Apprentice Fraud Investigator Home Counties

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP); Folkestone; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK government department is seeking a Fraud Investigator to engage with customers and conduct investigations to reduce fraud in the benefit system. You will be responsible for gathering evidence, collaborating with various agencies, and ensuring legal compliance in criminal cases. The ideal candidate will have strong communication and research skills, along with the ability to adapt to changing business needs. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to important public services while maintaining a work-life balance.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills to interact with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality.
• Experience or knowledge of law enforcement procedures is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Request necessary evidence from designated sources for investigations.
• Collaborate with other departments like Local Authorities and Police.
• Conduct interviews and prepare prosecution cases.
• Attend court and give evidence in criminal cases.

Skills

Customer engagement

Research skills

Adaptability

Legal compliance knowledge

Team collaboration

Communication

Job description

Overview

Do you have an inquisitive mind? Do you enjoy engaging with customers? If so, we need you! The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is responsible for welfare, pensions and child maintenance policy and is responsible for helping people move into employment, supporting pensioners and protecting some of the most vulnerable in our society. Counter Fraud Compliance and Debt's (CFCD) aim is to drive down the level of fraud, error and debt within the benefit system, to protect the public purse. As part of CFCD you will be at the heart of DWP's efforts to reduce fraud and error in the benefit system. This is a hugely important public service, and our challenge is bigger than ever. If you want to join somewhere that recognises the importance of work-life balance, where you can learn new skills and progress your career, then CFCD is the place for you. As a Fraud Investigator, your work will change based on business needs, so adaptability and flexibility are essential.

Responsibilities

• Request necessary evidence from designated sources using Authorised Officer powers and the Operational Intelligence Service.
• Collaborate with other departments and organisations like Local Authorities, Police and HMRC within the framework of any existing partnership agreements.
• Research and gather information for investigations, ensuring it meets legal standards.
• Complete Requests for Information (RFIs) as needed.
• Record, retain, and review collected materials for criminal investigations for Disclosure purposes.
• Recommend next steps for action to Team Leaders for consideration.
• Conduct Interviews under Caution as per legal guidelines under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (England and Wales) and Common Law (Scotland).
• Prepare prosecution cases following Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and National File Standard guidance (England & Wales) and in line with Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service guidance in (Scotland).
• Attend court and give evidence in criminal cases and appeal tribunals.
• Maintain quality standards by following DWP policies and procedures, and CFCD operational instructions.
• Work effectively within a team and contribute to team goals.
• Promote fraud awareness within DWP and to external partners.
• Communicate confidently and professionally with internal staff and external agencies.

Disability Confident

Disability Confident

A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. In some recruitment situations, such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may limit the number of interviews offered.