Fraud Investigator

Under general direction, performs advanced professional investigative work involving allegations of employee misconduct, fraud, abuse, theft, ethics violations, misuse of City assets, procurement irregularities, payroll fraud, workers' compensation fraud, residency violations, conflicts of interest, and other violations of City policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable federal, state, and local laws. The Fraud Investigator is responsible for planning and conducting confidential administrative investigations; gathering and preserving evidence; interviewing complainants, witnesses, employees, contractors, and other involved parties; analyzing investigative findings; preparing comprehensive written reports; and presenting investigative conclusions and recommendations to City leadership. Work requires the exercise of independent judgment, discretion, objectivity, and sound investigative practices. Performs related work as required.

1. Conducts confidential administrative investigations involving allegations of employee misconduct, fraud, abuse, theft, ethics violations, conflicts of interest, residency violations, payroll and workers' compensation fraud, procurement irregularities, misuse of City assets, and other violations of City policies and applicable laws.
2. Plans and conducts investigations using accepted investigative practices.
3. Interviews complainants, witnesses, employees, contractors, supervisors, and other involved parties; obtains written statements and supporting documentation.
4. Collects, reviews, analyzes, and preserves documentary, financial, electronic, and physical evidence while maintaining proper chain of custody.
5. Reviews payroll, personnel, purchasing, financial, attendance, electronic communications, surveillance, GPS, and other records relevant to investigations.
6. Prepares comprehensive investigative reports documenting findings, evidence, conclusions, and recommendations.
7. Presents investigative findings to City leadership and coordinates investigations with legal counsel, law enforcement, regulatory agencies, and other governmental entities as appropriate.
8. Provides testimony during administrative hearings, arbitration proceedings, court proceedings, unemployment hearings, and other legal or administrative proceedings.
9. Recommends improvements to internal controls, policies, and procedures to reduce fraud and organizational risk.
10. Maintains strict confidentiality of investigative information and performs related work as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice, Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, Business Administration, Human Resources, Law Enforcement, or a closely related field.
• Three to five years of progressively responsible professional experience conducting fraud investigations, administrative investigations, internal investigations, compliance investigations, internal auditing, human resources investigations, law enforcement investigations, or other closely related investigative work.

Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.


NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT(S):

• Possession of a valid Michigan driver's license.

• Thorough knowledge of modern investigative principles, practices, and techniques.
• Thorough knowledge of administrative investigations involving employee misconduct and fraud.
• Knowledge of labor relations principles, collective bargaining agreements, employment law, and personnel practices.
• Knowledge of financial investigations and internal controls.
• Knowledge of evidence collection, documentation, preservation, and chain of custody requirements.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws governing employment, public records, ethics, and fraud investigations.
• Ability to objectively investigate sensitive and confidential matters.
• Ability to analyze complex information, identify inconsistencies, and draw sound conclusions.
• Ability to conduct effective interviews involving employees, management, complainants, and witnesses.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive investigative reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, department directors, employees, labor representatives, law enforcement agencies, and the public.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Ability to testify effectively during administrative and judicial proceedings.
• Ability to organize multiple investigations and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Ability to successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation.
• Ability to obtain and maintain access to confidential investigative systems and records.
• Must maintain strict confidentiality regarding investigative activities and information.