Fraud Investigator

Salary: $53,810.00 - $80,730.00 Annually
Location : El Paso County, Colorado Springs, CO
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2600382
Department: Department of Human Services
Division: Finance, Quality, & Support Services
Opening Date: 08/24/2026
Closing Date: 8/31/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Non-Exempt
HR Contact Information: Christopher Diaz: View email address on click.appcast.io


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VISION

El Paso County will be a trusted regional leader known for excellence in county service delivery.


PURPOSE

We provide essential public services to the Pikes Peak Region in support of our residents, businesses, and communities, enhancing the freedom for all to thrive.


VALUES

Service Focused • Collaborative • Accountable • Trustworthy • Transparent

Job Summary
If you're the person who catches the detail everyone else misses, this role is for you. As a desk investigator with our Fraud Unit, you'll reconstruct up to six years of income history using bank statements and case documentation, perform detailed calculations, and build case files that withstand legal scrutiny. Your reports will be reviewed by attorneys, hearing officers, and the County Attorney's Office. You'll also collaborate closely with County Attorney partners and investigators in other counties.
We're seeking someone with eligibility determination experience who can write clearly within policy requirements and accurately distinguish among agency error, client error, and intentional program violations-including cases in which no violation occurred. Because most client communication takes place by email, you'll need to balance empathy with the discipline to present facts clearly and objectively.
Experience testifying at hearings or in court is one of our strongest differentiators. Knowledge of Colorado public assistance regulations, strong database research skills, and proficiency in Excel and Outlook will also set you apart. Above all, you'll handle sensitive information with discretion and uphold El Paso County's standards and values in every case. APPLY TODAY!
Hiring Range: $58,000.00 - $63,000.00 annually
This position has an anticipated work schedule of Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm. Alternative work schedule options are available; subject to change
Due to the sensitive nature of this role, additional background checks may be required, including a Government Program Fraud and Child Welfare Abuse & Neglect database (TRAILS) check.
Please be advised this position may close without advance notice, should we receive a sufficient number of qualified applications.
This position is responsible for conducting investigations to prevent, detect, or deter fraud and ineligibility in a variety of programs within the Department of Human Services (DHS). Reviews public assistance benefits and case records; conducts interviews, obtains statements from complainants, and obtains all available information and factual evidence pertinent to cases. Prepares professional reports of investigations. Contributes to the preparation and submission of cases to law enforcement authorities for criminal and/or civil action. May establish recovery for improperly issued public assistance benefits. Employment is subject to the terms, conditions, and policies detailed in the Personnel Policies Manual (PPM). This position requires regular in-person presence as an essential job function.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Reviews information and referrals to determine the type of investigation required; reviews and researches case files and Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) regulations to determine conduct of investigation, applicable regulations and statutes to support fraud or abuse of regulations; verifies past and present eligibility for public assistance.
• Gathers necessary evidence regarding the allegations set forth in the investigation referral, including researching various state and federal databases.
• Conducts investigations for cases referred to DHS. Performs database searches, conducts interviews with neighbors, schools and employers, and clients. Obtains and confirms verbal and written statements.
• Identifies and maintains information and evidence, verifying and authenticating with respect to validity and admissibility and preserves for presentation in court or evidentiary hearings; determines if recipient received overpayment because of agency error, client error, intentional program violation, or criminal fraud.
• Prepares professional reports documenting all aspects of investigations (findings, evidence, testimony, and other supporting documentation) meeting established timelines. Verifies a variety of employment, identity, and location information utilizing various databases and search engines. Assists with the preparation and submission of cases to law enforcement and the District Attorney's Office as required.
• Completes forms to establish recovery; ensures recipients receive proper notices of action; updates the applicable systems and distributes copies to the recipient, recovery technician, and case record, with a summary of the findings to the referring party when appropriate.
• Initiates disqualification for a recipient found to have committed fraud through a variety of orders or notices of violations; notifies recipient describing length of disqualification, regulations that apply to the action, and the date the action will take effect.
• Meets with legal staff in pretrial and trial conferences to assist in the preparation and presentation of criminal prosecution. Prepares, conducts, and testifies in hearings as needed.
• Conducts and participates in training sessions and workshops regarding the criteria and procedures for fraud referrals.
• Facilitates the acquisition of case files for fraud referrals. Tracks all requests and ensures timely receipt of all files necessary for determining fraud. Documents all action in the unit's tracking system.
• Prepares and disseminates fraud-related reports to leadership and external agencies.
• Assists the unit in identifying fraudulent trends and preventing the expenditure of funds to ineligible clients by verifying household composition and questionable income and resources prior to the issuance of benefits.
• Performs other duties as required.

