Special Investigations Officer
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Job Location:
Monthly Salary:
Posted on:
30+ days ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
7 Month Contract With A Local Authority
To manage a varied caseload of complex investigations referred to the Anti-Fraud and Corruption Team (A-FACT) ensuring cases are investigated to the highest professional standard and in accordance with statutory and internal requirements.
To produce comprehensive high-level written reports that include conclusions and actionable recommendations for the relevant Director.
To ensure the prevention detection and investigation of fraud and corruption across the Council.
To ensure that appropriate outcomes such as sanctions disciplinary action or prosecutions are applied effectively.
To uphold and promote the Councils core values anti-fraud policies and commitment to integrity and public trust.
Key Responsibilities
Independently manage a diverse caseload of fraud and corruption allegations involving employees members contractors clients and customers.
Conduct complex and sensitive investigations to a high professional standard and in accordance with legislation such as:
Maintain accurate records (manual and digital) preserving evidence securely and ensuring integrity for legal or disciplinary processes.
Carry out interviews (including under caution) and take contemporaneous notes where necessary.
Participate in joint operations with police including search and arrest actions with awareness of personal safety requirements.
Act as Disclosure Officer in legal proceedings managing evidential material and witness statements.
Policy Prevention & Controls
Monitor and review internal procedures during investigations; identify control weaknesses and recommend improvements to enhance fraud prevention and internal governance.
Undertake pre-employment vetting for high-risk roles; verify information and liaise with other departments when irregularities are found.
Lead and coordinate the Councils involvement in the National Fraud Initiative (NFI) ensuring compliance with national data-matching requirements.
Advisory & Training
Provide specialist advice and guidance on fraud prevention to internal stakeholders.
Design and deliver fraud awareness training and proactive anti-fraud campaigns for Council staff managers and members.
Use document examination techniques and fraud detection software to authenticate identity or official documents during investigations or Council processes.
Stakeholder Engagement & Representation
Represent the Council at internal disciplinary panels external professional conduct hearings and in court proceedings.
Collaborate with external agencies including other local authorities the Metropolitan Police and central government bodies on joint investigations and anti-fraud initiatives.
Support the Councils Communications and Press Office in publicising successful prosecutions to enhance deterrence.
Additional Duties
Participate in covert surveillance (mobile foot or static) ensuring compliance with RIPA and human rights legislation.
Supervise train and support temporary staff agency workers or apprentices within the team.
Undertake site visits and interviews outside of normal working hours when required.
Maintain continuous professional development on fraud investigation techniques legislation and local authority procedures.
Participate in recruitment processes for the team as required.
Work from home as required under Council policy.
Requirements
Demonstrable experience of conducting complex investigations in a local authority law enforcement or regulatory setting.
In-depth understanding of relevant legislation (e.g. PACE Fraud Act RIPA CPIA).
Proven ability to compile detailed investigation reports with clear conclusions and actionable recommendations.
Experience of managing sensitive and confidential investigations with professionalism and discretion.
Proficiency in using investigative tools and techniques including document verification.
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication including report writing and interview techniques.
Ability to manage a varied workload independently prioritising competing demands.
Able to deal with challenging situations diplomatically and tactfully.
Effective stakeholder engagement and partnership working.
High level of integrity and attention to detail.
Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist (ACFS) or similar recognised qualification
Training in PACE RIPA CPIA or other relevant legal/investigatory frameworks
Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) in the fraud/investigations field
Company Industry
IT Services and IT Consulting
Key Skills
- Computer Science
- Continuous Integration
- Fraud
- Intake Experience
- Law Enforcement
- Usability
- Analysis Skills
- Computer Forensics
- Driving
- Teaching
- Counterintelligence
- Sass
