Welfare Fraud Investigator

Recruitment #20-413130-01

Introduction

WHY JOIN US AT SOLANO COUNTY?

COMMITMENT TO SERVICE: Our mission is to serve the people and to provide a safe and healthy place to live, learn, work and play.

We serve the public in many different ways, including:
• Providing primary medical, dental, alcohol, drug and mental health services to residents, including the uninsured, low-income, and medically underserved
• Providing law enforcement services in the unincorporated area of the county
• Protecting the community from public health threats such as communicable diseases
• Coordinating countywide responses to domestic violence and terrorism or other emergencies
• Managing the criminal justice process after arrest (jail, prosecution, probation)
• Supporting other local governments through efficient property tax collection as mandated by the State, County and local jurisdictions; and,
• Administration and enforcement of Federal, State, and Local laws and policies pertaining to environmental health, building construction, and land use planning

OUR EMPLOYEES: Our diverse workforce is committed to fulfilling this mission and does so by exemplifying our IDEAL Core Values, engaging in our day to day work of serving the public with Integrity, Dignity, Excellence, Accountability, and Leadership.

WHY WE EXIST 

The mission of the Solano County Health & Social Services Department is to Promote Healthy, Safe and Stable Lives.

Vision: A Healthy, Safe and Stable Community

Core Values
• Diversity: We respect and value cross –culturalism creating an environment that is inclusive for all.
• Respect: We treat people with care and courtesy.
• Integrity: We do what we say will.
• Fairness: We are consistent and unbiased in decisions.
• Transparency: We communicate the how and why.
• Equity: We ensure everyone has access to the same opportunities.
• Responsiveness: We react quickly and positively.

To learn more about the Department of Health & Social Services , please visit:  https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/hss/default.asp 

Come join a team to help eliminate welfare fraud and ensure program integrity! 

The Special Investigations Bureau is responsible for conducting investigations of alleged fraud in various public assistance programs, detecting fraud in those programs, and conducting verification inquiries in an effort to prevent fraud before it occurs. The Bureau is also responsible for collecting criminal and administrative overpayments, as well as court-ordered restitution stemming from criminal convictions for welfare fraud.  

To learn more about Solano County, the Department of Health and Social Services, and the Special Investigations Bureau, please visit our website at http://www.solanocounty.com/depts/hss/investigations.asp.

THE POSITION

Under direction, conducts routine and complex investigations, regarding public assistance eligibility, theft, and fraud, as well as other investigations such as threats against department employees and theft of and damage to public property; prepares cases substantiated for administrative and/or formal legal action; testifies in both judicial and non-judicial proceedings; and performs related duties as required

The eligible list established from this recruitment will be used to fill part-time and full-time regular, limited-term or extra-help positions as vacancies occur or the need arises.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Education: Associate’s Degree or higher from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Law Enforcement, Police Science, or a closely related field; or a California Intermediate Post Certificate can substitute for education requirements. AND
  • Experience/Training: Two years of full-time paid law enforcement experience working primarily in criminal investigations in a government agency.

LICENSING, CERTIFICATION AND REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS:

  • Possession of a valid and current P.O.S.T Specialized Investigator Basic Course (SIBC) OR valid and current California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Basic OR Intermediate or Advanced Peace Officer Certificate OR Possession of a Basic Course Waiver (BCW) is required.
  • Applicants are required to possess a valid California Driver’s License, Class C.

Note: All training must be in compliance with the POST three-year rule and all licenses, certificates and registrations must be kept current while employed in this class.

To review the full job description which includes examples of duties, please visit:   
http://www.solanocounty.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?blobid=16046

BENEFITS/ WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

Solano County offers a cafeteria-style medical package with health benefits, offered through CalPERS. The County contribution for family coverage for the 2020 calendar year is $1,498.09 per month. The County offers a cash back provision for those who choose employee-only or who waive medical insurance coverage. The County may offer a supplemental contribution for employees enrolled in Employee plus Two or More coverage.

Dental and vision insurances for the employee and eligible dependents are paid 100% by the County.   

Solano County participates in CalPERS retirement and contributes to Social Security.    

The County observes 12 fixed, paid holidays per year.  Additionally, employees in this bargaining unit receive 3 floating paid holidays per year.     

Vacation is accrued at approximately 10 days per year for the first 3 years.

Sick leave accrues at approximately 12 days per year.

Employees are eligible to receive an additional 2.5% longevity pay, per level, after the completion of continuous service at 10, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years.

