Lead Investigator

Position Overview Are you interested in helping build something new that will make a lasting difference in lives of thousands? If so this opportunity may be what you are looking for! Washington State Department of Revenue is seeking to potentially hire an Investigator 3, Lead for its Working Families Tax Credit Claims Research Team. This position will serve as a lead on the team for the program assisting Washington State’s low-to-moderate-income working families and individuals. The mission of the Claims Research Team is to protect the integrity of the Working Families Tax Credit Program by preventing and detecting financial losses due to fraud or malfeasance. The Unit uses crossmatch technology and processes, skip-tracing, tips and leads from the public, referrals from local, state, and federal agencies, to conduct the most complex and difficult investigations of sensitive and controversial cases. The Unit is also responsible for identifying and researching patterns of practice, ongoing patterns of criminal activity, and vendor fraud. Applicants may start screening as early as July 21 2026. It is advantageous to submit materials promptly. Responsibilities Conduct preliminary assessment of applications, attachments, and fraud indicators. Determine requirements needed to authenticate and/or validate applicants. Complete requests for applicants to provide additional documentation. Make corrections to applications found to contain erroneous information. Conduct additional fraud evaluation on applications found to contain erroneous information. Investigate complex cases of identity theft, tax credit fraud, dependent fraud, vendor fraud, tips from the public, death records, failure to respond issues, missing employer, and out of country issues. Interview applicants, victims, and witnesses regarding these issues. Conduct complex investigations involving more than one claimant, victim, and/or issue including those of possible or probable fraud. Verify investigative findings and information using available systems and data sets, including Federal Tax Information. Apply and adhere to the IRS safeguarding standards for the use of FTI, including IRS Publication 1075. Investigate claimants’ reported earnings with employer wage information. Adjudicate Working Families Tax Credit eligibility issues in accordance with relevant statutes. Determine if the fraud penalty should apply to invoices. Serve as a resource for other staff regarding the validity of documentation provided by applicants such as driver’s license, tax returns, etc. Answers all questions regarding benefits or available services. Explains available services, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and verification needs. Gather and record evidential facts, analyze data, prepare investigative summary reports and letters, and present findings to partner agencies, law enforcement and/or Assistant Attorney Generals for prosecution. Testify in administrative hearings. Appear in Superior and District Courts as a witness for the state criminal cases. Participate in field evidence collection with partner agencies. Approve or deny fraud evaluation cases after conducting a holistic review as per established policies and procedures. Qualifications Demonstrated progressive experience independently conducting complex, sensitive, or high risk fraud investigations involving multiple claimants or cross-agency coordination. Proven ability to interpret, apply, and explain statutes, regulations, and program rules including RCW, WAC, and IRS Publication 1075. Demonstrated ability to analyze evidence, identify fraud patterns or systemic issues, and prepare clear comprehensive investigative reports. Progressive experience conducting interviews of applicants, victims, and witnesses involving sensitive subjects using trauma informed and professional interviewing techniques. Demonstrated ability to use secure investigative systems, databases, and FTI protected information in compliance with federal security requirements. Proven ability to serve as a subject matter resource by providing guidance, training, or technical assistance to peers or junior staff. Demonstrated skill in coordinating with internal teams, partner agencies, law enforcement, employers, and community organizations to obtain information, resolve cases, or support program integrity. Progressive experience managing a high volume workload in a fast paced office environment, prioritizing cases, and meeting deadlines with minimal supervision. Proven ability to maintain evidence integrity, produce high quality documentation, and testify credibly in administrative or court proceedings. Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and customer focused service by effectively assisting diverse applicants and applying an equity lens. Preferred Qualifications Two years of experience as an Investigator 2 or equivalent classification. Bachelor’s degree or higher in business, public administration, accounting, finance, political science, or criminal justice. Certified Fraud Examiner or other fraud credential. IRS or tax preparation certification. Demonstrated ability to read and write fluently in Spanish or another language. Application Requirements Complete the online application in detail. Attach a current resume. Attach a letter of interest explaining your interest in the position and how you meet the qualifications listed. Include three or more professional references with current contact information. Veteran Preference To take advantage of veteran's preference please attach your DD-214, member 4 long form, or your NGB-22. Black out your social security number and date of birth prior to attaching. Additional Information This position has been designated as a user of Federal Tax Information provided by the Internal Revenue Service. To use this information you must: a) Pass the required background check including FBI national background check (fingerprinting required), local law enforcement check for the last five years, and verification of your ability to work in this country. b) Be willing to follow the safeguarding requirements of IRS Publication 1075 and Revenue Administrative Policy 6.5.1. Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position. These positions are covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the Department of Revenue and the Washington Public Employees Association. The Department of Revenue is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and offer a respectful, inclusive culture for people with disabilities, as well as members of all protected groups and statuses. We encourage you to apply. If you need help during the application process, please call the Human Resources Office at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or View phone number on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr