Fraud Investigation Officer

Transcription

1 Hammersmith & Fulham borough of opportunity Fraud Investigation Officer Finance and Corporate Services Application Pack

2 Information for applicants Job Description/Selection Criteria

3 Corporate Anti Fraud Service Job Description POST TITLE: DEPARTMENT: SECTION: RESPONSIBLE TO: EMPLOYEES DIRECTLY SUPERVISED: GRADE: Fraud Investigation Officer Sc6-PO1 Finance & Corporate Services Corporate Anti Fraud Service Fraud Manager None Sc6-PO1 POSITION WITHIN ORGANISATION:

4 CAFS Job Description: Fraud Investigation Officer Main Purpose of Job This post is a career graded post. Progression between grades is in accordance with the attached Competencies and Skills table. Sc6 PO1 Officers To plan and undertake investigations into allegations of fraud and corruption of varying nature and complexity To comply with legislative requirements governing the conduct of investigations To comply with Council policies and procedures To reduce fraud and corruption losses by efficiently and effectively investigating, preventing, detecting, analysing, reporting and recovering losses. To assist in the identification of control weaknesses and implementing solutions and controls for future improvements. To identify and utilise appropriate investigative techniques and technologies to achieve maximum efficiency and effectiveness. To assist in the development and delivery and to participate in education, training and awareness activities as part of the fraud prevention program. Initiate and maintain liaison with police and other law enforcement agencies, other external agencies, legal departments and prosecuting Counsel where appropriate. Duties and Responsibilities To investigate allegations of fraud, corruption and dishonesty at departmental and corporate levels in accordance with prevalent legislation and utilising appropriate investigative techniques. To conduct formal tape-recorded interviews with suspects and witnesses in accordance with current legislation and Codes of Practice. To conduct witness interviews and take statements in accordance with current legislation and Codes of Practice. To undertake static and/or mobile surveillance as required, utilising covert equipment where appropriate, in accordance with current legislation and Codes of Practice. To gather, record and securely retain evidence relating to an investigation in accordance with current legislation and Codes of Practice. Where required and duly authorised, assist the police in the search of premises and questioning of suspects, including interviewing suspects at police stations. To use own initiative, sound judgement and experience to reach appropriate decisions in accordance with the aims and objectives of the Counter Fraud Service. To maintain quality and efficiency standards in accordance with policy, procedure and applicable Codes of Conduct. To organise and prioritise workloads. To maintain to a high standard a record of each investigation, and produce appropriate, timely reports to the Head of Fraud, Chief Internal Auditor and relevant Managers or Directors, as appropriate.

5 CAFS Job Description: Fraud Investigation Officer Where appropriate, prepare case papers in accordance with Government Guidelines and Codes of Practice, to a suitable standard for submission for prosecution. Where appropriate and duly authorised, take the lead on submission of cases to the prosecuting authorities, liaising with legal services, legal Counsel, police and the CPS as required. To maintain an up-to-date working knowledge of criminal and civil law, legal requirements, criminal investigation procedures, criminal prosecution and court procedures. Disseminate any relevant changes in law or procedure as appropriate. To maintain an up-to-date working knowledge of Local Government legislation, as well as the Authority s disciplinary code and procedures guide. To maintain a comprehensive and up to date detailed knowledge of Benefits administered by the Council To maintain a comprehensive and up to date knowledge of other welfare benefits and their effect on Benefits entitlement. To actively promote the take up of welfare benefits. To develop a knowledge of legislation relating in particular to Part VI of the Housing Act 1996 and subsequent statutes, for determining and discharging the council's duties to applicants on the housing register. To undertake functions and duties under Parts VI & VII of the Housing Act 1996 and subsequent statutes, as they relate to the assessment of housing need and the investigation of potential misrepresentation and invalid claims for re-housing. To recommend which cases are appropriate for prosecution and ensure the necessary supporting documentation is prepared in accordance with legislative requirements and when required represent the Council at Court. To be responsible for preparing the appropriate and necessary paperwork to assist internal and external agencies undertaking prosecutions. To serve summonses, attend court, give evidence, attend disciplinary boards, review boards or appeal tribunals, all as appropriate and necessary. To maintain confidentiality and discretion in carrying out all the duties of the post. To represent the Service on Service issues involving members of the public, external agencies and other Council departments, including any necessary correspondence, interviews, or meetings. To liaise and work with other sections of the Authority and external agencies/organisations as necessary in carrying out the duties of the post. To develop contacts relevant to the purpose of the post with external agencies and throughout the Council. To contribute and assist in regularly reviewing and updating procedures and to assist in the development and implementation of procedures as required. To assist in the development and implementation of checks and controls to prevent fraud. To participate actively in team meetings. To participate in the formulation and implementation of work plans, service procedures and projects to promote a quality service. To maintain accurate statistical and other records as required. To respond to enquiries from elected Members and Members of Parliament as required, and undertake correspondence relating to the work of the section, including complaints, Ombudsman's enquiries, legal actions and the council's duties. To promote and implement the council's Equal Opportunities policy in accordance with the duties of the post and service plans.

