Special Investigator (General)

Special Investigator (General) Prevention & Health Promotion Division | Office/On-site Recruitment #260318-7804AR-001 Location Hartford, CT Date Opened 3/25/2026 12:00:00 AM Salary $72,758• - $91,881/year (•New State Employees Start at Minimum) Job Type Open to the Public Close Date 4/8/2026 11:59:00 PM

INTRODUCTION

Make a real impact. Protect youth. Strengthen community health. The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), Office of the Commissioner, is seeking a detail-oriented and mission-driven Special Investigator to join the Prevention and Health Promotion Division's Tobacco Prevention and Enforcement Program (TPEP). This is a key role dedicated to reducing youth access to tobacco and electronic nicotine delivery systems through retailer inspections and enforcement of state and federal laws.

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

Schedule:

Monday - Friday

Hours:

Full-time, 40 hours/week

Shift:

First shift, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Location:

410 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT

Travel:

Statewide travel required (field-based position)

WHAT WE OFFER

Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page Professional growth and development opportunities A healthy work/life balance to all employees Supportive, mission drive culture within DMHAS Opportunity to directly protect public health and support youth well-being

WHAT YOU WILL DO

As a Special Investigator, you will conduct statewide compliance inspections of tobacco and nicotine retailers, often working alongside trained Youth/Investigative Aides. Your work ensures businesses follow youth tobacco access laws and helps reduce early nicotine addiction.

Key responsibilities include:

Train and supervise Youth/Investigative Aides during field operations Conduct routine and targeted retailer inspections Perform undercover purchase inspections with trained Youth/Investigative Aides (ages 16-20) Document violations, secure evidence, and issue notices following established protocols Maintain accurate inspection logs, chain of custody records, and evidence storage Provide on-site education and distribute compliance materials to retailers Enter inspection results promptly into TPEP's data system Coordinate with state agencies, law enforcement, and licensing authorities to promote retailer compliance

MORE ABOUT THE AGENCY AND FACILITIES

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), is a health care agency whose mission is to promote the overall health and wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of holistic, comprehensive, effective, and efficient services and supports that foster dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency in those we serve. The Prevention and Health Promotion Division oversees programs that reduce youth access to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. The Division is responsible for compliance and enforcement of laws concerning youth access to tobacco and electronic nicotine delivery systems. Start with us! Stay with us! Grow with us!

Please note:

A comprehensive medical examination, including a drug screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment. All state employees must adhere to Connecticut's Policy for a Drug Free Workplace.

SELECTION PLAN FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING

Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process.

BEFORE YOU APPLY

Meet Minimum Qualifications:

 Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.

Educational Credits:

 List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting.

Resume Policy:

 Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position.

This documentation may include:

a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.

Preferred Shift/Location:

 Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.

Timely Submission:

 All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing 

DAS.SHRM

@ct.gov.

Salary Calculations:

For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.

Note:

The only way to apply to this posting is via the 'Apply' or 'Apply Online' buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

AFTER YOU APPLY

Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates—such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links—please check your Personal Status Board regularly. For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select "Update My Contact Information."

Referral Questions:

 This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire's expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).

Prepare For An Interview:

 Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression! Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks. The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.

Note:

This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.

QUESTIONS?

WE'RE

HERE TO HELP

Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Joseph K. Fried at Joseph.

Fried@ct.gov. Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS

(NATURE OF WORK) In a state agency or quasi-public entity this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks in conducting investigations related to alleged violations of state laws and regulations or sudden and unexplained deaths.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Conducts investigations related to assigned complaints, alleged violations of state laws and regulations or sudden and/or unexplained deaths; Interviews witnesses, complainants, medical and hospital personnel and others to obtain information; Secures evidence in form of statements, documents, records and exhibits which may be used in administrative hearings and/or court proceedings; Researches, collects and evaluates data; compiles information; Writes reports and recommends appropriate corrective action; answers public inquiries; May prepare affidavits and applications for arrest warrants; May prepare search and seizure warrants; May issue citations; May testify at hearings and in court; May conduct surveillance; May secure samples for testing; May conduct legal research; Performs related duties as required.

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Inspects, investigates and licenses private employment agencies.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH

Confers with consultants for professional opinion on standard of care; examines, analyzes and evaluates complex medical records.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Knowledge of investigatory methods and techniques; relevant state laws and regulations; relevant professional terminology; Skills interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; interviewing skills; Ability to utilize computer software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Five (5) years of investigatory experience in health care, insurance claims, law enforcement or a regulatory field.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

College training in consumer protection, health care, law enforcement or a closely related field may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree. A Master's degree in a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience. Successful completion of a Connecticut Careers Trainee program approved by the Department of Administrative Services may be substituted for the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience conducting investigations related to state and/or federal laws violations. Experience securing evidence in form of statements, documents, records and exhibits. Experience developing relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Experience training and working with youth workers.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Incumbents in this class may be required to be a Notary Public. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license. CONCLUSION