Investigator

About the 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) and perform investigative duties comparable to other peace officers. The Audits & Investigations (A&I) Division utilizes a field-based investigative model requiring staff to leave directly from and return to their residences or secured parking locations for field assignments. Investigative staff are provided state law enforcement vehicles and spend a minimum of 90 percent of their time in the field, only coming to the office for tasks that cannot be completed in the field.

During employment, Investigators are required to:

• Carry a firearm and maintain proficiency in its use
• Maintain a neat personal appearance and wear plain clothes while concealing the firearm
• Analyze situations accurately, draw valid conclusions, and take immediate and effective action during stressful conditions
• Travel throughout California based on business needs
• Gather and analyze facts and evidence, reason logically, and make appropriate recommendations
• Respect diversity and treat all people with respect in an unbiased manner
• Investigate allegations of misconduct pursuant to departmental policy

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

Responsibilities

• Conduct full and complete criminal and civil investigations into fraud allegations
• Perform field-based investigative duties, spending at least 90% of time in the field
• Carry and maintain proficiency with a firearm
• Analyze evidence, draw conclusions, and make recommendations
• Travel statewide as required by business needs
• Interact with the public and maintain professional conduct
• Adhere to departmental policies and procedures

Requirements

• Peace officer status under California Penal Code, Section 830.3(h)
• Ability to carry a firearm and maintain proficiency
• Willingness to travel throughout California
• Ability to analyze situations and take effective action under stress
• Respect for diversity and unbiased treatment of all individuals
• Pass a drug screening, background investigation, medical clearance, and psychological evaluation prior to hiring
• Fluency in a bilingual language may be required for some positions

Qualifications

Desirable qualifications include:

• Investigative experience with criminal and/or administrative investigations
• Willingness to conduct field work and interact with the public
• Possession of a POST Basic certificate or completion of a POST-certified basic academy within the past two years

Candidates must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification for the Investigator role.

Benefits

As a team member of the State of California, you may be eligible for:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid holidays and vacation/leave
• Defined retirement program
• Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
• Medical/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
• Bilingual pay (contingent on meeting CalHR requirements)

DHCS also offers:

• Continuous and ongoing training
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program activities
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

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 position. Hybrid telework model with field-based assignments. Investigative staff spend a minimum of 90 percent of their time in the field and report to regional offices only for tasks that cannot be completed in the field.