PUBLIC AID INVESTIGATOR TRAINEE

at Department of Human Services in Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Position Overview

The Division of Family and Community Services is seeking to hire a position that conducts complex thorough overt and covert field investigations relating to Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) fraud; conducts field visits in order to interview and obtain statements from various parties, including but not limited to clients, former clients, vendors, providers, neighbors, employers, relatives, etc.; coordinates and participates in cooperative investigative and/or prosecutorial efforts with State’s Attorneys and other federal and state law enforcement agencies; provides guidance and/or assistance to investigative staff in trainee status; and testifies in civil and criminal proceedings.

• Participates in an on-the-job training program designed to provide thorough working knowledge of investigative procedures utilized by senior investigative staff of the agency.


• Receives instruction in the successful conduct of thorough field investigations of reported or suspected situations of malfeasance or fraudulent activity involving the eligibility of applicants, clients and former clients, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) trafficking, vendor irregularities, etc.


• Receives instruction and personal experience in interviewing and obtaining statements and evidence from neighbors, relatives, employers, and others familiar with the situation under investigation.


• Learns to represent the agency in liaison with federal and state prosecutors, as well as law enforcement agencies and local office staff.


• Testifies in court proceedings and hearings as to facts and evidence obtained in cases investigated.


• Develops and maintains working knowledge of agency policy and procedures, as well as applicable state and federal laws and regulations.


• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

• Requires a bachelor’s degree with major coursework in law enforcement, criminal justice or related fields OR requires an associate degree with major coursework in law enforcement, criminal justice, or related field, and four (4) years of experience in investigative work such as detective, administrative, civil, or criminal investigations, licensing/certification investigations, worker’s compensation investigations, etc.

• Three (3) years of professional experience working with policies, procedures and state and federal laws pertaining to public assistance.


• Two (2) years of professional experience working with investigative methods, techniques, and procedures.


• Two (2) years of professional experience compiling and summarizing data and preparing records and reports in a clear and concise format.


• Two (2) years of professional experience in developing and maintaining collaborative and cooperative working relationship with private and public organizations.


• Two (2) years of professional experience working with court procedures, practices, and rules of evidence.


• Two (2) years of professional experience applying and interpreting laws and regulations relating to public assistance.

• Requires possession of a valid driver’s license.


• Requires ability to pass the Federal Tax Information Access background check.


• Requires the ability to work a flexible work schedule.


• Requires ability to travel statewide in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate, to conduct investigations.