Career Incentive Pay- Incumbents in this job classification currently receive an amount equal to 5% over the rate for which employed if they possess an Intermediate CA POST Certificate; Incumbents who possess an Advanced CA POST Certificate receive an amount equal to 8% over the rate for which employed. Employees are eligible to receive pay for either an Intermediate Certificate or an Advanced Certificate, but not both.

To view the benefits for a  regular position, please visit: http://www.solanocounty.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?blobid=16519

Extra-help employees who work less than 29 hours per week do not typically receive or accrue benefits of regular employees during their period of employment. All extra-help employees accrue .034 hours of Sick Leave for every full hour worked.

To view the benefits for an extra-help position, please visit: http://www.solanocounty.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?blobid=21216

CULTURE OF LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

Solano County is committed to “Invest In and For the Future” by providing training resources to encourage employee professional development and growth within our organization. While employed with Solano County, employees have the opportunity to pursue their career goals, interests, and develop the competencies on the Solano County Leadership Development Model by participating in the following programs:

• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Annual Education Fair
• County Mentoring Program
• Leadership Academy
• Supervisory Trainings
• Skill Development Trainings
• Self-paced learning opportunities 

SELECTION PROCESS

02/21/2020 – 5:00pm Deadline to submit application and required documents for first application review.

03/20/2020 – 5:00pm Deadline to submit application and required documents for next application review.

05/04/2020 – 5:00pm Deadline to submit application and required documents for next application review.  

Subsequent review dates will be posted if needed.

Based on the information provided in the application documents, the qualified applicants will be invited for further examination and will either be pre-scheduled by the Department of Human Resources or be invited to self-schedule. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of an initial application screening, a mandatory information meeting, a written and/or practical exam, an oral board exam, or any combination listed. Responses to supplemental questions may be used as screening and testing mechanisms and will be used to assess an applicant’s ability to advance in the process; as such, responses to supplemental questions should be treated as test examination responses. Information contained herein does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

A minimum score of 70% is required to continue in the selection process, unless otherwise announced.

All potential new hires and employees considered for promotion to management, confidential positions or unrepresented positions will be subject to a background and reference check after contingent job offer is accepted.  These provisions are subject to change.

RETIREES - Solano County invites all to apply for positions; however pursuant to Government Code Section 21221(h) and 21224, hiring restrictions may apply to California Public Sector Pension Plan Retirees.

HOW TO APPLY

Please visit the County of Solano website, www.jobsatsolanocounty.com, to apply. Applications must be submitted through the JobAps system. Paper copies of applications are not accepted. All additional application materials as requested in the job announcement (degree/transcripts, certificates, DD-214 if applicable, ADA Accommodation Request) must be submitted with the Document Cover Sheet, available on the employment website: https://jobapscloud.com/Solano/sup/doccover.pdf or at the Department of Human Resources’ office,  and are due by the application review date.

Previously submitted application materials (i.e. copies of diploma and/or transcripts, etc.) for prior recruitments will not be applied for this recruitment but must be re-submitted for this recruitment.

Any further questions can be directed to the Department of Human Resources at (707) 784-6170 or at 675 Texas Street, Suite 1800 Fairfield 94533. The office is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. EOE/AA

Please note that all dates/times listed in the job announcement are Pacific Time.

DOCUMENT SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

Associate's Degree is required for this position. All candidates must submit a copy of their official/unofficial transcripts (verifying the date and degree conferred) by the final filing deadline. Candidates who fail to submit their diploma or transcripts by the application review date will be disqualified from the recruitment.

Possession of a valid and current P.O.S.T Specialized Investigator Basic Course (SIBC), valid and current California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Basic, Intermediate or Advanced Peace Officer Certificate, or Possession of a Basic Course Waiver (BCW) is required. All candidates must submit a copy of their certificate by the final filing deadline. Candidates who fail to submit their certificate by the final filing date will be disqualified from the recruitment.  

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:  Candidates who attended a college or university that is accredited by a foreign or non-U.S. accrediting agency must have their educational units evaluated by an educational evaluation service.  The result must be submitted to the Human Resources Department no later than the close of the recruitment.  Please contact the local college or university to learn where this service can be obtained.

How to Submit Your Documents

In addition to uploading attachments when applying online, candidates may submit documents in-person or by mail at Solano County Department of Human Resources 675 Texas Street, Suite 1800, Fairfield CA  94533, by fax to (707) 784-3424, or by email to recruitment@solanocounty.com.  When submitting documents in-person, by mail or by fax, include the recruitment title (Welfare Fraud Investigator) and the recruitment number (20-413130-01).  If submitting documents by email include the recruitment title and recruitment number in the subject field.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE

This Supplemental Questionnaire will be used to determine applicants’ qualifications for this position and assess an applicant’s ability to advance in the recruitment process; therefore, applicants are encouraged to answer all questions thoroughly and completely.  Omitted information will not be considered or assumed.  Applicants who have no experience in a specific area are recommended to state "no experience in this area" instead of leaving the space blank.

