Senior Fraud Investigator

Full Vacancy Description

Job Title:                              Senior Fraud Investigator

Purpose of the Job

We require an experienced and accredited counter fraud specialist/investigator with knowledge and experience of working within a local authority with a particular focus on tenancy/housing fraud.  The person appointed will need to be able to pick up a live caseload, develop relationships across various housing service teams,  have used the INCASE365 Case Management System, and be able to conduct and complete a full range of investigation activities including preparing summary reports for decisions by housing services and preparation of files for civil and criminal proceedings.

The person appointed will work as part of a wider ‘volume’ investigation team and will be required to support and develop more junior officers in that team. They will be part of the Volume Team leadership.

Very flexible with working hours, Hybrid working set up. Ability to work from home or office based if preferred, monthly meeting in the office would be required to attend. Would need ability to travel in the County to visit the client.

The Shared Anti-Fraud Service (SAFS) provides a prevention and investigation resource to a number of partner councils and stakeholders in areas of both external and internal fraud including staff disciplinary cases. The Service works for a number of different clients/partners across the Council and wider.

The Senior Fraud Investigator role exists to undertake investigations in relation to non-benefit and corporate fraud in a proportionate, efficient and effective manner, in compliance with all required procedures and legislative requirements.

Source of knowledge, advice and consultation for fraud investigators, support CFM in management of fraud investigation team and workload review.

Monitor progress of investigations

Ensure quality of reports that are sent to external partners

Provide regular updates to senior management team on case load and work pressures

Take on more complex investigations that may not be suited to L9 or L10 investigator

Support HR in disciplinary investigations for internal cases

Responsible for maintaining relationship with partner councils

To identify savings and additional income as a result of counter fraud work and secure the best outcome so that the clients’ resources are used effectively and efficiently ensuring value for money.

Main Areas of Responsibility

To undertake formal tape-recorded interviews under caution with suspects and witnesses in accordance with current legislation and Codes of Practice.

To conduct witness interviews and take statements in accordance with current legislation and Codes of Practice.

To undertake static and/or mobile surveillance as required, utilising covert equipment where appropriate, in accordance with current legislation and Codes of Practice.

To undertake unscheduled visits in line with guidelines where it is considered necessary to complete a full and proper assessment of the case. To undertake visits and out of office working as required in accordance with procedures.

To gather, record and securely retain evidence relating to an investigation in accordance with current legislation and Codes of Practice.

To maintain to a high standard a record of each investigation and produce appropriate and timely reports as appropriate.

To recommend which cases are appropriate for prosecution and ensure the necessary supporting documentation is prepared in accordance with legislative requirements and when required represent the Council at Court.

To maintain an up-to-date working knowledge of criminal and civil law, legal requirements, criminal investigation procedures, criminal prosecution, court procedures and client disciplinary procedures as appropriate.

To initiate and maintain liaison with police and other law enforcement agencies, other external agencies, legal departments and prosecuting Counsel where appropriate

To be responsible for preparing the appropriate and necessary paperwork to assist internal and external agencies undertaking prosecutions.

To be committed to and take responsibility for personal continuing professional development.

To have responsibility for investigating on own initiative complex, larger and more serious fraud cases bringing them to conclusion in a timely manner.

To have responsibility for identifying and putting in place partnership working opportunities with other Local Authorities arising from such fraud cases.

To demonstrate a pro-active awareness of developments and changes in legislation for implementation and feedback to team members.

To participate in the pro-active and preventative work of the Shared Anti-Fraud Service, by undertaking activity to raise awareness of fraud, train employees and managers in fraud risk areas and advise on solutions and improvements.

To have responsibility for staff supervision, acting as a mentor, supervising and supporting new team members using set procedures, guidelines and use of computer systems.

To review working practices and the quality of service provided and develop proposals for the introduction of new procedures.

To serve summonses, attend court, give evidence, attend disciplinary boards, review boards or appeal tribunals, all as appropriate and necessary.

To represent the service at meeting with other departments and services.

Any other duties as may be directed by departmental management provided, they fall within the scope and range indicated by the grade of the post

To be responsible for all data quality emanating from the Anti-Fraud team ensuring that all statistical information is submitted accurately and within specified time limits.

To assist in the development and delivery of pro-active anti-fraud activity, and to participate in training and awareness activities

To advise and liaise with Senior Managers and Members on the requirements of various laws, regulations and legislation relating to investigations.

To demonstrate a pro-active awareness of developments in the investigation domain including awareness of best practice and provide written reports on projects to implement change.

Where appropriate and duly authorised, take the lead on submission of cases to the prosecuting authorities, liaising with legal services, legal Counsel, police and the CPS as required and appearing as lead case officer for Council.

To assist junior officers in progression of cases and in interview and sanction proceedings

To represent the Service on Service issues involving members of the public, external agencies and other Council departments, including any necessary correspondence, interviews, or meetings.

To respond to enquiries from elected Members as required and undertake correspondence relating to the work of the section, including complaints, Ombudsman's enquiries, legal actions and the council's duties.

Person Specification

Qualifications:

Be educated to A Level or equivalent

Have recognised accredited counter fraud qualification or professional Diploma in Investigation Management.

Be a member of the Government Counter Fraud Profession.

Knowledge

Substantial, at least 2 years, experience of fraud or similar criminal/civil/ disciplinary investigations, and fully completed professional qualifications including ACFS/ACFM/PIP/ACFE.

Understanding of all investigation legislative requirements and financial regulations and procedures

Understanding key anti-fraud and corruption controls

Demonstrate where/how to find further technical information.

Demonstrate ability to apply new technical knowledge to design new fraud prevention and detection techniques.

Takes a proactive approach to identifying, applying and communicating new technical knowledge and legislative issues

Assist junior officers in progression of cases and in interview and sanction proceedings

Identify appropriate sanction and progress to full implementation. Lead on prosecution cases. Appear as lead case officer for Council.

To deal with complex and contentious and confidential issues, while having an awareness of council policy and be able to communicate this to stakeholders in a relevant format and level

Produce new and workable ideas to overcome problems and/or improve performance within existing guidelines

Able to prioritise a complex workload and carry out investigations in accordance with council policy, procedures and timescales. Predicts implications and anticipates situations on the basis of previous experience  or historical trends, using this information to plan ahead

Experience of working in a changing environment with requirements to produce original and innovative solutions to problems for which no present plan or procedure exists.

Can identify emerging risk areas an propose appropriate solutions.

Substantial knowledge and experience to deliver a service including demonstrable ability to self-motivate and motivate others to achieve business goals.

Experience of delivering change and innovation where performance and continuous improvement are central to service delivery.

Experience of dealing with Statutory Bodies to ensure compliance with legislation and ability to understand and apply relevant Regulations and Legislation.

Skills

Experience of conducting interviews in accordance with the PACE Codes of Practice. 

Experience of analysing, preparing and presenting evidence at interviews and in court.

Experience of monitoring and managing a caseload of investigation cases and meeting deadlines.

Ability to deliver training on fraud awareness.

Experience/knowledge of analysis sampling and data matching

Ability to work with other agencies and build relationships with contacts.

Possess good IT skills

Possess good numerical and written communication skills.

Be able to manage conflicting priorities.

Good planning, organisational and evaluation skills.

To be a determined, positive, supportive team member

To display high standards of behaviour at all times with appropriate discretion and sensitivity.

The jobholder is required to be able to work outside of standard working hours.

The jobholder is required to travel to sites across the county therefore regular access to a vehicle is required.

The job holder is required to be able to work at a variety of locations.

The duties and responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present.  The postholder is expected to accept any reasonable alterations that may from time to time be necessary.