Investigative Assistant

Placer County is currently accepting applications for Investigative Assistant to fill one vacancy in the Coroner's Division of the Placer County Sheriff's Office. The eligible list established as a result of this recruitment may also be used to fill future vacancies in the Sheriff's Office and the District Attorney’s Office as they arise.

To assist in conducting criminal and civil investigations, including alleged welfare and other fraud, check forgeries and other violations of laws and regulations; to perform routine and preliminary data collection, gathering of evidence, and investigative research; and to perform a variety of clerical and related duties.

When assigned to the District Attorney’s Office, investigations focus on gathering evidence, interviewing and locating witnesses, crime scene investigations, and writing reports on findings for use in prosecution.

When assigned to the Sheriff’s Office, investigations focus on gathering information and evidence, locating and interviewing victims and witnesses, recording statements, working closely with other law enforcement agencies, reviewing police reports, preparing court exhibits and/or testifying in court.

Receives direct supervision from higher level investigative staff or may receive technical and functional supervision from either supervisory or management personnel.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform and assist in routine investigations of purported law violations including alleged violations of welfare law and regulations and the possibility of welfare fraud and check forgeries or in civil cases, conduct investigations of employee misconduct, tort claims, and citations.
• Perform early fraud and related investigations; conduct home visits to observe and look for irregularities and inconsistencies with applicants' documentation and statements or in civil cases, interview, by telephone or in person, complainants, dependents, and witnesses recording and documenting interviews.
• Perform investigations of missing persons, runaways; conduct home visits and interview family members.
• Research and collect required data and documentation for records and criminal case work; obtain court, law enforcement and other records; locate and interview witnesses, record statements, and collect and preserve evidence as directed.
• Receive fraud or employee misconduct complaints via the telephone and/or correspondence; request necessary information and documentation and complete appropriate paperwork/forms to initiate or document action taken.
• Review cases, case files, police reports, perform necessary follow-up and/or further investigation and make recommendations for appropriate action/disposition.
• Coordinate with attorneys and investigators in performing ongoing investigations of alleged violations of welfare laws and regulations, purported law violations, tort claims and litigation including service of subpoenas in non-confrontational circumstances.
• Maintain records of investigative and related activities; prepare reports, correspondence and recommendations as necessary and upon request.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Photograph and/or diagram crime scenes.
• Prepare court exhibits and/or testify in court.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Experience: When assigned to the District Attorney’s Office or the Sheriff’s Office, the Investigative Assistant requires two years of experience either as a California Peace Officer as defined by Section 830 of the California Penal Code, or as a Community Service Officer or equivalent position with a law enforcement agency performing crime prevention and other law enforcement related work, or three years of experience performing civilian field and office clerical work in direct support of sworn police personnel or department programs.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.  Completion of POST certified PC 832 course is desirable.

License or Certificate: May need to possess a valid driver’s license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

Knowledge of:

• Basic investigative techniques and procedures, including resources for locating people.
• Public assistance programs and eligibility requirements.
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation
• Basic accounting and mathematics.
• Basic criminal and civil law, civil process and procedures including rules of evidence.

Ability to:

• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports and special projects; remember accounts given by witness; identify suspects; apply the law to field situations; observe while conducting surveillance; problem solve crime situations; and explain law to the public.
• On an intermittent basis, sit at desk or in a vehicle; walk, stand, bend, squat and kneel while retrieving files and documents; walk, stand, or climb stairs during field interviews, home visits or surveillance activities; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling and fine manipulation.  Use telephone and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means or retrieve information/data; see with sufficient acuity to observe subjects; hear and speak with sufficient acuity to interview and communicate with subjects, witnesses and other parties; and lift moderate weight.
• Learn the California statutory laws related to criminal or civil investigation, including welfare fraud investigation, arrest, custody, rules of evidence, search and seizure, interviewing and interrogation, and hearing and trial procedures.
• Learn modern police science, technology and investigative techniques.
• Learn to analyze and evaluate evidence.
• Understand complexities of civil law, public assistance programs and regulations.
• Compile oral and physical evidence.
• Establish rapport with and manage witnesses.
• Take detailed statements and affidavits.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Obtain information through interview and deal fairly and courteously with the public.
• Act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine proper course of action.
• Work unusual and/or prolonged work schedules while conducting investigations.
• Use a computer, calculator, typewriter, telephone, dictation machine, facsimile machine, postage meter and photocopy machine.
• Use tools and equipment used in investigation including flashlight, binoculars, camera, police radio, and tape recorder.
• Communicate clearly and concisely in both oral and written forms.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Read and comprehend reports.

Training & Experience Rating (100%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula.  Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination (which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation), sign a constitutional oath and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S.  For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation (which may include a voice stress analysis and/or a polygraph) and/or be bonded. Additionally, positions in law enforcement classifications, and those supporting law enforcement functions will be required to complete a conviction history questionnaire prior to or during the interview process. Applicants for positions with access to Medi-Cal billing software or who are licensed providers must clear the Federal Exclusion List, credentialing, and social security verification. Failure to clear these requirements may result in an employment offer being withdrawn.

The eligible list(s) resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification.  For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

Placer County offers an expedited process for qualifying certain applicants for interviews. Candidates currently employed, or employed within the last year, by a public agency operating under a personnel civil service or merit system may be eligible to be placed on a Public Agency Eligible List and certified as eligible for appointment to a similar job assignment without going through the examination process. For more information on the Public Agency Eligible List, to download forms, or to apply, please click here.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment, discrimination and retaliation are prohibited and that all employees, applicants, agents, contractors, and interns/volunteers shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, transfer and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Please contact the Human Resources Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change.  It is advisable that applicants inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Click here to view benefits for General bargaining unit

Tentative Recruitment Timeline:

12/10/18 - Recruitment Closes

12/10/18 - Minimum Qualifications Screening

12/14/18 - Training and Experience Rating

12/17/18 - Eligible List Established