Integrity Investigator 2

About the role

Iowa Workforce Development is seeking a dedicated Investigator 2 within our UI Division, Integrity Bureau. We value professionals who bring a positive, solution focused attitude and thrive with community impacts. If you’re driven by mission, collaboration, and making a real impact, we encourage you to apply.

Position Details

• Location: 1000 E Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50319
• Schedule: Full-time | Monday – Friday | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Work Flexibility: Current practice allows teleworking and alternate work schedules after successful completion of probation and training.

Position Overview

Conduct investigations into suspected fraud, improper benefit payments, and overpayments; analyze evidence and issues determinations and administrative penalties in accordance with applicable laws and agency guidelines. Performs benefit payment crossmatch reviews, pursues overpayment recovery, and prepares fraud cases for prosecution.

Represent the agency at administrative hearings and court proceedings, coordinates with law enforcement and county attorneys, and monitors restitution and prosecution outcomes. Respond to inquiries, maintains accurate case documentation, and promotes effective communication and collaboration with claimants, employers, agency personnel, and community partners.

Fraud Investigation and Benefit Compliance

• Investigate suspected fraud, misrepresentation, and improper benefit payments.
• Analyze case information and evidence to make accurate, timely decisions in accordance with applicable laws and agency guidelines.
• Conduct interviews and gather information from claimants, employers, the public, law enforcement, county attorneys, and agency personnel.
• Maintain detailed daily investigation notes and document findings to support final determinations.
• Issue non-monetary determinations and administrative penalties related to fraud and overpayments.
• Issue subpoenas to obtain evidence and secure witness appearances when necessary.
• Conduct surveillance when appropriate and initiate fraud prosecution procedures when warranted.
• Represent the agency at administrative appeal hearings.
• Use the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program to verify immigration status.

Benefit Payment Crossmatch and Fraud Review

• Conduct crossmatch reviews of intrastate and interstate benefit claims to identify potential overpayments and fraud.
• Schedule and complete reviews within established timelines.
• Analyze findings to determine eligibility issues, improper payments, and potentially fraudulent activity.
• Issues accurate non-monetary determinations related to overpayments and fraud.
• Recommend cases for prosecution when warranted and follow up on disputed allegations.
• Ensure consistent, accurate, and timely case processing in accordance with agency policies and procedures.

Overpayment Recovery

• Identify, establish, and pursue recovery of fraudulent overpayments.
• Develop repayment agreements and monitor restitution payments to ensure compliance.
• Represent the agency professionally at administrative hearings.
• Process and monitor property liens, voluntary wage assignments, and wage garnishments to recover overpaid benefits.
• Prepare fraud-related cases for prosecution by county attorneys.
• Identify and locate witnesses and compile, review, and organize evidence to support prosecution.
• Ensure accurate documentation and timely processing of recovery and enforcement actions.

Legal

• Prepare legal documents for court proceedings and related legal actions.
• Review cases with county attorneys and provide recommendations regarding plea agreements, dismissals, and sentencing.
• Appear in court as required and provide accurate testimony regarding case facts.
• Assist authorized personnel during judicial proceedings.
• Monitor prosecution status and submit periodic progress reports.
• Track and monitor court-ordered restitution following final case disposition.

Communication, Public Relations, and Community Outreach

• Respond to inquiries and correspondence related to investigation and recovery activities.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with community members and external stakeholders.
• Communicate accurate, clear, and understandable information to claimants, employers, agency personnel, law enforcement officials, and the public.
• Coordinate with civic organizations, government agencies, and external groups to promote awareness of the Investigation and Recovery Bureau’s functions and services.
• Foster positive working relationships and collaboration with internal and external partners.

What You’ll Bring

Strong investigative and analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to identify potential fraud, evaluate evidence, and make fair, accurate, and timely decisions. Knowledge of applicable laws and procedures, effective communication and collaboration with law enforcement and legal professionals, and the ability to manage complex cases, recover improper benefit payments, and support administrative and judicial proceedings while maintaining confidentiality, accountability, and compliance with agency policies.

Benefits

Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!
• Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
• Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.
• Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.
• For additional information on benefits

• Click here to see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator.
• No applicant for employment with the Iowa Department of Workforce Development can have a current, ongoing overpayment balance with Iowa Workforce Development without a payment plan in place. Selected positions will be subject to a criminal background check.

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in law enforcement, corrections, criminology, police science, accounting, finance, or law, and experience equal to one year of full-time work as an investigator requiring knowledge in law enforcement, corrections, or criminal investigation.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in law enforcement, corrections, criminology, police science, accounting, finance, or law, and experience equal to one year of full-time work in the administration of a program involving application of agency unemployment insurance or public assistance benefit programs, correctional rules and regulations, and/or court or administrative hearings processes.
• A total of five years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one or two), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in law enforcement, corrections, criminology, police science, accounting, finance, or law equals one year of full-time experience.
• Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes twelve months of full-time work as an Investigator 1 or twenty-four months of full-time work as a Warehouse and Grain Dealer Examiner.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.Some positions in this class may require an applicant to have the ability to pass a background investigation.