INVESTIGATOR I 5751

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class conducts or assists in conducting investigations to uncover frauds against Suffolk County by clients of the Department of Social Services or for cases tried in Family Court by the County Attorney’s office. Work may be performed independently on routine investigations or the incumbent may assist Investigators II in the more complex investigations, as well as in the gathering of evidence of alleged criminal acts. Cases investigated independently are of a less complex nature than cases that may be investigated by Investigators II. The employee receives on-the-job training while performing duties of a limited professional nature. Work is performed under the general supervision of a higher level Investigator, attorney, or administrator. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Investigates cases of Social Services clients to discover any fraudulent practices being perpetrated against Suffolk County, or investigates cases tried in Family Court by the County Attorney’s office;

Assists in the investigation of the following: vendor frauds, special assignments, forgeries of County checks, SNAP authorizations, vouchers, and other documents;

Assists in the investigation of claims against Suffolk County, including liability for auto accidents and personal injury;

Assists in the investigation of allegations of acts committed by juveniles that would be tried in criminal court if committed by adults;

Performs reviews of financial records;

Researches agency and internet records to develop pertinent supportive documents and information;

Follows up and checks on anonymous allegations, phone calls, letters, leads and tips of questionable circumstances that are discovered by employees and the public;

Contacts and interviews friends, employees, informers, relatives, associates, credit agencies, schools, banks, Police Officers, victims and witnesses if necessary to obtain vital documented evidence;

Obtains sworn statements;

Conducts surveillance, obtains photographic and video graphic evidence; coordinates evidence sent to the crime lab and obtains lab reports;

Compiles reports and evidence in a form acceptable for prosecution, and assists attorneys with preparation of cases for trial;

May testify at Fair Hearings, Civil and Criminal Trials and the Grand Jury;

May assist in the preparation of statistical reports and other assignments as directed.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Working knowledge of the principles, practices and methods employed in investigative work; working knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances, rules and regulations effective in the County including those related to frauds and use of evidence; working knowledge of Criminal Court procedures and methods of prosecution; working knowledge of Civil Court and Family Court procedures; working knowledge of the geography of the County; ability to obtain information through interviews and observations; ability to make decisions; ability to deal tactfully with witnesses and the general public; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

OPEN COMPETITIVE

a) Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State with an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice or a related field; or

b) Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma, and two (2) years of investigative experience.

c) An equivalent combination of education and experience as defined by the limits of a) and b).

NOTE: Qualifying experience is defined as any investigative experience including investigating or evaluating claims for assistance, benefits, insurance, need for services, etc.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

At the time of appointment and during employment in this title, employees will be required to possess a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State.

Within six (6) months, employees hired after 3/18/97 must obtain a New York State Notary Public License. The license must be maintained throughout employment in this title.

R2/3/2020

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive