DSHS OOS Investigator

Overview

The Department of Social and Health Services is seeking an Investigator 2 to join the Office of Fraud and Accountability (OFA), a Limited Authority Law Enforcement Agency (Washington RCW 10.93.020). This position has a duty station at the Tumwater Community Services Office and serves a two-hour commuting radius for investigations. OFA offers flexible working hours and hybrid schedules allowing for some telework options.

In this position, you will conduct impartial and complex investigations into alleged public assistance fraud within the Fraud Early Detection program. These investigations help ensure that public funds and benefits are used appropriately and support the department’s mission to protect the integrity of essential services.

You will conduct field-based investigations into allegations involving theft, forgery, perjury, trafficking and unlawful receipt of public assistance benefits. Your work will include interviewing witnesses and suspects, gathering and analyzing evidence, checking EBT restricted locations, and preparing clear, factual reports that can be used in administrative or court proceedings. You will complete investigations in accordance with the Office of Fraud and Accountability Investigative Guidelines and Procedures, applying sound judgment and professional ethics in every case.

You will mostly work independently, carrying a diverse workload.

• Conduct complex fraud investigations involving theft, forgery, perjury, and unlawful receipt of public assistance, including Fraud Early Detection (FRED) investigations.
• Investigate allegations related to Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) misuse, childcare fraud, and vendor or provider overbilling; collaborate with local, state, or federal agencies on multi-jurisdictional cases as needed.
• Perform detailed evidence analysis using database research, fieldwork, and interviews to identify program violations and support findings.
• Gather, evaluate, and preserve physical and documentary evidence in accordance with Office of Fraud and Accountability (OFA) procedures and Washington State law.
• Interview witnesses and suspects in various settings—including homes, community sites, and Community Services Offices (CSOs)—to obtain statements and conduct surveillance when necessary.
• Prepare and deliver clear, comprehensive investigative reports that support criminal or administrative actions and program integrity recommendations.
• Testify in administrative hearings or court proceedings and assist with preparation for legal actions related to investigations.
• Perform administrative duties including timekeeping, safety reporting, and calendar updates to support compliance and field safety protocols.
• Conduct prohibited EBT location checks in casinos, taverns, tattoo parlors and other prohibited locations.

• One year of experience as an Investigator 1.

OR

• Three years of experience conducting investigations with a criminal justice government agency, private organization, determining eligibility for government programs, or in another closely related field.

OR

• Three years of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist determining eligibility for Food, Cash, Medical, or Child Care programs.

Note:

Two years of related college-level coursework may be substituted for experience.

• Investigative skills:
  Ability to conduct thorough and objective investigations, including evidence collection, analysis and documentation.
• Knowledge of laws and procedures:
  Understanding of investigative principles, rules of evidence, chain of custody, and laws of search and seizure.
• Analytical ability:
  Skill in reviewing complex information and drawing logical, fact-based conclusions that support program integrity.
• Interviewing skill:
  Ability to question witnesses and suspects effectively and respectfully to obtain accurate, reliable information.
• Program knowledge:
  Familiarity with Washington’s public assistance programs, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance and childcare assistance.
• Written communication:
  Capacity to produce clear, concise and well-organized investigative…