Class Code:  00697

90697

 

IOWA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES –

HUMAN RESOURCES ENTERPRISE

 

INVESTIGATOR 3

 

DEFINITION

Exercises limited peace officer responsibilities under Chapter 10A or Chapter 212, or Chapter 99 of the Code of Iowa, or coordinates a statewide investigation program, in performing a variety of general and criminal investigative work involving planning, fact-finding and reporting; performs related duties as required.

 

The Work Examples and Competencies listed are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be the primary basis for position classification decisions.

 

WORK EXAMPLES

Investigates reported and suspected violations of state and federal laws and rules; determines whether probable cause exists for action.

Conducts or assists other Investigators in the investigation of potential fraud or overpayment situations perpetrated by clients, recipients, employers, agency staff or service providers; provides the facts and evidence required to obtain recoupment of overpayments and to determine if fraud has occurred.

Coordinates a statewide investigation program involving accountability for budget and records management activities indicating the status and disposition of funds, and cases investigated.

Analyzes complaints, allegations, benefit records from other states and audit referrals; determines the scope, timing and direction of an investigation; identifies the issues involved and the types of evidence needed to comply with state and federal rules of evidence.

Gathers information through fact-finding interviews with witnesses, clients, recipients, staff, employers and service providers, subpoena of records, covert investigations, and surveillance; documents and verifies the accuracy and authenticity of evidence for use in administrative hearings and criminal trials.

Coordinates investigations with law enforcement agencies, regulatory agencies and other relevant entities; presents cases to prosecutors within the proper venue.

Acts as a resource person to law enforcement agencies with the application and execution of arrest and search warrants.

Testifies at proceedings of administrative, district court, grand jury and other hearings to present facts and evidence bearing on cases investigated.

Conducts internal audits, administrative review and special investigations to maintain internal security within an agency.

Prepares detailed records and reports on the status and disposition of cases, including overpayment and fraud, statistics on recoupment of funds, prosecutions, pending cases and other dispositions of cases.

 

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

Knowledge of the basic principles and techniques of investigation including areas such as interviewing, fact-finding, accessing data sources, surveillance, or covert investigations.

Knowledge of what constitutes a violation of the applicable criminal statute, and the state and federal laws, rules and regulations governing state/federally funded programs and related confidentiality and Privacy Act laws.

Knowledge of the functions, jurisdiction and relationships between other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and the need to share information with them concerning cases for which they have primary responsibility.

Knowledge of court and administrative hearing procedures and practices and rules of evidence as they apply to the specific type of investigation being conducted.

Ability to plan, organize and conduct thorough and complete investigations and to adapt investigative methods, techniques and procedures to specific situations.

Ability to observe and record facts accurately about persons, objects and events.

Ability to compile and summarize data and prepare records and reports of facts in a clear, logical and objective manner.

Ability to apply and interpret state and federal laws, rules and regulations relating to specific state/federal programs for which investigations are conducted.

Ability to testify in court and administrative hearings as to the investigative findings in an accurate, credible, and professional manner.

Ability to understand and analyze business, commercial, industrial and agency records relative to the specific program areas for which an investigation is being conducted.

Ability to assess the credibility of the information/evidence collected during an investigation.

Ability to develop and use investigative techniques and procedures involving surveillance, cover investigations and fact-finding.

Ability to operate and utilize computerized data based systems containing law enforcement information and information databases.

Ability to identify issues which require proactive solutions.

Ability to adapt own approach to changing situations and to change or easily accept changes in own organization or job requirements.

Ability to keep own emotions under control and restrain negative behaviors when provoked or when working under conditions of stress.

Skill in problem solving.

Displays high standards of ethical conduct.  Exhibits honesty and integrity.  Refrains from theft-related, dishonest or unethical behavior.

Works and communicates with internal and external clients and customers to meet their needs in a polite, courteous, and cooperative manner.  Committed to quality service.

Displays a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently.  Works with minimal supervision.  Demonstrates responsible behavior and attention to detail.

Responds appropriately to supervision.  Follows policy and cooperates with supervisors.

Aligns behavior with the needs, priorities and goals of the organization.

Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity.  Fosters commitment and team spirit.

Expresses information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information.  Listens to others and responds appropriately.

 

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with major course work in law enforcement, corrections, criminology, police science, accounting, finance or law and experience equal to two years of full-time work in law enforcement, corrections or criminal investigation;

OR

graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in an area not listed above and experience equal to three years of qualifying work;

OR

a combination of education and experience, substituting one year of qualifying full-time experience for each thirty semester hours of general college or university coursework;

OR

employees with current continuous experience in the State executive branch that includes experience equal to twelve months of full-time work as an Investigator 1 or 2, or in a comparable position involving investigative work experience.

 

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

Applicants for positions in the Department of Inspections and Appeals must undergo a background investigation which includes a criminal history check and a dependent adult and child abuse registry check.

 

NOTE

As required for entry into the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy for designated positions, successful applicants must be of good moral character as determined by a thorough background investigation and not have been convicted of a felony or a crime of moral turpitude; applicants must be a United States citizen.

 

NOTE

Some positions may require a valid driver’s or chauffeur’s license.

 

SELECTIVE CERTIFICATION

For designated positions, the Appointing Authority, with Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise prior approval, may request those applicants possessing a minimum of twelve semester hours of education, six months of experience, or a combination of both, or a specific certificate, license, or endorsement in the following areas:

 

113       criminal investigation (a law enforcement agency)

866       ability to speak, read and write Spanish fluently

 

For designated positions, the Appointing Authority, with Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise prior approval, may request those applicants who have completed the following:

 

111       law enforcement academy graduate

 

Applicants wishing to be considered for such designated positions must list applicable course work, experience, certificate, license, or endorsement on the application.

 

Effective Date:      7/08    DF