Washington State Department of Labor & Industries hiring L&I Investigator 4 in Tacoma, WA | LinkedIn (2024)

DescriptionOur Mission: Keep Washington Safe and Working!

Our Values: Customer Focus, One L&I, Respect, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Learning and Growth, Reliability

Please Note: This position has been reopened for internal and external applicants to expand the candidate pool. Previous applicants do not need to reapply.Job HighlightsThis position supports the mission of the Investigations Program, which works to identify, combat, and prevent fraud, theft, abuse, and violations perpetrated by injured workers, employers, providers, and other entities in support of “Keeping Washington Safe and Working.” The purpose of this position is to prevent abuse of the workers’ compensation system and protect the economic vitality of Washington State by investigating allegations of fraud, theft, or other inappropriate activities. This position also directly supports the agency’s strategic goal of “Helping honest workers, businesses and providers by cracking down on the dishonest ones.”

Investigator 4 positions are responsible for statewide oversight over the Investigation program within the Fraud Prevention and Labor Standards (FPLS) division. This position serves as a principle advisor, provides expert guidance and consultation on all matters involving allegations of wrongdoing under Title 51, RCW, and is responsible for supervising a regional team of investigators who conduct investigations via the aforementioned statutes. This includes, but is not limited to, planning and investigating complex civil and criminal allegations of economic benefit fraud by injured workers and providers, investigating allegations of claim suppression and discrimination as well as evading taxes and premiums due from businesses employing workers in the State of Washington. Additionally, this position will investigate other significant violations under L&I’s statutory authority.

This supervisory position is responsible for leading and directing investigators on investigative protocols. The position is responsible for leading, guiding, and directing surveillance activities, evidence collection, analyzes referrals for assignment, monitors investigative progress, and ensures completed staff work; builds and develops investigative teamwork internally and externally aimed at effectively stopping waste, fraud and abuse of the Workers’ Compensation system. Consults with and acts as regional expert on statewide investigation activities for claims staff, Investigators, AAG’s, prosecutors, auditors, revenue agents and others to produce an effective result that supports the mission of the Fraud Prevention and Labor Standards at L&I. The position acts as the expert on investigations within an assigned region in FPLS. Position is responsible for responding to inquiries from L& I leadership, AAG, and other stakeholders as assigned.

DutiesSome Of What You Will Do

• Supervisors lower-level Investigators and directs all aspects of Investigation activities on behalf of the FPLS division statewide.
• Conducts all administrative functions of a first line supervisor including development of unit operational policies & procedures, setting of expectations, timely completion of employee performance evaluations, review and approval of travel expense vouchers, leave requests, time and attendance reports, etc.
• Observes and evaluate staff performance. Perform coaching, mentoring, and address deficiencies in a timely and appropriate manner, including taking corrective & disciplinary action when needed. Work with Human Resources adhering to agency personnel practices in compliance with applicable collective bargaining agreements (CBA).
• Plans, assigns, directs, and supervises the activities of an investigations team including caseload management. Conduct periodic case reviews with staff. Review completed written investigation reports for quality and thoroughness. Ensure adherence to rules and procedures, and that work product meets professional and timeliness standards.
• Conducts hiring recruitments and makes hiring recommendations to the appointing authority.
• Enters investigation information into tracking systems.
• Ensures assigned investigation equipment is properly maintained and inventoried.
• Maintains and adheres to the records retention schedule for the Investigations program.
• Prepares and maintains production statistics reports for program management.
• Provides or arranges for unit & staff training and encourages professional development through training opportunities.
• Plans and conducts staff meetings. Promotes team development and conducts team building activities which result in trust and respect amongst the work unit.
• Reviews and processes all referrals for investigative work pertinent to their team.
• Investigation activities.
• Provides expert technical guidance and direction to staff regarding investigative techniques.
• Supervises all activities related to search warrants, including obtaining and service of search warrants ensuring parties are advised of their constitutional rights.
• Assists staff with investigative activities by providing mentoring and guidance on proper field surveillance, interviewing methods, and report writing.
• Ensures staff interview all complainants, employers and other witnesses to gather and record statements of fact, confessions and any other information pertinent to the case that complies with program policies and procedures.
• Ensures staff conduct appropriate searches and access of databases, files, and on-line sites that contain personal identifying information or other confidential information regarding clients, claimants or customers of the Department.
• Develops, updates, implements and trains lower level investigators on new or updated policies and procedures.
• Principle liaison and regional expert advisor to leadership, Attorney General’s Office staff, and other stakeholders on all matters involving the investigation of industrial insurance fraud, theft, or other wrongdoing.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with staff, supervisors and management across regions, programs and divisions.
• Collaborates and partners with the Attorney General’s Office, local county prosecutors, law enforcement or criminal justice agencies regarding investigations and work-related matters. Promotes cooperation that helps reduce waste, fraud, and abuse of Industrial Insurance funds and agency resources.
• Organizes, conducts, supports, and participates in team building and networking activities and efforts that result in collaboration, trust and respect within work teams.
• Advises leadership and Attorney General’s Office of all regional investigation activities including risks associated with ongoing investigations.
• Performs general administrative duties.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings and work committees.
• Attends required training.
• If assigned, maintains a state vehicle and specialized investigation equipment. Completes monthly mileage logs timely.
• Updates and maintains certifications as required.
• And so much more!

