SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR I

8210L1

Pay Grade: 22

DEFINITION OF WORK

Summary

This is investigative work in the enforcement of federal and state government laws and regulations.

Work involves investigating and ascertaining facts pertaining to claims, appeals, theft, fraud, or civil rights, or consumer rights violations; obtaining reimbursement from individuals or insurance carriers for damaged state property; investigating claims against a state agency; adjusting or resolving claims before they result in a lawsuit; or investigating and resolving disputes or violations involving state regulated entities or industries.

Standard Classification Factors

Supervision Received - LEVEL B: "Under general supervision..." Employees working under general supervision usually receive some instructions with respect to the details of most assignments but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and subject to only periodic checks.

Difficulty - LEVEL B: Average - Where the employee is confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration. Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category.

Complexity - LEVEL C: Work is of a standardized nature that may involve a variety of duties. Analytical thought becomes more important at this level due to increased data and changing situations. Tasks usually have several steps, some of which may not be directly related. Alternatives may exist for processes or methods to be used in solving problems. Workers at this level exercise ar moderate amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by routine review and reporting to or consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they tend to be more complicated or technical in nature requiring careful interpretation.

Consequences of Actions and Decisions - LEVEL C: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are limited in scope and effect as the work is reviewed occasionally. Errors may cause moderate inefficiency. Costs due to errors may be significant.

Contacts - LEVEL C: The purpose of the contact is to influence, motivate, conduct interviews, make formal presentations or counsel to achieve common understanding or solutions to problems when the information is sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are skeptical or uncooperative. Communication techniques and well developed communication skills become an important requirement at this level.

Physical Demands - LEVEL B: The work requires light physical exertion. The employee may be required to perform handling activities with lightweight or easily moved items (e.g. books, file folders, boxes of office supplies, small machine parts, etc.); perform moving activities for brief periods; operate light equipment; perform repetitive motions for brief periods; confined to a work area.

Environmental Conditions - LEVEL B: The work environment involves moderate hazards, risks or discomforts. Exposure to minor deviations from pleasant environmental conditions is normal. Minor to serious injuries are possible.

Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL A: No supervisory or leadership responsibility; may explain work instructions or assist in training others.

Distinguishing Features

Differs from the Special Investigator II class which determines need for the investigation and usually makes recommendations or determinations regarding settlements, compensation, consumer protection rules and regulations, or continued case action.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

Investigates complaints of alleged violations of state regulatory or civil law, or of fraud.

Identifies, contacts and interviews potential witnesses; takes statements from witnesses, complainants and affected persons or their representatives.

Gathers and organizes evidence to prove or disprove an allegation or claim.

Prepares reports of facts found during an investigation; and prepares a case for presentation to a superior, or at hearings, or in court.

Testifies at hearings or in court to present evidence of violations and/or the accuracy or authenticity of records.

Serves orders of subpoena, suspensions, restraints, etc.

Arranges and conducts optional preliminary investigation conferences; negotiates settlements, obtains withdrawals and recommends cases for closure.

Conducts investigations of unlawful discriminatory practices including agency-initiated allegations. Conducts investigations for legal department in regard to lawsuits brought against the agency.

Continues investigation procedures on cases submitted for legal review and public hearing.

Plans and conducts conciliation meetings after probable cause is determined to achieve satisfactory resolution which includes appropriate remedy for the complainant and measures for eliminating on-going discriminatory practices.

Conducts contract compliance reviews of contractors, subcontractors, endorsers and suppliers to determine compliance with regulations and the Kansas Act Against Discrimination (KAAD).

Advises contractors of special remedies to address the discriminatory practices identified during contract compliance reviews.

Conducts audits to determine compliance with agreements and orders entered into with the Kansas Commission on Civil Rights.

Prepares written reports to indicate status and progress of the contract compliance review program.

Reviews and coordinates work with state agency contract compliance officers and investigators; provides a liaison between state agency personnel, compliance representatives, contractors and subcontractors to coordinate contract compliance reviews.

Conducts inspections, surveillance, and/or investigations for compliance with state regulations.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Knowledge

*Knowledge of the practices and techniques used in investigative work.

Knowledge of state and federal civil rights laws including the Kansas Act Against Discrimination.

Knowledge of the laws and regulations applicable to the program or areas which are the subject of the cases to be investigated.

Knowledge of the rules of legal evidence including crime scene protection.

Knowledge of the legal sources of obtaining information.

Knowledge of the principles and methods of making compliance reviews.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of public and business administration.

Abilities

*Ability to plan and conduct investigations, ascertain facts, and obtain evidence.

*Ability to effectively interview employers, claimants, clients of an agency, contacts, informants, and witnesses.

*Ability to objectively analyze conflicting allegations, testimony, and documents.

*Ability to assess an investigation in terms of scope, time and resources.

*Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

*Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

*Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting laws, regulations and policies.

*Necessary at Entry

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

High school diploma or equivalent and one year investigating, fact finding or enforcing state or federal laws and regulations. Education in communications, psychology, social work, public or business administration, criminal justice or law may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency.

NC:   06/93
REV: 12/95
REV: 10/98
REV: 02/00
REV: 08/05