DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Office of Inspector General (OIG)
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Salary: $42,125 - $46,806 

Grade: 17

Closing Date: October 2, 2026

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES) we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals who are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov; or click on the link here to view ‘Our DES’ video. Come Join the DES Team!

DES is seeking experienced and highly motivated individuals to join our team as an Investigator 2. This position will serve as a temporary positions. The position's primary duty is to conduct preliminary desktop investigations when allegations of benefit fraud are received via Department referrals, complaints from other agencies, and the public via written or hotline communications. This includes: review requests for fraud investigations to determine if they meet the criteria set by OIG OSI and federal and/ or state funded public assistance programs; make independent decisions about the validity of the allegation, whether to accelerate its focus or whether to cease all efforts; research, identify, select and analyze documents and information from confidential and sensitive databases/ sources; and assign cases to OSI field investigators statewide for further investigation when the referral meets established criteria. Also responsible for the scanning of each case’s Report of Investigation (ROI) into the electronic filing system OnBase, and retaining OSI’s confidential investigative case files in accordance with the DES Records Retention Schedule. Processes outgoing subpoenas, monitors and maintains inventory, and completes projects assigned by the Supervisor. In-State travel will be required within the State of Arizona based on the needs of the position and the agency.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• This position performs preliminary investigations, evaluates allegations of benefit fraud received via Department referrals, complaints from other agencies, and the public via written or hotline communications.
• Review requests for fraud investigations to determine if they meet the criteria set by OSI and federal and/ or state funded public assistance programs; make independent decisions about the validity of the allegation, whether to accelerate its focus or whether to cease all efforts.
• Research, identify, select, and analyze documents and information from confidential and sensitive databases/sources; and assign cases to OIG OSI field investigators throughout AZ for further investigation when the referral meets the criteria.
• This position is responsible for overseeing the scanning of each Report of Investigation (ROI) into the electronic filing system (OnBase) and retaining a copy of each ROI and related documents in accordance with the DES Records Retention Schedule.
• The incumbent is responsible for a variety of administrative support functions for OSI units statewide that include, but is not limited to: subpoenas; monitoring and maintaining inventory.
• The incumbent attends staff meetings, assists OIG OSI colleagues with various projects and other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:
• Public assistance eligibility policy and/or criminal offenses under Federal, State and local statutes and Administrative Code
• Preservation of evidence and information
• Principles and practices of the assigned agency's authority and available information gathering systems
• Microsoft Office programs

Skills In:
• Maintaining composure and working effectively under stressful conditions
• Analyzing and accessing information
• Collecting and preserving evidence and information
• Preserving the confidentiality and integrity of information gathered
• Computer skills in Microsoft Office programs

Ability to:
• Interpret and apply Federal, State and local laws, rules, codes and regulations
• Make sound independent decisions based on available information and establish appropriate course of action
• Communicate effectively and accurately both orally and in writing
• Prioritize tasks to meet deadlines
• Perform detailed work with a high degree of accuracy
• Travel within the State of Arizona

This ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Background or experience with investigations, research, records management and/or case management is desired

• In-state travel is required. Driver’s License Requirements. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).
• Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
• Each employee of the department who may have contact with children or vulnerable adults shall apply for and show proof of receipt of a valid fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to § 41-1758.07 or provide to the department documentation of the person's application for a fingerprint clearance card.
• Must obtain ACJIS Terminal Operator Certification within 30 days of hire and maintain certification throughout the course of this assignment with the unit.

The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Paid Parental Leave up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
• Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the state-sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.

On or shortly after your first day of work, you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines, and effective dates.

For questions about this career opportunity, please get in touch with Shannon Anguiano at ShannonAnguiano@azdes.gov. 

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling OODhrstaffing@azdes.gov. Please make requests as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.