SENIOR INVESTIGATOR
Office of Inspector General
2200 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85004
Salary: $48,465.00 - $56,453.00 Annually
Grade: 20
Closing Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026
Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES) we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals who are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov or click on the link here to view ‘Our DES’ video. Come Join the DES Team!
The Department of Economic Security (DES), Office of Inspector General (OIG), is seeking an experienced and highly motivated professional to join our team as a Senior Investigator. This position investigates allegations of fraud and abuse related to DES programs and services, and allegations of misconduct by clients, employees, contractors, vendors, and providers. Additionally, the OIG conducts administrative and criminal investigations regarding benefits fraud by partnering with federal, state and local law enforcement.
This position may be available for remote work within Arizona, with two days per week in the office or hoteling station.
The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Review and research records, policies, procedures, online investigative resources, public information sources, and coordinate with other investigative agencies to gather information and evidence related to fraud allegations.
• Conduct field investigations; interview suspects and witnesses; prepare and serve subpoenas; perform surveillance; and collect evidence to support or refute fraud claims.
• Maintain and organize investigative records in accordance with established chain-of-custody procedures.
• Analyze evidence and case materials to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with investigative standards.
• Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive reports that present complex information and fully document all relevant facts, including both inculpatory and exculpatory evidence.
• Prepare prosecution reports, organize evidence, and refer cases to the Attorney General’s Office or county prosecutors for potential legal action.
• Attend and provide testimony at administrative hearings, grand jury proceedings, and other legal forums as required.
• Participate in team meetings, training, and collaborative efforts; provide support to other investigators as needed.
| Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs): |
Knowledge of:
• Intelligence gathering and crime analysis methods, including statistical research, data analysis, and probability modeling.
• Data collection, analysis, and dissemination principles; proficiency with Microsoft Office and investigative technologies.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and trends, including Arizona statutes and Administrative Code.
• Relevant local, state, and federal programs and resources supporting investigations.
• Investigative and analytical tools, including relational databases, GIS, mapping techniques, and evidence-handling procedures.
Skills in:
• Conduct complex data analysis and synthesize information from multiple sources to support investigations.
• Leading or performing advanced investigations and evaluating processes to improve efficiency and outcomes.
• Developing and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external partners.
• Producing clear, concise, and comprehensive reports, including visual data representations (e.g., charts, maps, graphs).
• Utilizing link analysis and other investigative software, delivering research findings and presentations.
Ability to:
• Communicate effectively and persuasively, both orally and in writing, including presenting investigative findings.
• Conduct fact-finding research, utilize advanced problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to complex investigative matters.
• Manage multiple cases or projects, prioritize workloads, and meet deadlines, and organize and maintain all case and project files.
• Analyze, interpret, and integrate complex information with a high degree of accuracy.
• Establish and maintain effective professional relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Maintain a valid Arizona driver’s license.
The ideal candidate for this position will have:
• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice studies or a related field or any equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been achieved.
• Protective Services or investigations experience and/or Bilingual is highly desired.
| Pre-Employment Requirements: |
• This position may require driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.
• Employees shall obtain and maintain a valid Level One fingerprint clearance card that meets DES requirements for a Level One card pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute 41-1969.
• Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child.
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.
Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by the State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page
State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the state-sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.
On or shortly after your first day of work, you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines, and effective dates.
For questions about this career opportunity, please contact Shannon Anguiano (480) 876-0851 or email ShannonAnguiano@azdes.gov.
The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation, such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format, by contacting Shannon Anguiano (480) 876-0851 or email ShannonAnguiano@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.