOCIAL SERV (P-2)

EEO

(2)-Professional

SALARY INFORMATION

SH 20

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.  As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

CANCELLATION CLAUSE

This replaces the existing specification for the class of Social Services Investigator - Fraud and Resources in Salary Group SH 20 approved effective January 10, 2014 (Revised to modify the Minimum Qualifications - Substitutions Allowed section and modify content) Final 23-035

EFFECTIVE DATE

03/08/2023

CLASS: 5042SH; EST: 9/7/1956; REV: 3/15/2023;