Social Services Investigator (HELP Program)

Monroe County, NY; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Monroe County in New York is seeking an investigator within the Human Services department to conduct research and investigations ensuring compliance with government assistance programs. Responsibilities include gathering evidence, statements, and financial records, and reporting to supervision.

The job may involve evening or weekend work and field assignments, supporting the Emergency Limited Placement Program to hire diverse permanent staff quickly without examinations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice or Police Science (or closely related field).
• Associate’s degree plus two years paid full-time or its part-time equivalent experience as a social services examiner or legal assistant, OR in conducting investigations, OR Associate’s degree plus three years of related experience.
• Four (4) years paid full time or part time equivalent experience as a social services examiner or legal assistant, OR in conducting investigations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and investigations to verify provider and beneficiary compliance with government assistance programs.
• Investigations may include establishing paternity, locating absent parents, or investigating violations by providers or beneficiaries.
• Gather evidence and documentation, including statements and personal records, and prepare reports for supervisors.
• Work may occur in office or field, during evenings, on weekends, or at irregular intervals.

Skills

Investigations

Evidence gathering

Legal research

Report writing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice or Police Science

Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice or Police Science

Paralegal institute certificate

Job description

Deadline: November 13, 2026 5:00pm

Salary: $55,248 - $67,295 annually

Agency/Dept.: Human Services

Description of Duties

This position involves research and investigation for verifying provider and beneficiary compliance with government assistance programs. Investigations may include establishing paternity, locating absent parents, or investigating alleged or suspected violations of government assistance programs by providers and/or beneficiaries. Duties include gathering evidence and documentation, including individuals' voluntary statements and personal financial records. The employee reports directly to and works under the general supervision of an administrator, legal counsel, or investigator of higher rank. Supervision of others is not a responsibility of this class. Work may be conducted in the office and/or field, during evenings, on weekends or at irregular intervals. Does related work as required.

HELP PROGRAM: Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Program. This program streamlines the appointment process to allow Monroe County to hire diverse, qualified permanent employees quickly and without examinations.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from high school or possession of an equivalency diploma, plus EITHER:

• A) Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice or Police Science or a closely related field; OR,
• (B) Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with an Associate's degree in Criminal Justice, Police Science, or from a paralegal institute; plus two (2) years paid full time or its part time equivalent experience as a social services examiner or legal assistant, OR in conducting investigations; OR,
• (C) Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with an Associate’s degree plus three (3) years of experience as defined in (B) above; OR,
• (D) Four (4) years paid full time or its part time equivalent experience as a social services examiner or legal assistant, OR in conducting investigations; OR,
• (E) Any equivalent combination of education and experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (B) above.