APS INVESTIGATOR SENIOR

CareerArc; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team at the Department of Economic Security as an APS Investigator Senior, where you'll play a crucial role in safeguarding vulnerable adults from financial exploitation. This position involves investigating complex fraud cases, interviewing victims and witnesses, and collaborating with law enforcement to ensure justice. With a strong focus on community service and teamwork, you'll contribute to a mission that strengthens families and communities across Arizona. Enjoy a supportive work environment with opportunities for professional growth and a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes your well-being. If you're passionate about making a difference and have a background in social work or criminal justice, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Affordable medical insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Short-term disability insurance

Paid holidays

Vacation time

Paid parental leave

Sick time

Tuition reimbursement

Flexible schedules

Qualifications

• Knowledge of accounting principles and auditing financial records.
• Skill in conducting financial investigations and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Conduct financial investigations of fraud cases against vulnerable adults.
• Write detailed investigative reports and prepare for court testimonies.

Skills

Oral and written communication

Interviewing skills

Data analysis

Decision making under stress

Interpersonal relationship management

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Social Work

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Healthcare

Tools

Excel

Word

Google Suite

Job description

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Your Partner For A Stronger Arizona.

DES works with families, community organizations, advocates and state and federal partners to realize our collective vision: A thriving Arizona.

DES serves more than 3 million Arizonans. Our Mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life.

APS INVESTIGATOR SENIOR

Job Location:

Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS)
Adult Protective Services (APS) / Financial Exploitation Unit (FEU)
Address: 3150 East Union Hills Drive, Phoenix, Arizona 85050

Posting Details:

Salary: $21.5021 - 29.0866 hourly

Grade: 19

Closing Date: February 17, 2025

Job Summary:

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, Division of Aging and Adult Services, seeks an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as an APS Investigator Senior with the Financial Exploitation Unit. DAAS supports at-risk Arizonans to meet their basic needs and to live safely, with dignity and independence. Services and programs reach a diverse population of Arizonans.

You will investigate allegations of financial fraud and exploitation of vulnerable or incapacitated adults, 18 years of age or older. You interview victims, alleged perpetrators, witnesses, and collateral third parties to gather evidence and establish the chain of events leading to the alleged fraud/exploitation. You write detailed investigative reports. You may work with law enforcement and/or prosecutors to discuss findings as required.

Job Duties:

Essential duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1. Conduct financial investigations and data analysis of complex fraud and financial exploitation cases perpetrated against vulnerable adults.
2. Provide financial expertise in the investigation and aid in the prosecution of financial fraud cases.
3. Examine and audit public and third-party records for accuracy.
4. Uncover, analyze, and quantify financial data and testify concerning financial misrepresentation, omissions, and/or fraud in Adult Protective Service (APS) cases.
5. Gather, compile, and prepare a variety of investigative and financial reports.
6. Confer with the Arizona Attorney General's Office making recommendations, preparing exhibits, and attending court proceedings.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

1. Accounting principles, practices, and procedures and auditing financial records.
2. State statutes governing investigation of financial exploitation (Title 46-Welfare) and financial investigation techniques and methods.
3. Administrative hearing process.
4. General banking procedures and different forms of financial exploitation.

Skill in:

1. Oral and written communication including writing reports.
2. Interviewing to extract pertinent information.
3. Establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships.
4. Using a variety of computer software packages (e.g., Excel, Word, Google Suite, etc.).

Ability to:

1. Make appropriate decisions in high stress situations and exercise proper judgment and behavior.
2. De-escalate volatile situations.
3. Prepare documents for and testify at court or administrative venues.
4. Enter, retrieve and correct data from automated case management systems.

Selective Preference(s):

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

1. Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Rehabilitation, Healthcare, or closely related field OR
2. Three (3) years as an APS Specialist.
3. Experience in forensic accounting or criminal investigation of financial exploitation can substitute for APS Investigator experience.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

● 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).
● 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.
● Candidates for this position shall be subject to a search of both the Child Protective Services Central Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 8-804 and the Adult Protective Services Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 46-459.
● A.R.S. 41-1968 Each employee of the department who has contact with children or vulnerable adults shall have a valid, unrestricted Level One fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to section A.R.S. 41-1758.07.
● All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
● Flexibility in willingness to work longer shift hours or after-hours coverage, if necessary.

Benefits:

The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

1. Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans.
2. Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans.
3. 10 paid holidays per year.
4. Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years.
5. Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
6. Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly.
7. Deferred compensation plan.
8. Wellness plans.
9. Tuition Reimbursement.
10. Stipend Opportunities.
11. Infant at Work Program.
12. Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy.
13. Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities.
14. Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot programhere. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page.

Retirement:

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.

Contact Us:

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact Francine Halle at 602-723-2662 or [e-mail]

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 Francine Halle at 602-723-2662 or [e-mail]. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.