QualificationsREQUIRED:Four years of experience as an Investigator 3 within State service, at least one year of which must have been as a supervisor.

OR Six years of experience as an investigator with a criminal justice government agency or private organization, or other directly allied field, four years must include field experience.

Qualifying investigative experience is interpreted to be experience gathering and substantiating facts through the use of investigative duties such as:

• Researching records and developing case files.
• Gathering and preserving documentary evidence.
• Obtaining statements of fact, depositions, or confessions.
• Obtaining and serving subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses or the production of records.
• Conducting field surveillance.
• Obtaining and coordinating the service of search warrants.
• Advising parties of their constitutional rights.
• Writing investigative reports, establishing proof of facts and evidence sufficient to be used in a court or administrative hearing.
• Reviewing the case with private attorneys, assistant attorneys general or prosecuting attorneys.
• Presenting completed investigation to a county prosecutor, Office of the Attorney General or U.S. Attorney's Office.
• Testifying in court or other proceedings as necessary.

Note: Two years of related college-level course work may be substituted for one year of experience.

OR Five years of experience conducting case analysis, pre-sentence investigations or criminal investigations for a criminal justice agency, court or a quasi-judicial body, three years must include providing case management of individuals convicted of felony crimes.

Must possess a valid and unrestricted driver license.While driving a state vehicle or personally owned vehicle (POV) for state business an employee must have a valid unrestricted driver license and may not have convictions for driving under the influence or driving offense that endangered or harmed others within the past 7 years. Individuals driving POVs for state business must receive permission in advance to use their POV, and possess and show proof of personal liability insurance.

Other: Must abide by Criminal Justice Information Sharing Agreements.DesiredDemonstration of position-specific skills, abilities and competencies.

Criminal Investigation degree from a two-year program consisting of 60 credit hours focusing on the fundamentals of proper evidence handling, law enforcement techniques, and interrogation.

ORBachelor’s degree from an accredited university with major focus in the areas of criminal justice, forensic science, or closely related field of study.

Supplemental InformationThings You Need To Know To help you maintain a proper work-life balance, teleworking is one of the work schedule options for this position. L&I also offers flexible custom work schedules.

State employees who meet the qualifications will become eligible for a generous retirement package at the end of the employee’s career. Click on the “Benefits” tab to learn more.

At L&I, your voice matters. In addition, L&I is a diverse state agency dedicated to the safety and health and security of Washington's 3.3 million workers. Take a look at this brief video and learn more about why L&I is an employer of choice.

For this position, the expectation is working in the office 3 days per week. The assigned duty station for this position is Tacoma, Washington.

To receive more information on opportunities at L&I sign up for GovDelivery and select L&I job alerts. Application process We will contact the top candidates directly to interview for this position. Because we base the selection on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills, and abilities that address the required and desirable qualifications described in the announcement.

Please Include The Following Documents With Your Application

• A cover letter describing specific qualifications.
• A current resume detailing applicable experience and education.
• A list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.

Please do not attach or place any medical information (vaccination status included) within the application, resume, or cover letter. If you do, we will have to reject your application to safeguard others from receiving your confidential information. You will have to remove the confidential information before you can apply again.

Background Check NoticePrior to a placement in this position, a background check, including criminal history record will be conducted. Information from your background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining your eligibility to perform the requirements of the position.

Other Information

• For positions requiring travel, you must have a valid unrestricted driver's license and have insurance if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business.
• This position is represented bytheWashington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).
• Candidates who are offered a job with L&I must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
• The Department of Labor & Industries complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal employment eligibility verification form, I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.
• Please note: L&I may use this announcement to fill multiple permanent and/or non-permanent positions.

Did You Know?Washington is America's Top State to live, play, and work, according to U.S. News (2021). Join the L&I team and enjoy all the Evergreen State has to offer.

In addition to offering a positive balance between life and work, L&I provides one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We also believe your voice matters. We value our employees and their work-life balance by encouraging flexible schedules. L&I is a diverse state agency dedicated to the safety and health and security of Washington's 3 million workers.

Veterans Preference Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach to their application a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as Social Security numbers. For further information, contact L&I’s Jobs@lni.wa.gov .

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion EmployerL&I employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the agency mission. Having a diverse workforce is this agency’s greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures to provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone and we strongly mean everyone.

The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need accommodation in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 360-902-5700. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.

For more InformationIf you have any questions regarding this job posting, program, or the agency, please contact April Sharp at elib235@lni.wa.gov or Elena Emery at emee235@lni.wa.gov .