DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Office of Inspector General (OIG)
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007
www.azdes.gov

Salary: $69,300 - $84,700 

Grade: 22

Closing Date: September 28, 2025

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!

The Department of Economic Security, Office of Inspector General (OIG) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Special Investigations Lieutenant. The Special Investigations Lieutenant receives and evaluates allegations of misconduct, fraud, and abuse by DES clients and employees and contractors (vendors and providers) and assigns investigations to be conducted by Investigative Staff. Supervises, supports, and coordinates resources for Detectives and Investigators who conduct sensitive and high-profile investigations. Assists in coordination of major case investigations by prioritizing collection of data, conducting interviews and interrogations, organizing resources, making recommendations, and ensuring quality control and timely completion of projects and cases by Investigative Staff. Conducts the most complex or complicated investigations, which may involve multiple DES Programs and suspects, or require partnerships with external agencies. Obtains data and evidence from a variety of sources, and in a variety of formats, maintains evidential integrity, and prepares it for entry into the Enterprise Governance Risk and Compliance (eGRC) system.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely within Arizona based upon the department's needs and continual meetings of expected performance measures.

The state of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, commissions, many State employees participate in the State's Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Essential Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Leads the most complex or complicated investigations, which may involve multiple DES Programs & suspects, or require partnerships with external agencies. Obtains data & evidence from a variety of sources, and in a variety of formats, maintaining evidential integrity, for entry into an electronic case management system. Produces high quality written reports, presenting complex technical matters clearly & concisely.
• Assists in coordination of major case investigations by prioritizing collection of data, conducting interviews, organizing resources, making recommendations, and ensuring quality control and timely completion of projects and cases by Investigative Staff.
• Partners with AMS, IRM, and other entities to conduct detailed forensic analysis tasks including electronic discovery, data recovery, and data audits. Participates in inter-agency task force investigations, work groups, and committees to build external partnerships and combine knowledge and resources in order to resolve investigations more efficiently.
• Supervises, supports, and coordinates resources for Detectives and Investigators who conduct sensitive and high-profile investigations. Evaluates personnel for job performance, quality improvement, and opportunities for training and education. Plans, develops, coordinates, and administer training and development of Investigative Staff.
• Creates training materials and maintains detailed training records related to all coordinated or administered training, including field training. Training includes both mandated training and training intended to increase or maintain knowledge and skills related to position function.
• Receives and evaluates allegations of misconduct, fraud, and abuse by DES employees, contractors, vendors, and providers, and assigns investigations to be conducted by Investigative Staff.
• Reviews and edits reports submitted by Investigative Staff, maintaining high standards of accuracy and consistency.

Knowledge of:
• Applicable Federal, State and local statues, codes, ordinances, rules and regulations.
• Interviewing, interrogation, and investigative techniques and procedures.
• Practices and methods employed in criminal detection and investigation.
• Principles and practices of supervision and training.
• Microsoft Office applications.
• DES Policy and Procedures.

Skill in:
• Directing work and holding staff accountable for successful outcomes.
• Maintaining composure and working effectively under stressful conditions.
• Effectively supervising, leading and delegating tasks and authority.
• Mentoring and coaching.
• Creatively accessing information.
• Mobilizing investigative teams.
• Report writing.

Ability to:
• Interpret and apply Federal, State, and local laws, rules, codes, ordinances, and regulations
• Monitor and direct the work of others
• Make sound, independent decisions based on available data and adopt appropriate courses of action
• Communicate effectively and accurately, both orally and in writing
• Prioritize tasks to meet deadlines
• Provide testimony
• Perform detailed work with a high degree of accuracy
• Develop and deliver training and technical assistance activities
• Review, evaluate and make improvements in the deployment of personnel and equipment
• Supervise, train and evaluate staff
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• Maintain a valid Arizona Driver's License
• Speak, write, and understand Spanish

The ideal candidate for this position will have:
• (5) years Law enforcement experience with investigative background is highly desired. Bachelor’s degree in related field or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Employees shall obtain and maintain a valid Level One fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to S.B.1164.
• This position may require driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: 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).
• Must obtain ACJIS Terminal Operator Certification within 30 days of hire and maintain certification throughout the course of this assignment with the unit.
• 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.

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 pilot 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 contact Benson Walker at (480) 318-4150 or email Bensonwalker@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 (480) 318-4150. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.