Social Services Lead Investigator - Fraud and Resources

The State of Connecticut, Department of Social Services (DSS), has a mission that we, along with our partners, provide person-centered programs and services to enhance the well-being of individuals, families and communities

Are you a self-starter? Do you want to make a difference while participating in a dynamic and reciprocal human services environment in the public sector? If so, please read on to learn more about this wonderful opportunity!  

We are currently recruiting for a qualified and talented Social Services Lead Investigator – Fraud and Resources within our Resources and Recoveries Division.  This position is full-time, first shift, 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm.   

You will discover the opportunity to:  

• Engage in a rewarding career;
• Showcase your talents in a meaningful role;
• Thrive in an exciting environment;
• Provide support to a division that is passionate about the work we do;
• Make a difference in the public sector;
• Work together in a collaborative team environment.  

We hope you take this opportunity to continue your career with us and make an impact by serving your state!

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.   

*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).  

The Department of Social Services participates in E-Verify.  

The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.  

Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening and specify their qualifications on their application. Please ensure that your application is complete as you will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application into the JobAps system.  

Note:  At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position.  These documents may include:  a cover letter, resume, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.  Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications as indicated to apply for this position.   

This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs). You can access these RQs via an email that will be sent to you after the posting's closing date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section). Your responses to these RQs must be submitted by the question's expiration date. Please regularly check your email and JobAps Personal Status Board for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders on a daily basis in the event an email provider places auto-notification emails in a user's spam.   

The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified. 

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Julie Barker, at Julie.Barker@ct.gov.

All State employees shall follow the guidelines as listed in Executive Orders  13F (3a) and 13G (3a) .

In the Department of Social Services this class is accountable for acting as a working supervisor and policy specialist for a unit of Social Services Investigators engaged in performing investigations relevant to fraud and recovery of public assistance.

Plans unit workflow and determines priorities; schedules, assigns, oversees and reviews work; establishes and maintains unit procedures; provides staff training and assistance including monitoring and assessing current and projected needs; conducts or assists in conducting performance evaluations; acts as liaison with operating units, cooperating agencies and outside officials such as third party providers, social services agencies, attorneys regarding unit policies and procedures; makes recommendations on policies or standards; prepares reports and correspondence; acts as liaison with Social Services Investigations Supervisor concerning unit training needs, practical program implementation problems and effectiveness of unit workflow procedures; acts as unit policy specialist in difficult, unusual and/or complex case resolution; processes complex cases; testifies in court on cases involving support or claims for reimbursement and determines appropriate actions to enforce compliance with court orders; may be assigned to represent Commissioner in cases requiring a high degree of tact and diplomacy; performs related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of public assistance programs; considerable knowledge of investigatory methods and techniques; considerable knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply relevant agency policies and procedures; considerable knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; considerable knowledge of property ownership and personal finances; knowledge of court procedures, legal terminology and related legal instruments; considerable skill in conducting investigations; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; problem solving skills; considerable ability to analyze financial and legal documents for cases supporting fraud; considerable ability to summarize and articulate findings; considerate ability to utilize computer software and systems; some supervisory ability.

Six (6) years of experience in fraud investigations related to public assistance programs or real and personal assets.

One (1) year of the General Experience must have been in performing fraud and/or recovery investigations.

Note: For state employees, this is interpreted at the level of a Social Services Investigator (Fraud and Resources).

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. A Master's degree in a closely related area may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
3. For state employees, one (1) year of experience as a Social Services Investigator (Fraud and Resources) may be substituted for the General and Special Experience.

Preference will be given to candidates who possess:

• Experience with DSS Resources functions and operations.
• Experience providing training and support to staff.  
• Experience with investigatory methods and techniques.  
• Experience with State Statutes and Public Assistance programs.  
• Experience applying policies and procedures.  
• Experience interacting with clients and their authorized representatives for overpayment recoveries and associated penalties.  
• Experience using ImpaCT, Microsoft Word, Access and Excel to manage data, write reports, track work and schedule meetings.  
• Experience communicating effectively across all levels of an organization, including both internal and external partners.

Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

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.