DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Office of Inspector General (OIG)
1701 North. 4th Street, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004
2200 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85004

Salary: $48,465 - $53,850 

Grade: 20

Closing Date: January 6, 2025

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES) we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals who are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov; or click on the link here to view ‘Our DES’ video. Come Join the DES Team!

DES is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Senior Investigator. This position investigates allegations of fraud and abuse related to Department of Economic Security (DES) programs and services, and allegations of misconduct by clients, employees, contractors, vendors, and providers. Additionally, the OIG conducts administrative and criminal investigations regarding benefits fraud by partnering with federal, state and local law enforcement. Will conduct investigations with the highest degree of accuracy and professionalism, which will result in a continued increase in successful detection, investigation, and prosecution of crime, and increase the Agency's ability to recoup loss through restitution or other means. This is a field investigator  position which will require reporting to the field office at least once a week, and driving a state vehicle long distances as a function of the job.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords flexibility, autonomy and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, commissions, many State employees participate in the State's Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona, unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Conduct field investigations, interview suspects and witnesses, compose, prepare and serve subpoenas, conduct surveillance and gather evidence to prove or disprove the claim of fraud. Maintain investigation records to ensure the proper chain of evidence.
• Review and research records, policy, procedures, investigative on-line resources, public information sources, and networking to other investigative agencies to obtain information and evidence relating to allegations of fraud.
• Analyze, organize and maintain investigation records to ensure the proper chain of evidence procedures are followed. Produce high quality reports presenting complex technical matters clearly and concisely presenting all the facts and evidence of the case, both inculpatory and exculpatory. Attend and testify at administrative hearings regarding intentional program violations and overpayments.
• Compose prosecution reports, analyze and organize evidence, prepare cases to refer for prosecution to the Attorney General's office or county prosecution authorities. Attend Grand Jury Hearings and other criminal proceedings to testify and present the facts of the case.
• Attend unit, division and one on one meetings with supervisor, attend trainings and assist other investigators as needed.

Knowledge of:

• Intelligence gathering and crime analysis processes
• Methods and techniques of statistical research, analysis, and probability modeling
• Principles of data collection, collation, analysis and dissemination
• Microsoft Office applications
• Applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and trends in the area of assignment
• Local, State and Federal programs and resources in area of assignment
• Arizona statutes and Administrative Code
• Software used for data analysis and investigations
• Relational databases, Geographical Information Software (GIS) tools, and mapping techniques
• Evidence handling procedures
• Public assistance eligibility policy and interviewing or investigating for public assistance programs

Skills In:

• Performing statistical research and analysis
• Reviewing and analyzing data and information from multiple sources to extract facts
• Crime analysis or investigations
• Review and evaluation of activities and develop effective methods for improvement
• Establishing effective working relationships, both internal and external to the Department
• Preparing clear, concise, and accurate oral and written reports
• Generating reports, maps, charts, graphs, and other visual aids
• Using link analysis software, or other data analysis and investigation software
• Research and presentations

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively and accurately, both orally and in writing
• Conduct fact finding research
• Utilize problem solving techniques
• Organize data into logical formats for presentation in reports, documents and other written materials
• Organize and maintain case/project files
• Prioritize tasks or projects to meet deadlines
• Perform detailed work with a high degree of accuracy
• Integrate and interpret complex information
• Establish effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• Maintain a valid Arizona Driver's License

This ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice Studies or a related field or any equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved, Protective Services or investigations experience and/or
• Bilingual is highly desired

• If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job, then the following requirements apply. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).
• Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
• Each employee of the department who may have contact with children or vulnerable adults shall apply for and show proof of receipt of a valid fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to § 41-1758.07 or provide to the department documentation of the person's application for a fingerprint clearance card. Must obtain ACJIS Terminal Operator Certification within 30 days of hire and maintain certification throughout the course of this assignment with the unit.

The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
• Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the State sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.

On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates.

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact us Yolanda Knori at 480-435-0897 or OODHRstaffing@azdes.gov.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting Yolanda Knori at 480-435-0897 or OODHRStaffing@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.