Office of Inspector General (OIG)
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix Arizona 85007

Salary: $64,350 to $78,650

Grade: 21

Closing Date: November 25, 2024

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!

DES is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Special Investigations Sergeant regarding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefit Trafficking Detection Unit. This position independently conducts, manages, and may assist other investigative staff with, complex and sensitive investigations into allegations of fraud and abuse related to DES programs and services, and allegations of misconduct by employees and contractors (vendors and providers), which may include other criminal activity perpetrated against or involving DES clients determined as vulnerable populations.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords flexibility, autonomy and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, 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:

• Leads complex and sensitive administrative and criminal investigations into allegations of misconduct, fraud and abuse related to DES programs and services.
• Obtains data and evidence from a variety of sources, and in a variety of formats, maintaining evidential integrity.
• Prioritizes collection of data, conducts interviews, interrogations, and surveillance, and maintains investigation records to ensure that the provenance of material is preserved.
• Assists Senior Investigators with conducting the most complex or complicated investigations, which may involve multiple DES Programs, external agencies, and suspects.
• Coordinate investigative efforts with other law enforcement entities while conducting joint investigations and participating in task forces.
• participate in other law enforcement activities including, but not limited to; preparation of injunctions against harassment and preparation of testimony and testifying during criminal trial and grand jury proceedings.

Knowledge of:
• Applicable federal, state, and local statutes, and Administrative Code
• Evidence and elements of crimes.
• Interview, interrogation, and investigative techniques and procedures.
• Practices and methods employed in criminal detection and investigation.
• DES policies and procedures,
• Evidence-handling procedures.
• Elements of criminal offenses under Federal, State, and local Statutes, and Administrative Code.

Skills In:
• Organization and time management.
• Maintaining composure and working effectively under stressful conditions.
• Collecting and maintaining data.
• Critical thinking and analysis.
• Creatively accessing information.
• Preparing clear, concise, and accurate oral and written reports.
• Investigations and interviews.

Ability to:
• Interpret and apply Federal, State, and local laws, rules, codes, ordinances, and regulations.
• Analyze and evaluate data and information.
• Make sound independent decisions based on available data and adopt appropriate courses of action.
• Communicate effectively and accurately, both orally and in writing.
• Prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
• Provide testimony.
• Perform detailed work with a high degree of accuracy.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Maintain a valid Arizona Driver's License.

This 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.
• Law enforcement, Protective Services or investigations experience is highly desired.
• Bilingual skills are highly desired.

• Each employee of the department who may have contact with children or vulnerable adults shall apply for and show proof of receipt of a valid fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to § 41-1758.07 or provide to the department documentation of the person's application for a fingerprint clearance card.
• Must obtain ACJIS Terminal Operator Certification within 30 days of hire and maintain certification throughout the course of this assignment with the unit.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
• 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.
• In-state travel is required. Driver’s License Requirements: Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).

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
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
• Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance

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 pilot 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 us Frank Topor at 480-536-3791 or OODHRstaffing@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 480-536-3791 at 480-536-3791 or OODHRStaffing@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.