6 CAFS Job Description: Fraud Investigation Officer To encourage and participate in or provide training to other Officers of the Fraud Service. To assist in the induction and training of staff in the prevention of fraud and abuses of the system, and standards of validation required to protect public resources. To participate in the phone duty and other enquiry services from the general public and advice agencies, and to deputise for the Senior Investigations Officer as required. To carry out reception duties as required, dealing with queries as appropriate. To deal promptly with mail, telephone calls, complaints and other notifications relating to investigations. To communicate sensitively and effectively using plain language. To undertake unscheduled home visits in line with guidelines where it is considered necessary to complete a full and proper assessment of the case. To undertake visits and out of office working as required in accordance with procedures. To work outside of normal office hours, the normal office environment and out of borough where necessary to fulfil the responsibilities of the post. To undertake other duties consistent with the purpose of the post. To meet targets to agreed competencies and deadlines.

7 COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS CAREER GRADE FRAUD INVESTIGATION OFFICER Sc6 PO1 Competencies & Skills Sc6 SO1 SO2 PO1 Qualifications and Experience Managing Workload Entry level no qualifications, limited or no prior knowledge or experience Able to demonstrate ability to prioritise caseload. Agrees and manages workload against performance targets. Entry level one year s experience of fraud investigation, part qualification or commencement of recognised course desirable Able to prioritise a complex workload and carry out projects in accordance with council policy, procedures and timescales. Agrees and manages a workload against agreed performance targets. Innovation and Creativity Developing skill Questions and challenges existing processes. Communication of Information and Managing External Relationships Sanction and Prosecution Developing skill Developing skill. Appear as witness as required. Is able to utilise various methods including verbal presentations, tables, diagrams and written briefings to communicate information Able to identify appropriate sanctions and make a recommendation to that effect. Able to actively participate in caution or adpen interviews. Sanction to be issued by senior officer but credit for work/sanction to officer. Appear as witness as necessary. Entry level three year s experience of fraud investigation, part qualification mandatory Able to prioritise a complex workload and carry out projects in accordance with council policy, procedures and timescales. Agrees and manages a workload against agreed performance targets, including an element of medium term project work Questions and challenges existing processes, showing innovation and an ability to improve on current methods Is able to utilise various methods including verbal presentations, tables, diagrams and written briefings to communicate high level and complex information Able to identify appropriate sanctions and make recommendations. Able to actively participate in interviews under caution. Able to conduct caution or adpen interview and issue sanction in presence of senior officer. Appear as witness as necessary. Entry level three year s experience of fraud investigation, fully completed professional qualification Able to prioritise a complex workload and carry out projects in accordance with council policy, procedures and timescales. Predicts implications and anticipates situations on the basis of previous experience or historical trends, using this information to plan ahead Produce new and workable ideas to overcome problems and/or improve performance within existing guidelines To deal with complex and contentious and confidential issues, while having an awareness of council policy and be able to communicate this to stakeholders in a relevant format and level Identify appropriate sanction and progress to full implementation. Lead on prosecution cases. Assist junior officers in sanction and interview proceedings. Appear as lead case officer for Council..

8 CAFS Job Description: Fraud Investigation Officer Competencies & Skills Sc6 SO1 SO2 PO1 Supervisory Skills None None Assist junior officers in progression of cases and in interview and sanction proceedings Technical Knowledge Developing skill Full understanding of all core competencies and legislative requirements. Demonstrate an understanding of where/how to find further technical information Full understanding of all core competencies and legislative requirements. Demonstrate an understanding of where/how to find further technical information.. Demonstrate ability to apply new technical knowledge with minimal direct supervision. Assist junior officers in progression of cases and in interview and sanction proceedings Full understanding of all core competencies and legislative requirements. Demonstrate an understanding of where/how to find further technical information.. Demonstrate ability to apply new technical knowledge with minimal direct supervision. Takes a proactive approach to identifying, applying and communicating new technical knowledge and legislative issues. 8