05/01/1991 06654

EMPLOYMENT SECURITY AUDIT AND INVESTIGATION TRAINEE

DEFINITION: This is training level technical program audit and fraud investigation work in the job service, unemployment compensation, and employer tax operations programs and activities in the Department of Labor and Industry in order to develop and improve methods, procedures, and controls and to insure compliance with regulations.

An employee in this class travels to participate in a formal and on-the-job training program to develop proficiency in the conduct of investigations into suspected cases of fraud or abuse of agency programs and activities by agency employees, clients, claimants, or employers. On-the-job training is provided by experienced audit and investigation specialists to gather documentation and evidence using surveillance equipment to identify and resolve cases of fraud and prepare and give testimony in hearings and court proceedings. Training is also provided in the techniques of auditing records, methods and procedures for accuracy, completeness, and validity to prevent fraud and collusion, ensure conformance with laws, rules, regulations, precedent decisions, and established standards and policies, and develop and improve methods, procedures, and controls relating to employment security programs. Assignments may vary according to individual training needs and freedom to act is limited to clearly defined assignments in accordance with established guidelines. Supervision is received from an Employment Security Audit and Investigation Supervisor who issues specific assignments, establishes priorities, provides detailed instructions, close guidance, and directs training on a daily basis. Work is reviewed while in progress and upon completion for technical accuracy and proficiency and to evaluate the employee’s development.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Participates in formal and on-the-job training to acquire knowledges and skills required for competent performance of investigations into suspected cases of fraud or abuse of the unemployment compensation, employer tax operations, and job service programs and activities in order to obtain evidence and information concerning alleged violations of federal and state laws by employees, employers, clients, and claimants of the agency.

Accompanies experienced investigators in the field to observe and gain technical experience and skill in investigative techniques and procedures.

As part of the training process, conducts or assists in the conduct of investigations into suspected cases of theft, fraud, or abuse involving employment security programs.

Receives training and participates in the use of technical investigative apparatus such as photographic equipment.

Participates in interviewing witnesses and questions suspects to obtain information concerning suspected violations against the Commonwealth.

Participates with police and other law enforcement agencies in the investigation and resolutions of fraud cases.

Participates in collecting, evaluating, and developing evidence and preparing recommendations on presentation of cases to prosecuting officials.

Participates in examining bank and other financial records for apparent concealed liabilities and assets to determine financial background.

Participates in examining and evaluating records, methods, and procedures of field and central office activities including unemployment compensation, employer tax operations, and job service programs to determine compliance with federal and state laws, rules, regulations, precedent decisions, administrative quasi-judicial panel or board decisions and policies, and best methods of operation.

Participates in preparing reports of findings of audits and recommendations to increase effectiveness of operations.

Participates in planning, developing, and implementing programs, methods and procedures relating to specialized employment security services.

Maintains effective relations with employers, claimants, local law enforcement and public officials to obtain data to identify problems in employment security programs.

Travels regularly to conduct the official responsibilities of the job.

Performs related duties as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the basic functions and objectives of PA job service, unemployment compensation, or employer tax operations programs.

Ability to learn to interpret and apply the taxing and benefit payment provisions of the Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation law, and the provisions of PA job service programs.

Ability to ascertain facts through personal interviews and observation and through examination of records; and to exercise sound judgment in arriving at conclusions based on those facts.

Ability to learn the basic rules of evidence.

Ability to read and interpret policy, regulations, and procedural manuals.

Ability to learn the techniques, principles and methods of fraud investigation and law enforcement.

Ability to learn to testify at hearings and in court.

Ability to learn appropriate statutes, court decisions, interpretations and administrative procedures and rulings pertaining to Pennsylvania unemployment compensation, employer tax operations, and job service programs.

Ability to learn the principles and techniques of administrative review in examining and evaluating programs in the Department of Labor and Industry.

Ability to learn to analyze operations and policies and to prepare effective recommendations for improvement.

Ability to learn to prepare comprehensive reports of investigations and audits.

Ability to learn the use of electronic, photographic, and optical equipment used in investigations and surveillance activities.

Ability to learn to conduct surveillance under varying climatic conditions.

Ability to learn to read and understand basic ledgers, journals, and financial statements, including those produced electronically.

Ability to learn to follow a basic audit trail through the use of an employer's books and records, including basic computerized accounting systems.

Ability to deal diplomatically with clients, claimants, employers, and the public.

Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions, laws, and regulations.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year of experience in the determination of PA unemployment compensation benefits claims including difficult determination, overpayment, and appeals cases; or determining eligibility of applicants for job and training benefits and allowances under PA job service programs; or auditing employer payroll records for compliance with the taxing provisions of the PA Unemployment Compensation Law;

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Any equivalent combination of experience and training.