Investigator

Why Join DHCS? The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is the backbone of California’s health care safety net. Our success is made possible by the hard work of more than 4,800 DHCS team members and through collaboration with the federal government and other state agencies, counties, and partners for the care of low-income families, children, pregnant women, older adults, and persons with disabilities.

About this Role

The Investigator conducts full and complete criminal/civil investigations into allegations of fraud perpetrated against the California Medical Assistance Program (Medi-Cal) and other programs under the review of the Department of Health Care Services. All Investigators are peace officers under California Penal Code, Section 830.3(h) which performs investigative duties comparable to other peace officers.

DHCS Audits & Investigations (A&I) Division utilizes a field-based investigative model which requires investigative staff to leave directly and return to their residences or secured parking location for field assignments at the beginning and at the end of each work day. Investigative staff are provided state law enforcement vehicles to perform their field duties. Although A&I maintains regional field offices, investigative staff spend a minimum of 90 percent of their assignments in the field, and only come to their assigned office to accomplish tasks which cannot be completed in the field.

• During the course of their employment, Investigators are required to carry a firearm and be proficient in its use.
• Maintain a neat personal appearance and wear plain clothes while maintaining firearm concealment.
• Ability to analyze situations accurately, draw valid conclusions, and take an immediate and effective course of action during stressful or adverse conditions.
• Willingness to travel throughout the state of California based on business needs.
• Gather and analyze facts and evidence; reason logically, draw valid conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations.
• Recognize and respect diversity through words and actions.
• Effectively investigate allegations of misconduct pursuant to departmental policy.
• Treat all people with respect and in an unbiased and unprejudiced manner.

At least one position requires fluency in a bilingual language. If the State of California does not have a current record documenting your fluency in this language, you will be required to successfully pass an approved language fluency test prior to being hired.

Responsibilities

• Conduct full and complete criminal/civil investigations into allegations of fraud against Medi-Cal and other DHCS programs.
• Perform investigative duties comparable to other peace officers under California Penal Code, Section 830.3(h).
• Spend a minimum of 90 percent of assignments in the field.
• Carry a firearm and maintain proficiency in its use.
• Travel throughout California as needed for investigations.

Requirements

• Meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification for the Investigator role.
• Pass a Drug Screening prior to being hired.
• Clear a Background Investigation prior to being hired.
• Obtain Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
• Pass a Psychological Evaluation prior to being hired.
• Submit to mandatory electronic fingerprinting via the California Department of Justice (DOJ) Live Scan system.
• Successfully pass a criminal history background check before final appointment.

Qualifications

Desirable qualifications include:

• Investigative experience with criminal and/or administrative investigations.
• Willingness to conduct field work and interact with the public in a variety of settings.
• Possession of a POST Basic certificate or completion of a POST certified basic academy within the past two years.
• Consistent and regular attendance.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain knowledge and skills related to specific tasks, methodologies, materials, tools, and equipment.
• Complete assignments in a timely manner.
• Adhere to departmental policies and procedures regarding attendance and conduct.

Benefits

DHCS is dedicated to creating an innovative workplace for its team members that is inclusive, diverse, and interactive. Benefits include:

• Continuous and ongoing training.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program activities.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid holidays and vacation/leave.
• Defined retirement program.
• Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457).
• Medical/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts.
• Opportunity to receive bilingual pay contingent on meeting CalHR requirements.
• Eligibility for educational incentives for qualified candidates.

Pay

$6,339.00 - $10,609.00 per month. New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable. This position is eligible for an Automatic Hiring Above Minimum salary of $6,974.

Schedule

Permanent, Full Time. Hybrid telework model.

Job Code #: JC-527238 | Position #: 806-307-8610-XXX | Work Location: San Diego County