SENIOR INVESTIGATOR

Arizona State Government; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ASRS retirement

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Job summary

Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) seeks multiple Senior Investigators for temporary positions in Phoenix. You will lead investigations into fraud and misconduct involving DES programs, conduct fieldwork, interview suspects, prepare subpoenas, and present findings to legal authorities.

Ideal candidates have strong analytical and investigative skills, experience in data analysis, and the ability to produce clear oral and written reports.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice studies or a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Protective Services or investigations experience

Responsibilities

• Review records, policy, procedures, and information sources to obtain evidence of fraud.
• Conduct field investigations, interview suspects and witnesses, prepare subpoenas, and gather evidence.
• Maintain investigation records with proper chain of evidence procedures.
• Produce high quality reports and present facts clearly and concisely.
• Attend administrative hearings and testify as needed.
• Prepare prosecution reports and coordinate with AG's office or county authorities.
• Attend Grand Jury hearings and related proceedings.
• Participate in meetings and training as required.

Skills

Intelligence gathering

Crime analysis

Data analysis

Report writing

Link analysis software

GIS tools

Investigations

Oral and written communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field

Tools

GIS software

Relational databases

Data analysis software

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.

SENIOR INVESTIGATOR

(Temporary Positions)

Job Location:

Office of Inspector General (OIG)
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Posting Details:

Salary: $48,465 - $53,851

Grade: 20

Closing Date: October 2, 2026

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! DES is seeking several experienced and highly motivated individuals to join our team as a Senior Investigator. These positions will serve as Temporary positions. This role will investigate allegations of fraud and abuse related to DES programs and services, and allegations of misconduct by clients, employees, contractors, vendors, and providers. Additionally, the OIG conducts administrative and criminal investigations regarding benefits fraud by partnering with federal, state and local law enforcement. In-State travel will be required within the State of Arizona based on the needs of the position and the agency.

Job Duties:

• Reviewing and researching records, policy, procedures, investigative online resources, public information sources, and networking with other investigative agencies to obtain information and evidence relating to allegations of fraud.
• Conducting field investigations, interviewing suspects and witnesses, composing, preparing and serving subpoenas, conducting surveillance and gathering evidence to prove or disprove the claim of fraud.
• Analyzing, organizing and maintaining investigation records to ensure the proper chain of evidence procedures are followed.
• Producing high quality reports; presenting complex technical matters clearly and concisely and presenting all the facts and evidence of the case, both inculpatory and exculpatory.
• Attending and testifying at administrative hearings regarding intentional program violations and overpayments.
• Composing prosecution reports, analyzing and organizing evidence, preparing cases to refer to the Attorney General's office or county prosecution authorities.
• Attending Grand Jury Hearings and other criminal proceedings to testify and present the facts of the case.
• Attending unit, division and one on one meetings with supervisor, attending trainings and assisting other investigators as needed.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Intelligence gathering and crime analysis processes
• Methods and techniques of statistical research, analysis, and probability modeling
• Principles of data collection, collation, analysis and dissemination
• Microsoft Office applications
• Applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and trends in the area of assignment
• Local, State and Federal programs and resources in area of assignment
• Arizona statutes and Administrative Code
• Software used for data analysis and investigations
• Relational databases, Geographical Information Software (GIS) tools, and mapping techniques
• Evidence handling procedures

Skills In:

• Performing statistical research and analysis
• Reviewing and analyzing data and information from multiple sources to extract facts
• Crime analysis or investigations
• Reviewing and evaluating activities and developing effective methods for improvement
• Establishing effective working relationships, both internal and external to the Department
• Preparing clear, concise, and accurate oral and written reports
• Generating reports, maps, charts, graphs, and other visual aids
• Using link analysis software, or other data analysis and investigation software
• Research and presentations

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively and accurately, both orally and in writing
• Conduct fact finding research
• Utilize problem solving techniques
• Organize data into logical formats for presentation in reports, documents and other written materials
• Organize and maintain case/project files
• Prioritize tasks or projects to meet deadlines
• Perform detailed work with a high degree of accuracy
• Integrate and interpret complex information
• Establish effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• Maintain a valid Arizona Driver's License
• Travel within the State of Arizona

Selective Preference(s):

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice studies or a related field or any equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.
• Protective Services or investigations experience

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• Employee shall have a valid Level One fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute 41-1758.07 in order to work with children and vulnerable adults.
• Must obtain ACJIS Terminal Operator Certification within 30 days of hire and maintain certification throughout the course of this assignment with the unit.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
• 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.
• This position may require driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: 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).

Benefits:

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

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. 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 us at 480-536-3791 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 480-536-3791 or [e-mail]. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.