DSHS OOS Investigator 2

DSHS OOS

- Investigator 2 The Department of Social and Health Services is seeking an Investigator 2 to join the Office of Fraud and Accountability which is a Limited Authority Law Enforcement Agency ( Washington Law

RCW 10.93.020

) . This position has a duty station at the Columbia River Community Services Office located in Vancouver and mostly serves a two-hour commuting radius for investigating. OFA offers flexible working hours and hybrid schedules allowing for some teleworking options. In this position, you will conduct impartial and complex investigations into alleged public assistance fraud within the Fraud Early Detection program. These investigations help ensure that public funds and benefits are used appropriately and support the department's mission to protect the integrity of essential services. You will conduct field-based investigations into allegations involving theft, forgery, perjury, trafficking and unlawful receipt of public assistance benefits. Your work will include interviewing witnesses and suspects, gathering and analyzing evidence, checking EBT prohibited locations, and preparing clear, factual reports that can be used in administrative or court proceedings. You will complete investigations in accordance with the Office of Fraud and Accountability Investigative Guidelines and Procedures, applying sound judgment and professional ethics in every case. You will mostly work independently, carrying a diverse workload. Some of what you'll do: Conduct complex fraud investigations involving theft, forgery, perjury, and unlawful receipt of public assistance, including Fraud Early Detection (FRED) investigations. Investigate allegations related to Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) misuse, childcare fraud, and vendor or provider overbilling; collaborate with local, state, or federal agencies on multi-jurisdictional cases as needed. Perform detailed evidence analysis using database research, fieldwork, and interviews to identify program violations and support findings. Gather, evaluate, and preserve physical and documentary evidence in accordance with Office of Fraud and Accountability (OFA) procedures and Washington State law. Interview witnesses and suspects in various settings—including homes, community sites, and Community Services Offices (CSOs)—to obtain statements and conduct surveillance when necessary. Prepare and deliver clear, comprehensive investigative reports that support criminal or administrative actions and program integrity recommendations. Testify in administrative hearings or court proceedings and assist with preparation for legal actions related to investigations. Perform administrative duties including timekeeping, safety reporting, and calendar updates to support compliance and field safety protocols. Conduct prohibited EBT location checks in casinos, taverns, tattoo parlors and other prohibited locations. Who should apply? We are searching for professionals with: One year of experience as an Investigator 1 . OR Three years of experience conducting investigations with a criminal justice government agency, private organization, determining eligibility for government programs, or in another closely related field. OR Three years of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist determining eligibility for Food, Cash, Medical, or Child Care programs.

Note:

Two years of related college-level course work may be substituted for experience. Additional knowledge, skills and abilities we are looking for: Investigative skills: Ability to conduct thorough and objective investigations, including evidence collection, analysis and documentation.

Knowledge of laws and procedures:

Understanding of investigative principles, rules of evidence, chain of custody, and laws of search and seizure.

Analytical ability:

Skill in reviewing complex information and drawing logical, fact-based conclusions that support program integrity.

Interviewing skill:

Ability to question witnesses and suspects effectively and respectfully to obtain accurate, reliable information.

Program knowledge:

Familiarity with Washington's public assistance programs, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance and childcare assistance.

Written communication:

Capacity to produce clear, concise and well-organized investigative reports.

Verbal communication:

Ability to present information effectively to clients, coworkers, law enforcement and the courts.

Technology proficiency:

Competence using computers and office systems to access, analyze and document case information.

Adaptability:

Flexibility to manage shifting priorities, deadlines and field conditions while maintaining professionalism.

Safety awareness:

Commitment to field safety procedures, confidentiality and adherence to all departmental policies.

Confidence working independently:

Ability to work with little supervision while meeting performance expectations. Interested? Apply today! Please provide the following documents in order to be considered; failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position: A cover letter that highlights your interest as a candidate and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position. A current resume , detailing experience, and education. A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information. Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Peter Bonato at peter.bonato@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number # 03563 . The Department of Social and Health Services' (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency's vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security. More than Just a Paycheck! Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:

If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. Insurance Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state. Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts. To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website . The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs . Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses. Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction. The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees. Retirement and Deferred Compensation State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems ' web site. Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options. Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system. Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note:

Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information . Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave. Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. Vacation (Annual Leave) Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in

WAC 357-31-165

(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave. Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with

WAC 357-31-165

(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. As provided in

WAC 357-58-175

, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established

WAC 357-31-165.

Note:

Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave. Military Leave Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave. Additional Leave Leave Sharing Parental Leave Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits. Updated 01-07-2026