Please note that the experience in your answers must be reflected in your employment history.

1. There are certain P.O.S.T requirements needed to meet the minimum qualifications for this position.    Please indicate when you completed your P.O.S.T. Basic Course, which P.O.S.T. Certifications you have received (Intermediate, Advanced, Supervisor, etc) and when you last were employed by a P.O.S.T. certified agency.


2. Describe the extent and depth of your criminal investigative experience.  Include the specific types of investigations you conducted as the PRIMARY investigator, and include your employing agency or agencies at the time of the investigations.


3. Concisely describe the extent and depth of your experience in conducting criminal investigations, which involved financial, accounting, contract, and/or other business record (other than credit card or check fraud cases, or audit-only activity).  Include a brief description of the types of records and investigations involved.


4. Describe your experience in the preparation of detailed narrative-style reports of investigation, your experience in conducting in-depth interviews and interrogations, and the obtaining of written statements.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

  • Candidates for Welfare Fraud Investigator will be required to pass a an extensive background investigation, physical examination, and psychological evaluation in accordance with applicable law, regulation and/or policy.
  • Peace Officer Requirements:
  • Applicants must meet minimum peace officer standards concerning citizenship, age, character, education and physical/mental condition as set forth in Section 1029 and 1031 of the California Government Code.
  • Child Abuse Reporting: Selectees for employment must, as a condition of employment, sign a statement agreeing to comply with Section 11166 of the California Penal Code relating to child abuse reporting.
  • Language Proficiency: Some positions allocated to this class will require the applicant to speak, read and write in a language in addition to English.
  • Independent Travel: Incumbents are required to travel independently, for example, to perform investigative work such as interviewing witnesses, conducting surveillance, etc.; to attend meetings with other County employees; to attend meetings with employees in other law enforcement agencies; etc.
  • Hours of Work: Incumbents may be required to work weekends, holidays, irregular hours, on-call, and after normal business hours.

Note: Incumbents hold peace officer powers pursuant to Section 830.35 of the California Penal Code, however, this is not considered an active law enforcement classification for such personnel administrative matters as retirement, industrial or workers' compensation.

VETERANS PREFERENCE POINTS

To be eligible, applicant must have served at least 181 consecutive days of active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States and have received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions.  A COPY OF THE DD 214, SHOWING DISCHARGE TYPE (GENERALLY COPY 4), MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT BY THE FINAL FILING DATE.  Applicants who have a service connected disability must also submit a recent award letter from the VA stating they are receiving disability benefits for service connected reasons. 

Veteran applicants for initial County employment with an honorable or general under conditions discharge shall receive five (5) points added to their combined score.  Disabled veterans rated at not less than 30% disability shall have ten (10) points added to their combined score.  Veteran’s preference points will only be added to passing scores in competitive open examinations.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

It is the policy of Solano County that all employment decisions and personnel policies will be applied equally to all County employees and applicants and be based upon the needs of County service, job related merit, and ability to perform the job.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES:  Qualified individuals with a disability, who are able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, and need an accommodation during any phase of the recruitment/testing/examination process (as detailed in the “Selection Process”), must complete the following Request for Testing Accommodation by Applicants with Disabilities Form: http://www.solanocounty.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=23215.

This form must be received in the Human Resources Department by the final filing date of the recruitment.  Applicants will be contacted to discuss the specifics of the request.

SOLANO COUNTY

OUR COMMUNITY

Solano County is the ideal place to live, learn, work and play…  The America's Promise Alliance has named Solano County as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People for six straight yearsthe only California community with that distinction.

  • Live – Solano County as well as cities within the County have ranked in the top 15 hottest markets across the country and within the Bay Area due to prime location and affordability.
  • Learn Higher education abounds! Within the County, education choices include: Solano Community College, CSU Maritime Academy, Brandman University, and Touro University. Bordering our County is the renowned University of California Davis.
  • Work The blend of agriculture, corporate business and pleasant lifestyle enhance the attraction of Solano County. Blessed with a thriving agricultural economy, the county is also home to biotechnology and other growth industries.
  • Play - Situated midway between San Francisco and Sacramento—the State capitol, Solano County is home to rolling hillsides, waterfronts and fertile farmland. County residents can enjoy day trips to the San Francisco Bay area, Lake Tahoe region and the Napa and Sonoma Valleys.

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

County Population (2018): 439,793

SOLANO COUNTY IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER