Bilingual Compliance Buy Investigator

Bilingual Compliance Buy Investigator

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has retained Knowledge Services to provide a Bilingual Compliance Buy Investigator. WIC is a federally funded program, and the RI Department of Health (RIDOH) is required to ensure quality customer service, to prevent misuse of federal funds and to make sure that WIC approved vendors are complying with federal laws and regulations. To ensure this, the Compliance Buy Investigator conducts compliance investigations and quality assurance activities to ensure appropriate implementation of WIC benefits. This position is an in-person community shopper, conducting buys that may or may not meet the federal standards. Detailed reporting is necessary as the investigation may lead to a hearing.

Essential Functions:

• Conducts WIC purchases at assigned WIC merchants, collects information, prepares reports, and informs the RIDOH of all transactions, experiences, and activities related to working as a 'Secret Shopper' or 'Compliance Buyer'.
• May require using technical tools or a recording mechanism to gather information for compliance investigation as determined by RIDOH.
• May be required to testify in front of a hearing officer and/or judge as a result of a compliance buy.
• Conducts undercover phone calls to local WIC agencies to ensure good customer service; timely appointments, prompt return of messages etc. and writes reports accordingly.
• Accept other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work both independently and in collaboration with a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, etc.) is required.
• Fluency (speaking, reading, and writing) in English and Spanish required.
• Organizational skills to include managing multiple activities; ability to prioritize projects of varying complexities; ability to meet required timelines.

Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or GED required. Combination of education and equivalent work experience to meet needs of the position.
• Is a Rhode Island resident and parent of a child currently or recently enrolled in the WIC program or past employment or experience utilizing WIC services.
• Or any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.

Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the contractor is regularly required to talk or hear. The contractor regularly is required to stand, walk, sit, use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
• While performing the duties of this job, the contractor is regularly required to climb stairs, reach, stretch, stand, and bend. The contractor frequently lifts and/or moves up to 25 pounds.

Working Conditions/Work Environment:

• Primary work location is in the community, this person may need to work in a variety of uncontrolled venues/environments including various community locations.
• Standard work schedule but occasional night/weekend hours maybe required to meet the needs of the program.
• Must have suitable space to work remotely if needed. Provide own reliable transportation with proof of RI minimum requirements of auto insurance.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.