STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Social Services Investigator - Fraud and Resources

Recruitment #190624-5042SH-001

Introduction



The State of Connecticut, Department of Social Services (DSS), is recruiting for one Social Service Investigator within the Quality Assurance Division. This position is located in our Waterbury Resources unit. The hours are 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Selection Plan

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must be a current State of CT employee of the Department of Social Services, who has permanent state status*, and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application.

If selected to interview, please bring in your last two years of attendance records and last two service ratings at time of interview.

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Kelly Geary at kelly.geary@ct.gov.

*For employees in the classified service, permanent status is obtained after successful completion of a working test period. For employees in the unclassified service, permanent status is obtained after serving in a position for at least six months (full-time or full-time equivalent).

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.

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.

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 public assistance programs; knowledge of investigatory methods and techniques; knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply relevant agency policies and procedures; knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; knowledge of property ownership and personal finances; knowledge of court procedures and related legal instruments; some knowledge of legal terminology; skill in conducting investigations; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; interviewing skills; ability to gather and analyze financial data; ability to interpret financial and legal documents for cases supporting fraud; ability to summarize and articulate findings; ability to prepare reports; ability to perform arithmetical computations; ability to 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

1. 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.
2. For state employees, one (1) year as a Connecticut Career Trainee with the target class of Social Services Investigator (Fraud and Resources) may substitute for the General Experience.
3. For state employees, one (1) year as a Social Services Investigator (Child Support) substitutes for the General Experience.
4. For state employees, two (2) years as an Eligibility Service Worker may substitute for the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred candidates will possess experience and the ability to understand DSS Resources functions and operations; strong organizational and interpersonal skills as well as strong written and oral communication skills; and the ability to communicate effectively with outside officials such as Town Clerks, Probate Judges, Attorneys and Bank Representatives regarding Departmental policies and procedures; comprehensive knowledge of Long Term Care policy and procedures and SNAP programmatic policy related to over payments, and over payment recoveries; ability to demonstrate good judgement and professionalism when interacting with clients and their authorized representatives in stressful situations; experience and proficiency utilizing MS Word and Excel.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

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

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.