Supervision Exercised: This classification does not have supervisory authority; however, may be required to provide expertise or limited guidance or direction to employees, such as overseeing work quality, training, and guidance. Typically serves as a subject matter expert on the scope of functional area.


Supervision Received: Receives general supervision. This classification typically performs job duties by following established standard operating procedures and/or policies. Regular direction, guidance, and coaching from supervisor may be expected. There is a choice of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance reviewed periodically.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of and ability to effectively use all standard investigative methods and procedures, including maintaining a high standard of ethical behavior and the ability to treat clients with dignity and respect.
• Working knowledge of human services and public assistance rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Strong time management skills with attention to detail. Ability to efficiently plan, schedule, and organize.
• Ability to utilize and demonstrate professional judgment in all aspects of interpersonal relationships, public relationships, and work-related duties.
• Ability to assess situations and make prudent and appropriate decisions; ability to apply conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with co-workers, clients, other agencies, and the public. Ability to provide excellent customer service.
• Ability to use standard office equipment including computer, calculator, copier, and telephone.
• Ability to utilize and demonstrate proficiency in current software applications including but not limited to Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and Outlook; ability to conduct internet and database searches and use and maintain databases.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Required Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent education.
• Four years of experience determining eligibility for public assistance in a social services agency; or
• Two years of investigative experience.

Preferred Education & Experience

• Experience in providing professional and effective testimony in hearings and court proceedings.

Licenses/Certificates

• If assigned to field investigations:
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Must pass conditional post offer background investigation and drug screen.
• If assigned to field investigations:
  • Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen.

Work Conditions


Duties are primarily performed in a high-volume office and remote work environment dependent on business needs. For the field investigation assignment, duties involve local travel and field work, including visits to client homes, schools, businesses, etc.; may be exposed to hostile family situations and individuals. This position may require evening and weekend hours.

The classification specification above is intended to describe the general nature of work, key responsibilities, and minimum qualifications. Minimum qualifications reflect the baseline experience required for the classification. Departments may establish additional or preferred qualifications to address operational needs, assignment complexity, and specialized functions, provided such qualifications are job-related, consistent with the intent of the classification, and as approved by the Human Resources department. Specific job assignments, duties, education, experience, licenses/certifications, and working conditions may vary based on the department or office's needs and the requirements of the assigned position. Changes to this classification specification may only be made by the Human Resources Department.
El Paso County is an E-Verify and Equal Opportunity Employer.

El Paso County adheres to Federal drug screening guidelines and requires a pre-employment drug screen.
Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid vacation, sick, and personal leave
• 11 paid holidays
• Onsite health centers
• Onsite fitness centers
• Reach Your Peak wellness program
• Short and long term disability
• Life insurance
• Flexible spending accounts to include dependent care
• Employee assistance program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Retirement plan
• Deferred compensation (457b)

Click on links for and the El Paso County Retirement Plan
01


How did you learn of this position?

• I am currently employed by EPC
• El Paso County Website
• Indeed.com
• Employee Referral
• Social Media (Twitter/Facebook)
• LinkedIn
• University/College Career Site
• Industry-specific Career Site
• Professional Membership Career Site
• Career Fair
• Other

02


Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent education?

• Yes
• No

03


Do you meet at least one of the following minimum experience requirements?a. Four years of experience determining eligibility for public assistance in a social services agencyb. Two years of investigative experienceSelect one:

• Yes, I have four or more years of eligibility-determination experience.
• Yes, I have two or more years of investigative experience.
• Yes, I meet both requirements.
• No, I do not meet either requirement.

04


Do you have experience in providing professional and effective testimony in hearings and court proceedings?

• Yes
• No

05


Do you possess a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

06


Have you read, and do you accept the work conditions as outlined in the job posting?

• Yes
• No

Required Question