Purpose of the Job
We require an experienced and accredited counter fraud specialist/investigator with knowledge and experience of working within a local authority, focusing on tenancy/housing fraud. The person appointed will need 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 will work as part of a wider ‘volume’ investigation team and support/develop junior officers. They will be part of the Volume Team leadership. Flexible with working hours, hybrid setup, ability to work from home or office, monthly office meetings and travel across the county.
The Shared Anti-Fraud Service (SAFS) provides a prevention and investigation resource to partner councils and stakeholders in areas of external and internal fraud, including staff disciplinary cases. The Senior Fraud Investigator will undertake investigations in non-benefit and corporate fraud in a proportionate, efficient and effective manner, complying with all procedures and legislative requirements.
They will monitor progress of investigations, ensure quality reports to external partners, provide regular updates to senior management, take on complex investigations not suited to L9 or L10 investigators, support HR in disciplinary investigations, maintain relationships with partner councils, identify savings and additional income, and secure best outcomes for client resources.
Main Areas of Responsibility
* Conduct formal tape-recorded interviews under caution with suspects and witnesses, in accordance with current legislation and Codes of Practice.
* Conduct witness interviews and take statements following current legislation and Codes of Practice.
* Undertake static and/or mobile surveillance as required, using covert equipment where appropriate, in line with current legislation and Codes.
* Undertake unscheduled visits and out-of-office work as required by guidelines and procedures.
* Gather, record and securely retain evidence relating to an investigation, in accordance with legislation and Codes of Practice.
* Maintain a high-standard record of each investigation and produce appropriate and timely reports.
* Recommend cases appropriate for prosecution and prepare supporting documentation, representing the Council at Court when required.
* Maintain up-to-date working knowledge of criminal and civil law, prosecution, court procedures and client disciplinary procedures.
* Initiate and maintain liaison with police, other law enforcement agencies, legal departments and prosecuting Counsel.
* Prepare paperwork to assist internal and external agencies in prosecutions.
* Commit to and undertake personal continuing professional development.
* Investigate complex, larger and serious fraud cases independently and bring them to conclusion in a timely manner.
* Identify partnership working opportunities with other Local Authorities arising from fraud cases.
* Demonstrate proactive awareness of legislative developments and feedback to team members.
* Participate in preventive work of SAFS by raising awareness of fraud, training employees and advising on improvements.
* Supervise staff, act as a mentor, support new team members using set procedures and guidelines.
* Review working practices, service quality and develop proposals for new procedures.
* Serve summonses, attend court, give evidence, attend disciplinary boards, review boards or appeal tribunals as appropriate.
* Represent the service at meetings with other departments and services.
* Assist in statistical data quality, ensuring accurate and timely submission.
* Assist junior officers in progression of cases, interview and sanction proceedings.
* Represent the Service on service issues involving members of the public, external agencies and other Council departments.
* Respond to enquiries from elected Members and undertake correspondence relating to the work of the section, including complaints, Ombudsman enquiries, legal actions and council duties.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Be educated to A Level or equivalent.
* Have a recognised accredited counter fraud qualification or professional Diploma in Investigation Management.
* Be a member of the Government Counter Fraud Profession.
Knowledge
* At least 2 years of experience of fraud or similar criminal/civil/disciplinary investigations and fully completed professional qualifications including ACFS/ACFM/PIP/ACFE.
* Understanding of all investigative legislative requirements, financial regulations and procedures.
* Understanding of key anti-fraud and corruption controls.
* Ability to locate and apply technical information to design fraud prevention and detection techniques.
* Proactive approach to identifying, applying and communicating new technical knowledge and legislative issues.
* Ability to deal with complex, contentious and confidential issues and communicate to stakeholders.
* Generate workable ideas to overcome problems and improve performance within guidelines.
* Prioritise a complex workload and carry out investigations in accordance with council policy, procedures and timescales, predicting implications and planning ahead.
* Experience of delivering change and innovation where performance and continuous improvement are central.
* Experience of working with statutory bodies to ensure compliance with legislation.
Skills
* Conduct interviews in accordance with PACE Codes of Practice.
* Analyse, prepare and present evidence at interviews and in court.
* Monitor and manage a caseload of investigation cases and meet deadlines.
* Deliver training on fraud awareness.
* Analyse sampling and data matching.
* Build relationships with other agencies and contacts.
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