Investigator

California Department of Health Care Services; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 71,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Holidays & leave

Retirement plan

Savings plan

Job summary

The Investigator role at the California Department of Health Care Services focuses on full and complete criminal and civil investigations into Medi-Cal fraud and related programs. Investigators are peace officers under California law and perform duties similar to other officers, often in field settings.

The position emphasizes statewide travel, field operations, and the ability to analyze facts under pressure.

Qualifications

• Investigative experience with criminal and/or administrative investigations.
• Willingness to conduct field work and interact with the public in a variety of settings.
• Possession of a POST Basic certificate or completion of a POST certified basic academy within the past two years.

Responsibilities

• The Investigator conducts full and complete criminal/civil investigations into allegations of fraud against Medi-Cal and other DHCS programs.
• Travel statewide for field assignments and in-field duties.
• Carry a firearm and maintain concealment while performing investigative duties as a peace officer.

Skills

Investigative experience

Field work

POST Basic certificate

Education

POST Basic certificate

Job description

Why Join DHCS?

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is the backbone of California’s health care safety net. Our success is made possible by the hard work of more than 4,800 DHCS team members and through collaboration with the federal government and other state agencies, counties, and partners for the care of low-income families, children, pregnant women, older adults, and persons with disabilities. This is an exciting opportunity to join our diverse team in the following role. If you are interested in joining our team...

About the Role

The Investigator conducts full and complete criminal/civil investigations into allegations of fraud perpetrated against the California Medical Assistance Program (Medi-Cal) and other programs under the review of the Department of Health Care Services. All Investigators, Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), are peace officers under California Penal Code, Section 830.3(h) which performs investigative duties comparable to other peace officers.

DHCS Audits & Investigations (A&I) Division utilizes a field based investigative model which requires investigative staff to leave directly and return to their residences or secured parking location for field assignments at the beginning and at the end of each work day; investigative staff are provided state law enforcement vehicles to perform their field duties, and although A&I maintains regional field offices, investigative staff spend a minimum of 90 percent of their assignments in the field, and only come to their assigned office to accomplish those tasks which cannot be completed in the field.

• During the course of their employment, they are required to carry a firearm and be proficient in its use.
• Maintain a neat personal appearance and wear plain clothes while maintaining firearm concealment.
• Ability to analyze situations accurately, draw valid conclusions, and take an immediate and effective course of action during stressful or adverse conditions.
• Willingness to travel throughout the state of California based on business needs; gather and analyze facts and evidence; reason logically, draw valid conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations; recognize and respect diversity through words and actions; effectively investigate allegations of misconduct pursuant to departmental policy; treat all people with respect and in an unbiased and unprejudiced manner.

This recruitment has been posted for more vacancies than currently exist as it may be used to fill additional identical vacancies which occur within 180 days of the closing date of this bulletin. At least one position(s) require(s) fluency in a bilingual language. If the State of California does not have a current record documenting your fluency in this language, you will be required to successfully pass an approved language fluency test prior to being hired.

It is critical to review the Classification Specifications to determine if you will meet the minimum qualifications (MQ’s). Please make note of the Education and Experience requirements for the classification.

A&I is seeking a candidate to join as an Investigator. Please direct all questions to the hiring unit contact listed in this job posting.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a Drug Screening be passed prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) Psychological Evaluation clearance prior to being hired.

Minimum Requirements

• INVESTIGATOR

Desirable Skills

• Investigative experience with criminal and/or administrative investigations.
• Willingness to conduct field work and interaction with the public in a variety of settings.
• Possession of a POST Basic certificate or completion of a POST certified basic academy within the past two years.

Benefits

• Continuous and ongoing training
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program activities
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Medical, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid Holidays and vacation/leave
• Defined retirement program
• Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
• Medical/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
• Candidates may have an opportunity to receive bilingual pay, contingent they meet CalHR requirements
• Qualified candidates may be eligible to receive educational incentive

Pay Differential

Pay Differential 014 – Additional compensation each month for use of Bilingual skills.

Position Details

• Job Code # : JC-530208
• Position #(s) : 806-307-8610-XXX
• Working Title : Investigator
• Classification : INVESTIGATOR
• Salary : $6,339.00 - $10,609.00
• Minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable for new to State candidates.
• # of Positions : Multiple
• Work Location : San Diego County
• Telework : Hybrid
• Job Type : Permanent, Full Time

Telework and Salary Information

This position is currently eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and is subject to change consistent with DHCS’ Telework Program and Government Code sections 14200 – 14203. Telework is available to California residents, and proof of residency may be required. Business travel may be required, and reimbursement considers an employee’s designated office and residence subject to regulations and bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the reporting location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate. The DHCS office location for this position is San Diego.

Salary: Effective July 1, 2025, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the temporary Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee receive a temporary reduction in pay in exchange for PLP 2025 leave credits. The temporary salary reduction percentage and the number of PLP 2025 leave credits are based on the position’s associated bargaining unit. The salary range(s) included in this job advertisement do not include the temporary salary reduction. Please reach out to the hiring unit contact listed on this job advertisement for details.

Contact Information

• Hiring Unit Contact : Brandi Derouin
• Phone : [phone]
• Email : [e-mail]

• EEO Contact : EEO Officer
• Phone : [phone]
• Email : [e-mail]

• California Relay Service : 1-800-735-2929 (TTY)
• 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation. It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Final Filing Date

9/11/2026