Investigator

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

Job summary

The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is seeking an Investigator to conduct full and complete criminal/civil investigations into fraud against Medi-Cal and related programs. DHCS investigators are peace officers under California law and perform duties similar to other peace officers.

Role involves field-based work with travel throughout California, a requirement to carry a firearm, and ongoing background clearance.

Qualifications

• Experience conducting criminal or administrative investigations.
• Willingness to perform field work across California.
• Must meet background and training requirements as described in the job posting.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive investigations of fraud against Medi-Cal and related programs.
• Collect evidence, analyze information, and prepare findings.
• Coordinate with law enforcement and program partners as needed.

Skills

Investigative experience

Field work willingness

Communication

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.

Job Description And Duties

About this 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 coming 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.

If you are interested in this position, 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.

Minimum Requirements

• INVESTIGATOR

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #: JC-533944

Position #(s): 806-301-8610-XXX

Working Title: Investigator

Classification: INVESTIGATOR

$6,339.00 - $10,609.00

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions: Multiple

Work Location: Sacramento County

Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

DHCS’ purpose is to provide equitable access to quality health care leading to a healthy California for all.

DHCS is a dynamic organization with ambitious goals and talented, committed employees. We work hard every day to fulfill our vital responsibility to support the delivery of quality health care to Californians. DHCS is committed to addressing disparities within our organization and in our communities through efforts toward greater diversity, equity, and inclusion. This is accomplished, in part, by a commitment toward employing a diverse workforce that reflects the many communities we serve, and by promoting and enforcing equal employment opportunity.

Take a look at some of DHCS' recent projects and happenings that our Department has accomplished in the DHCS Newsroom.

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.

Successful candidates are required to submit to a background investigation process, including mandatory electronic fingerprinting via the California Department of Justice (DOJ) Live Scan system. The final candidate must successfully pass a criminal history background check before final appointment can be made.

Simple Application Steps

• Review the education and experience minimum qualifications (MQ’s) of the Investigator Classification: Investigator . See the Minimum Requirements section above.
• Complete the state application.
• Submit your application package with all required documents - see the "Required Application Package Documents" section below.
• Once you have applied, take the Investigator Exam

Individuals who claim eligibility must have a reachable placement on the appropriate certification list for a classification they apply to.

This position is eligible for an Automatic Hiring Above Minimum salary of $6,974.

Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application. Final Filing Date: 11/12/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included.

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Health Care Services

Mailing

Attn: Certification Technician JC-533944

M.S. 1300

P.O. Box 997411

Sacramento , CA 95899-7411

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Health Care Services

Drop-Off

Certification Section JC-533944

1501 Capitol Avenue, Suite 71.1501

Sacramento , CA 95814

Monday – Friday (excluding holidays)

08:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

This position requires the incumbent to maintain consistent and regular attendance; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, when interacting with others; develop and maintain knowledge and skills related to specific tasks, methodologies, materials, tools, and equipment; complete assignments in a timely manner; and adhere to departmental policies and procedures regarding attendance and conduct.

Desirable skills include

• 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)

Additionally, as a team member of the State of California, you may be eligible for many benefits, such as:

• 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

Full benefits information can be found on CalHR's California State Civil Service Employee Benefits Summary

DHCS 2023-2027 Strategic Plan provides more information about our commitment to serving Californians and organizational excellence.

We need your help! Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief optional survey: SurveyMonkey link . This survey is not required to be considered for this position.

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Hiring Unit Contact

James Sigl

[phone]

[e-mail]

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact

EEO Officer

[phone]

[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.

Telework and Salary Information

Telework: This position is currently designated as a field-based position that regularly conducts site visits and interacts with health care partners, providers, or others.

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 Sacramento

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.

Additional Information

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.

Paper applications must include a signature. Dates printed on envelopes by mobile barcodes or equivalent mobile print technology are not acceptable proof of the date the application and any other required documents or materials were filed.

Applicants must state their basis of eligibility (List Eligibility, Lateral Transfer, Reinstatement, T&D, or Surplus/SROA), and the Job Control (JC) number and/or position number in the “Examination(s) or Job Title(s), For Which You Are Applying” section on the STD. 678. Surplus/SROA candidates should submit a copy of their letter with their application. Please remove any confidential information (i.e., social security number, date of birth, etc.) as well as any information regarding your LEAP eligibility and/or exam scores from your documents prior to submission.

All information on the Employment Application (STD 678) must be completed. Applicants should include all employment history on the Employment Application (STD 678), including detailed job descriptions, hours worked per week, and start/end dates (MM/DD/YYYY). Resumes or other documents may not be substituted for the Employment Application (STD 678).

If applying electronically, please note that CalCareers no longer allows applicants to withdraw their applications. If you need assistance to withdraw your application, please contact the Recruitment Section at [e-mail]. For all other questions regarding your CalCareer account, please contact CalHR’s CalCareers Unit at [phone] or [e-mail].

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.