Senior Investigator

Employment Type: Contract - W2

Duration: 1 year with potential possibilities of contract extensions, subject to business requirements.

Position Type: Hybrid; 40 hours per week

Work Schedule: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Arizona time); Monday - Friday

Position Summary:

The Senior Investigator is responsible for conducting thorough investigations into allegations of fraud and abuse involving DES programs and services. The role includes investigating complaints related to clients, employees, contractors, vendors, and service providers. This position requires public assistance eligibility knowledge, investigative expertise, and experience handling both administrative and criminal investigations. Collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies is essential. The state fosters a flexible, autonomous, and trusting work culture, supporting remote work arrangements when appropriate.

Job Responsibilities:

• Review and analyze records, policies, procedures, public information sources, and use investigative online resources to collect evidence regarding allegations of fraud.
• Conduct field investigations, interview suspects and witnesses, compose and serve subpoenas, perform surveillance, and gather and preserve evidence.
• Maintain, organize, and analyze investigation records; ensure proper chain of evidence procedures.
• Prepare clear and concise investigative reports presenting all relevant facts and evidence.
• Testify at administrative hearings related to program violations and overpayments.
• Prepare prosecution reports, organize evidence, and present cases to the Attorney General s office or other prosecutorial authorities.
• Attend Grand Jury hearings and other criminal proceedings to present case findings.
• Participate in unit, division, and individual meetings and trainings; assist colleagues and supervisors as needed.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in evidence handling procedures and investigative processes.
• Experience with intelligence gathering and crime analysis.
• Competency in Microsoft Office applications and Google Suite.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and statistical research skills.
• Familiarity with public assistance eligibility policy and procedures.
• Ability to use software for data analysis and investigations, including relational databases, GIS tools, and mapping software.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to conduct thorough fact-finding research and present findings clearly.
• Skilled in preparing reports, charts, graphs, and other visual aids.
• Capable of prioritizing and managing multiple tasks to meet deadlines with precision.
• Ability to establish effective internal and external working relationships.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in criminal investigations.
• Accounting and financial analysis skills.
• Advanced report writing capabilities.

Experience Required:

• Demonstrated experience in investigations, preferably within public assistance, protective services, or similar environments.
• Experience working with data analysis tools and conducting statistical research.

Experience Preferred:

• Protective services or investigations background.
• Bilingual abilities are highly desirable.

Education Required:

• Bachelor s degree in Criminal Justice, or a closely related field, OR
• An equivalent combination of education and investigative experience demonstrating comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities.