Introduction

For many people state benefits can make the difference between a decent standard of living and poverty. But there are some who abuse the system, a small minority who claim allowances to which they are not entitled – which may be social security payments, housing benefits or unemployment pay.

Fraud investigation officers are responsible for the prevention and detection of all kinds of fraudulent activity including financial irregularities within the council itself. This post that can be found in all local authorities.

Work Environment

The officer will usually be part of a small team working to the senior officer in the council’s Audit and Review Unit. The work takes place in the office, individual homes and various external agencies and courts of law. Officers may encounter aggressive and other threatening behaviour.

The post involves irregular working hours (for which an allowance is normally paid) in a nominal working week of 37 hours.

Daily Activities

In general terms, investigation of alleged fraud, preparing prosecution files and giving evidence in courts of law will involve the fraud investigation officer with various agencies on a regular basis. Internally this will mean working with Audit and Review, Revenues and Benefits, Licensing and Elections units in the authority. Externally, the officers liaise with the Police, Benefits Agency, Department of Work and Pensions and local industry.

The officers overall aim is to address and resolve any problems involving fraud or irregularity and prevent any adverse effects on the council’s finances and ensure fair play. Officers work closely with the police, undertaking searches and interviewing witnesses and suspects leading to arrests. This will entail covert surveillance operations and having to face potentially hostile situations while gathering evidence against alleged offenders. It will also mean that the officers are required to help the senior investigations officer represent the authority at County and Criminal Court Hearings and Appeal Panel reviews. It is their duty to ensure that investigations are conducted properly, in accordance with Social Security Legislation, Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, Human Rights Act 1998, Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and the Theft Act 1968.

It is also part of their duty to provide written reports relating to fraud activity and detection and major changes in legislation, for the benefit of the senior officer and the Audit and Review Manager.

Skills & Interests

To do the job well, you need to have:

• good organisational, communication (oral and written), investigative and administrative ability
• computer literacy
• understanding of relevant legislation
• the potential for representing the authority at court hearings
• a professional and calm attitude
• the maturity to cope with potentially aggressive situations
• the ability to work alone or as a team.

Entry Requirements

A good academic background (educated to “A’ level standard) and experience in a benefits section or relevant environment is essential. It is desirable to have had training in respect of the Human Rights Act and an understanding of relevant legislation such as the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) and some experience of fraud investigation procedures and police work.

Estimated salary range

15,000 – 19,000

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

Future prospects & opportunities

Within the Audit and Review unit there are auditor posts to aim for, and from Senior Fraud Investigation Officer you can progress to Audit and Review Manager and then perhaps to Head of Finance with suitable experience and further qualification.

As well as general managerial opportunities in the authority’s corporate sector, there are jobs in the Property directorate, and in Social Services you can progress to the Welfare Rights Officer post.

Externally there may be opportunities with the Police.

Related Occupations

Follow this link to view a list of all related occuptions in Supporting Your Community.
Alternatively, follow this link to view all career profiles placed in the same job area.

Further Information & Services

Institute of Internal Auditors www.iia.org.uk

Law Society www.lawsociety.org.uk

Law Society of Scotland www.lawscot.org.uk

You may find more information on this area of work in your local Connexions service/careers office/school careers library under I.

What should I do next?

Look for current local government Fraud Investigation Officer vacancies in the following places:

• LGjobs.com - the official recruitment website for local government.
• Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly jobs bulletins produced by local councils themselves, available from libraries, community centres, town halls/main civic buildings and central council personnel departments.
• Local council websites.
• Local newspapers
• National newspapers – The Guardian is particularly well known for its public sector job advertisements on a Wednesday.

Find out about the council and get some work experience if possible by:

• Making the most of work experience placements arranged through your school, college or university.
• Contacting councils close to your home to find out about the work experience opportunities they offer.
• Talking to someone who does the job you are interested in – ring your local council to see if someone can spare some time.
• Making an appointment to see a careers adviser for more specific information about jobs and training.