Income Maintenance Investigator II

Richmond County Department of Social Services

About the role

Employees in this class are responsible for working with considerable independence in investigating fraud or alleged fraud cases in the income maintenance program. Work involves reviewing clients' case files, determining if errors exist, and identifying the cause of those errors. Investigators evaluate case referrals to decide if a deeper review is needed and, where potential client fraud is indicated, conduct thorough investigations.

This role includes working with clients to settle cases out of court, representing the agency in negotiations, and collaborating with prosecutors to present cases in court. Employees reconstruct and analyze case files against current and historical income maintenance regulations, rules, and procedures. They also monitor client repayments and revise payment plans as necessary.

This position is distinguished by a high level of independence in decision-making and significant involvement in administrative hearings and the judicial process.

Responsibilities

• Review clients' case files and determine appropriate actions to resolve cases.
• Evaluate case referrals to assess validity and need for in-depth review.
• Investigate potential client fraud, including interviewing clients, employers, and caseworkers.
• Reconstruct and analyze case files against income maintenance regulations and procedures.
• Determine courses of action, such as dismissing cases, negotiating repayments, or pursuing legal action.
• Work with clients to settle cases out of court and represent the agency in negotiations.
• Collaborate with prosecutors to prepare and present cases in court, including assembling legal documentation.
• Monitor client repayment of funds and revise or renegotiate payment plans as needed.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of manuals, rules, and procedures used in determining eligibility for income maintenance programs.
• Thorough knowledge of investigative procedures and techniques.
• Thorough knowledge of rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of the judicial system.
• Good mathematical reasoning and computational skills.
• Considerable knowledge of the agency's organizational rules, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to recognize, collect, and evaluate evidence to support actions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with applicants, community agencies, law enforcement, and judiciary personnel.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees, the public, and the judicial system.
• Ability to present information orally or in written form.

Minimum Training and Experience

• An Associate Degree in Human Services Technology, Social Services Associate, Paralegal Technology, Criminal Justice, Business Administration, Secretarial Science, or a closely related curriculum, plus two years of experience as an Income Maintenance Caseworker or Investigator.
• Graduation from high school and three years of experience as an Income Maintenance Caseworker or Income Maintenance Investigator.
• Graduation from high school, two years of investigative experience in credit, legal, or law enforcement work, plus eighteen months of experience as an Income Maintenance Caseworker or Income Maintenance Investigator.
• An equivalent combination of training and experience.

Benefits

• Free health, dental, and life insurance for the employee.
• Automatic 5% employer contribution into 401k.
• Strong pension plan.
• Annual, sick, and petty leave.
• 13 paid holidays per calendar year.