JOB TITLE: SPECIAL AGENT S, OSIG

JOB CODE: 70860

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Special Agent job series describes work in the investigation of alleged benefit fraud and/or the settlement and recovery of funds in the Office of State Inspector General.

DEFINITION: This is professional, law enforcement, and investigative work involving suspected fraud and/or overpayments associated with human services benefits.

An employee in this job is responsible for conducting difficult, varied, and complex investigations involving alleged violations of federal or state laws or regulations by benefit applicants, recipients, providers, or commonwealth employees. Work includes determining the course and scope of investigations and serving as team leader, when needed; investigating public assistance fraud and program violations through the examination of benefit applications and overpayment claims; recovering funds legally owed to the commonwealth and initiating disqualification terms; tracking case actions in a proprietary system; and completing comprehensive reports of investigation. Work also includes utilizing technical investigative equipment and various processes and methods of investigation, preparing and presenting prosecution and administrative packages, collecting and presenting evidence, sharing pertinent information with other law enforcement agencies, and serving on intergovernmental task forces. Work may also include utilizing computer accessed resources and criminal justice databases; conducting undercover operations; conducting electronic surveillance pursuant to Act 160 of 2018; conducting interviews and interrogations to gather information and obtain evidence; presenting cases through criminal prosecution or administrative hearings; requesting, preparing, and executing search warrants; filing police criminal complaints; and preparing witnesses to participate in legal proceedings. Work is performed with discretion and in accordance with laws, regulations, rules, policies, and procedures. Employees independently determine the course and scope of investigations and exercise independent judgment in carrying out assignments. Work is assigned by a professional supervisor and reviewed for quality, completeness, and effectiveness of results.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Conducts investigations into suspected theft, fraud, or abuse of human service program benefits by applicants, recipients, and departmental employees, or acts perpetrated by outside sources not directly involved with these programs, by independently applying the entire spectrum of investigative processes and procedures.

• Receives and analyzes case information to determine the course and scope of the investigation.

• Understands and strategically applies appropriate Department of Human Services (DHS) program eligibility policies during the course of field investigations and when reviewing overpayments claims for potential criminal prosecution and administrative actions, such as an Administrative Disqualification Hearing or collections.

• Reviews and analyzes DHS overpayment claims including cash, food stamps, subsidized child care, and non-long-term care Medicaid to ensure the appropriate DHS budgeting principles and regulations are applied when DHS calculates an overpayment claim. Returns all claims to DHS where calculations are determined to be incorrect.

• Performs data analysis on food stamps benefits usage data, for both clients and vendors, for indicators of food stamp fraud and food stamp trafficking, both within Pennsylvania and out-of-state.

• Provides investigative findings to DHS that are used as the basis for initial and ongoing eligibility.

• Develops and maintains confidential informants.

• Participates in undercover operations to observe suspects or to obtain information or evidence.

• Conducts interviews of the appropriate persons utilizing established investigative interviewing techniques and methods.

• Collects, evaluates, and develops evidence and prepares it for legal presentation.

• Interprets and applies all applicable laws, regulations, rules, policies, and procedures.

• Conducts research of confidential records and databases to obtain information to be used as evidence.

• Uses case tracking systems for reporting or auditing purposes.

• Prepares reports on investigation findings and written recommendations for appropriate actions.

• Coordinates criminal prosecutions with the District Attorney’s Offices.

• Prepares evidence and witnesses for administrative and criminal legal proceedings; and presents, testifies, and defends actions, as needed.

• Presents the commonwealth’s case at the magisterial district judge level including opening and closing statements, direct questioning and cross examination, identifying and qualifying evidence and witnesses, and providing direct testimony.

• Assists the District Attorney in preparing for trial and acts as a witness for the commonwealth at the Court of Common Pleas.

• Examines complex financial records, assets, and liabilities for human services program benefits applicants and recipients.

• Examines complex and sometimes extensive financial records, accounting ledgers, and legal/regulatory documents to detect and/or confirm illegal activity.

• Performs analysis and calculations including long-term care benefit overpayment calculations.

• Prepares police criminal complaints, affidavits, search warrants, subpoenas, and related legal documentation.

• Negotiates and settles criminal prosecution cases at magisterial district judge level.

• Participates in law enforcement task forces at local, state, and federal levels.

• Executes subpoenas, search warrants, and arrest warrants.

• Maintains, carries, and appropriately uses firearms, other non-lethal weapons, and specialized equipment.

• Utilizes technical investigative tools including Pennsylvania Justice Network (JNET), other databases, and various types of scientific, electronic, and photographic equipment.

• Collaborates with other government organizations, including law enforcement, to share and coordinate information.

• Applies state and federal regulations to negotiate for the recovery of funds owed to the commonwealth.

• Performs technical reviews of legal decisions pursuant to investigative caseload for impact on departmental policies and procedures.

• Conducts electronic surveillance pursuant to Act 160 of 2018.

• Provides guidance and direction to less experienced agents.

• Conducts surveillance as part of investigative process.

• Operates a motor vehicle in the performance of assigned duties.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of investigation and law enforcement.

• Knowledge of the basic rules of evidence.

• Knowledge of the applicable statutes, court decisions, interpretations, administrative procedures, and rulings pertaining to violations of law.

• Knowledge of interview techniques used to obtain information from individuals.

• Skill in the proficient use and care of firearms.

• Ability to read, interpret, and analyze written and numerical information.

• Ability to perform mathematical calculations.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• One year of investigative experience and a bachelor’s degree;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All positions require possession of an active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C driver’s license or equivalent.

• All employees must obtain CLEAN/NCIC certification within two months of employment and maintain this certification for the duration of employment in this job.