Social Services Investigator

Social Services Investigator

Department: Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services
Location: Mayville, NY
Schedule: Full-Time (35 hours per week)
Employment Type: Provisional (pending Civil Service examination)

About the Position

The Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Social Services Investigator to join our team in Mayville, New York.

This position involves conducting research and field investigations into cases where there are allegations or suspicions of fraud, overpayment, or failure to make required support payments. The Investigator gathers evidence, conducts interviews, and prepares legally acceptable cases for possible prosecution or administrative action.

The ideal candidate is professional, discreet, and skilled in interviewing, documentation, and negotiation.

Key Responsibilities

As a Social Services Investigator, you will:

• Investigate complaints involving alleged welfare or vendor fraud.
• Review applicable public assistance laws and regulations to determine the type of fraud and discuss potential charges with the County Prosecutor.
• Conduct interviews with clients, relatives, and other involved parties to gather information on possible violations of social services laws.
• Interview individuals to obtain information relevant to paternity determinations or support enforcement.
• Perform field visits to collect documentation and verify information related to public assistance cases.
• Provide consultation and guidance to Department staff on investigative techniques.
• Gather evidence, obtain affidavits, and coordinate with the District Attorney’s office for potential prosecution of fraud and support-related cases.
• Prepare thorough reports detailing investigative actions, findings, and recommendations.
• Locate and contact missing respondents as necessary.
• Respond to inquiries from beneficiaries, respondents, and other government agencies regarding support or fraud matters.
• Assist the Social Services Attorney in preparing cases and, when required, attend court hearings.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS-registered two (2) year college with an Associate’s Degree; AND
• Experience: Two (2) years of experience in investigations, confidential inquiries, or evaluation of claims in one or more of the following areas:
• Credit
• Criminal
• Fraud
• Insurance
• Public Welfare
• Tax

Additional Requirements

• Must possess the ability to meet regular transportation requirements for field work assignments at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong analytical and investigative skills
• Excellent interviewing and interpersonal communication abilities
• Proficiency in report writing and case documentation
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality
• Knowledge of relevant social service laws, regulations, and procedures
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple investigations simultaneously

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $23.59 - $30.44 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person