Fraud Investigator

El Paso County will be a trusted regional leader known for excellence in county service delivery. We provide essential public services to the Pikes Peak Region in support of our residents, businesses, and communities, enhancing the freedom for all to thrive.

About the role

As a desk investigator with our Fraud Unit, you’ll reconstruct up to six years of income history using bank statements and case documentation, perform detailed calculations, and build case files that withstand legal scrutiny. Your reports will be reviewed by attorneys, hearing officers, and the County Attorney’s Office. You’ll collaborate closely with County Attorney partners and investigators in other counties.

We’re seeking someone with eligibility determination experience who can write clearly within policy requirements and accurately distinguish among agency error, client error, and intentional program violations—including cases in which no violation occurred. Because most client communication takes place by email, you’ll need to balance empathy with the discipline to present facts clearly and objectively. Experience testifying at hearings or in court is one of our strongest differentiators. Knowledge of Colorado public assistance regulations, strong database research skills, and proficiency in Excel and Outlook will also set you apart. Above all, you’ll handle sensitive information with discretion and uphold El Paso County’s standards and values in every case.

Responsibilities

• Review information and referrals to determine the type of investigation required; review and research case files and Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) regulations to determine conduct of investigation, applicable regulations and statutes to support fraud or abuse of regulations; verify past and present eligibility for public assistance.
• Gather necessary evidence regarding the allegations set forth in the investigation referral, including researching various state and federal databases.
• Conduct investigations for cases referred to DHS, including database searches, interviews with neighbors, schools, employers, and clients; obtain and confirm verbal and written statements.
• Identify and maintain information and evidence, verifying and authenticating with respect to validity and admissibility, and preserve for presentation in court or evidentiary hearings; determine if recipient received overpayment because of agency error, client error, intentional program violation, or criminal fraud.
• Prepare professional reports documenting all aspects of investigations (findings, evidence, testimony, and other supporting documentation) meeting established timelines.
• Verify a variety of employment, identity, and location information utilizing various databases and search engines.
• Assist with the preparation and submission of cases to law enforcement and the District Attorney's Office as required.
• Complete forms to establish recovery; ensure recipients receive proper notices of action; update applicable systems and distribute copies to the recipient, recovery technician, and case record, with a summary of the findings to the referring party when appropriate.
• Initiate disqualification for a recipient found to have committed fraud through a variety of orders or notices of violations; notify recipient describing length of disqualification, regulations that apply to the action, and the date the action will take effect.
• Meet with legal staff in pretrial and trial conferences to assist in the preparation and presentation of criminal prosecution; prepare, conduct, and testify in hearings as needed.
• Conduct and participate in training sessions and workshops regarding the criteria and procedures for fraud referrals; facilitate the acquisition of case files for fraud referrals and track all requests to ensure timely receipt of all files necessary for determining fraud.
• Document all action in the unit’s tracking system; prepare and disseminate fraud-related reports to leadership and external agencies.
• Assist the unit in identifying fraudulent trends and preventing the expenditure of funds to ineligible clients by verifying household composition and questionable income and resources prior to the issuance of benefits.
• Perform other duties as required.

Supervision

This classification does not have supervisory authority; however, may be required to provide expertise or limited guidance or direction to employees, such as overseeing work quality, training, and guidance. Typically serves as a subject matter expert on the scope of functional area.

Receives general supervision. This classification typically performs job duties by following established standard operating procedures and/or policies. Regular direction, guidance, and coaching from supervisor may be expected. There is a choice of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance reviewed periodically.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent education.
• Four years of experience determining eligibility for public assistance in a social services agency; or two years of investigative experience.
• Must pass conditional post offer background investigation and drug screen.
• If assigned to field investigations: must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and pass conditional post offer background investigation, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in providing professional and effective testimony in hearings and court proceedings.

Skills

• Knowledge of and ability to effectively use all standard investigative methods and procedures, including maintaining a high standard of ethical behavior and the ability to treat clients with dignity and respect.
• Working knowledge of human services and public assistance rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Strong time management skills with attention to detail; ability to efficiently plan, schedule, and organize.
• Ability to utilize and demonstrate professional judgment in all aspects of interpersonal relationships, public relationships, and work-related duties.
• Ability to assess situations and make prudent and appropriate decisions; ability to apply conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with co-workers, clients, other agencies, and the public; provide excellent customer service.
• Ability to use standard office equipment including computer, calculator, copier, and telephone.
• Proficiency in current software applications including Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and Outlook; ability to conduct internet and database searches and use and maintain databases.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Pay

$58,000.00 - $63,000.00 annually

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm. Alternative work schedule options are available; subject to change.

Work Conditions

• Duties are primarily performed in a high-volume office and remote work environment dependent on business needs.
• For the field investigation assignment, duties involve local travel and field work, including visits to client homes, schools, businesses, etc.; may be exposed to hostile family situations and individuals.
• This position may require evening and weekend hours.
• Due to the sensitive nature of this role, additional background checks may be required, including a Government Program Fraud and Child Welfare Abuse & Neglect database (TRAILS) check.
• Employment is subject to the terms, conditions, and policies detailed in the Personnel Policies Manual (PPM).
• This position requires regular in-person presence as an essential job function.