Fraud Investigator /Recovery Specialist

Montezuma County Department of Social Services has an opening for one Fraud Investigator/Recovery Specialist

Applications may be obtained from MCDSS, or online at www.montezumacounty.org.  Applications accepted until filled.      Questions please call 970-564-4138.   AA/EOE

Please see complete position description below:

Job Title: Fraud Investigator /Recovery Specialist

Reports To: Fraud/Child Support Services Supervisor

FLSA Status: Full-time, non-exempt

Department: Social Services

Salary: $18.62/hour, plus Health, Dental, Vision, Life, EAP, HSA Insurance, 10 paid Holidays, Paid Annual and Sick Leave and a 401K match.

SUMMARY:

The Fraud Investigation Recovery Specialist Position will be responsible for investigation of overpayment and trafficking of program benefits, establishing claims, negotiating repayment plans, and enforcing benefit over-issuance collections. Responsible for data entry of prescribed program forms and sending notices to clients who have been overpaid benefits. Responsible for researching, and providing assistance to clients regarding tax intercept collections and notices. Position gathers documents and data from clients to determine ability to pay. Position provides rule, policy and guidance to Eligibility Specialist and coordinates with cooperative partners regarding overpayments and identifying and tracking recovery and claims issues. This position receives a high volume of phone calls and mail.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other assigned duties)

• Conducts investigations into alleged fraudulent activities which includes reviewing Department of Social Services case files; interviewing witnesses and clients in the office and in the field; researching public and private records to locate unreported assets, employment or household composition, and conducting on-site observations of suspects at their residence or work.
• Conducts investigations into alleged criminal activities that include reviewing crime reports of other law enforcement agencies; interviewing witnesses and suspects in the office and in the field; and locating and collecting evidence pertaining to the allegation.
• Applies federal and state law and Department of Human Services regulations to determine if a provable violation has occurred; determines the appropriate jurisdiction to hear the evidence and render a decision (i.e., Administrative Law Judge, County Court, District Court or Tribal Prosecution).
• Prepares investigative reports and maintains evidence for prosecution.
• Presents testimony on the outcome of investigations in Administrative hearings, civil hearings and criminal court proceedings.
• Maintains liaisons between various agencies in the 22nd Judicial Court; coordinates cases with the District Attorney, County Attorney’s or Tribal prosecutor; assists in preparation of cases for trial or hearings with legal staff.
• Works with the 22nd Judicial Probation Department, Judicial District Investigator, Ute Probation and Special County Attorney, and customers to facilitate repayment of public assistance funds due to fraud, trafficking, misrepresentation or ineligibility.
• Coordinates department programs, processes and records, including: preparing files; maintaining confidential records, documents and correspondence, purging records and files and assuring that reporting processes and procedures are

followed; creating and maintaining filing systems; scheduling and coordinating services.

• Maintains statistics, prepares and presents quarterly and yearly reports as requested by the DSS Director.
• Composes and prepares letters, memos, notices, agendas, reports or other correspondence in accordance with standard policies.
• Establishes recoveries in Colorado Benefits Management System (CBMS) and Child Care Automated Tracking System (CHATS) if non-system generated.; establishes and/or enters recovery agreements; prepares promissory notes; writes letters advising of intent to bring court action for accounts receivable; troubleshoots overpayments and recoveries in state computer system.
• Determines best venue for recovery; files in appropriate jurisdiction small claims or civil court; files writ of garnishment, levy, and petition to act on judgments; files judgments with the county clerk; follows up with garnishments and client’s job moves; if warranted, prepares and sends the case to District Attorney’s office; represents the county in state hearings.
• Monitors repayment agreements, monitors monthly payments. Contacts clients to make sure repayment agreements are signed and returned, and determine when a non-payment will be made.
• Assists in preparing and filing legal documents.
• Disseminates a variety of information to various agencies, divisions, or departments via telephone, mail, email, or FAX.
• Supervises EBT card issuance processes and maintains the EBT card system, providing EBT card records to the state, and responsible for training all staff on EBT card issuance changes and staff who are issuing EBT cards.

Education:

Graduation from High School or GED Equivalent

Experience:

Three years full time responsible work experience.

Special Requirements:

Valid Colorado Driver’s License and satisfactory driving record. Must pass background check, drug screen and motor vehicle record check.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Law enforcement, criminal justice and public administration practices, theories, management, legislation and research.
• General office procedures, policies and practices, as well as basic knowledge of standard office equipment to include computer, fax machine, copier, and telephone.
• Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• Record keeping, filing and preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Basic accounting and budgeting principles and practices.
• Applicable state, federal and local ordinances, laws, rules and regulations.
• External governmental bodies and agencies related to area of assignment.
• Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines and following up assignments with a minimum of direction.
• Must be able to have a good working relationship with the DSS eligibility staff. Must be able to communicate orally and in writing with internal staff, citizens, and other departmental staff in order to give and receive information in a courteous manner.
• Researching, compiling, and summarizing a variety of informational and statistical data and materials.
• Applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks; understanding, interpreting and communicating complicated policies, procedures and protocols.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to act with discretion, maintain confidentiality and be professional.

Office Technology/Computer Skills:

Must be able to effectively use modern office technology and equipment, including computers, calculators, telephone, copiers with scanning and faxing capabilities. Must have extensive experience in word processing, database manipulation, and email with a high degree of accuracy. Must be able to learn the software and programs related to the position and the County.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to sit and stand for long periods of time; use hands and fingers to handle or feel; and reach with hands or arms. The employee is required to stand; walk; climb or balance; twist; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Must be able to respond to the customers’ needs and perform tasks requiring extensive hand and eye coordination. Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse and other devices and objects. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Ability to work extended shifts and attend training when asked and the ability to work in stressful situations

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Ability to tolerate and be productive in a quiet to moderate noise level in the work place. Employee will have periodic exposure to hazards in the field such as driving and inclement weather and potentially hostile clientele. Exposure to computer screens. May visit client homes and encounter a variety of housekeeping standards and household pets. May be exposed to potential communicable health conditions and angry, hostile, frustrated individuals and those with behavioral and/or cognitive challenges. May travel to rural areas.

USE OF THIS JOB DESCRIPTION

THIS JOB DESCRIPTION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY AND THE INCUMBENT IN THE POSITION.

Nothing in this position description restricts Montezuma County Department of Social Services’ ability to assign, reassign or eliminate duties and responsibilities of this job at any time. The description reflects Montezuma County Department of Social Services assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Critical features of this job have been described. Those features may change at any time due to reasonable accommodation, as the needs of the Department change or other reasons deemed appropriate by Montezuma County Department of Social Services.

I have received the Fraud Investigator/Recovery Specialist job description on ____________. I understand that I am to become familiar with its contents.

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