Investigator

Job Description and Duties

Why Join DHCS?

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is the backbone of California’s health care safety net. Our success is made possible by the hard work of more than 4,800 DHCS team members and through collaboration with the federal government and other state agencies, counties, and partners for the care of low-income families, children, pregnant women, older adults, and persons with disabilities. This is an exciting opportunity to join our diverse team in the following role. If you are interested in joining our team, apply today!

About this Role:

The Investigator conducts full and complete criminal/civil investigations into allegations of fraud perpetrated against the California Medical Assistance Program (Medi-Cal) and other programs under the review of the Department of Health Care Services. All Investigators, Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), are peace officers under California Penal Code, Section 830.3(h) which performs investigative duties comparable to other peace officers.

DHCS Audits & Investigations (A&I) Division utilizes a field based investigative model which requires investigative staff to leave directly and return to their residences or secured parking location for field assignments at the beginning and at the end of each work day; investigative staff are provided state law enforcement vehicles to perform their field duties, and although A&I maintains regional field offices, investigative staff spend a minimum of 90 percent of their assignments in the field, and only coming to their assigned office to accomplish those tasks which cannot be completed in the field.

• During the course of their employment, they are required to carry a firearm and be proficient in its use.
• Maintain a neat personal appearance and wear plain clothes while maintaining firearm concealment.
• Ability to analyze situations accurately, draw valid conclusions, and take an immediate and effective course of action during stressful or adverse conditions
• Willingness to travel throughout the state of California based on business needs; gather and analyze facts and evidence; reason logically, draw valid conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations; recognize and respect diversity through words and actions; effectively investigate allegations of misconduct pursuant to departmental policy; treat all people with respect and in an unbiased and unprejudiced manner.

This recruitment has been posted for more vacancies than currently exist as it may be used to fill additional identical vacancies which occur within 180 days of the closing date of this bulletin. At least one position(s) require(s) fluency in a bilingual language. If the State of California does not have a current record documenting your fluency in this language, you will be required to successfully pass an approved language fluency test prior to being hired.

If you are interested in this position, it is critical to review the Classification Specifications to determine if you will meet the minimum qualifications (MQ’s). Please make note of the Education and Experience requirements for the classification.

Please submit a Standard State Employment Application Form (STD 678). Applications will be screened and only the most qualified candidates will be interviewed. Failure to complete the STD. 678 in its entirety may result in disqualification.

Electronic applications are highly encouraged.

Have questions and/or need assistance? Contact [email protected] , we are here to help walk you through the state hiring process!

This position is subject to the Department’s Conflict of Interest Code and filing a Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700) when assuming this position, annually by April 1, and when leaving this position.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Please see the Telework and Salary Information section below for telework, reporting location, and temporary statewide salary reduction details.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a Drug Screening be passed prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) Psychological Evaluation clearance prior to being hired.

Successful candidates are required to submit to a background investigation process, including mandatory electronic fingerprinting via the California Department of Justice (DOJ) Live Scan system. The final candidate must successfully pass a criminal history background check before final appointment can be made.

Simple Application Steps

If you are interested in this position, complete the following simple steps:

1. Review the education and experience minimum qualifications (MQ’s) of the Investigator Classification: . See the Minimum Requirements section above.
2. Complete the state application by clicking “Apply Now” above. See below for detailed application instructions.
3. Submit your application package with all required documents - see the "Required Application Package Documents" section below.
4. Once you have applied, take the
   

Individuals who claim eligibility must have a reachable placement on the appropriate certification list for a classification they apply to.

This position is eligible for an Automatic Hiring Above Minimum salary of $6,974.

Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

This position requires the incumbent to maintain consistent and regular attendance; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, when interacting with others; develop and maintain knowledge and skills related to specific tasks, methodologies, materials, tools, and equipment; complete assignments in a timely manner; and adhere to departmental policies and procedures regarding attendance and conduct.

Desirable skills include:

• Investigative experience with criminal and/or administrative investigations
• Willingness to conduct field work and interaction with the public in a variety of settings
• Possession of a POST Basic certificate or completion of a POST certified basic academy within the past two years.

Benefits

DHCS is dedicated to creating an innovative workplace for its team members that is inclusive, diverse, and interactive! Here are a few of the ways we stay engaged with our team:

• Continuous and ongoing training
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program activities
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Additionally, as a team member of the State of California, you may be eligible for many benefits, such as:

• Medical, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid Holidays and vacation/leave
• Defined retirement program
• Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
• Medical/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
• Candidates may have an opportunity to receive bilingual pay, contingent they meet CalHR requirements
• Qualified candidates may be eligible to receive educational incentive

Full benefits information can be found on CalHR's

provides more information about our commitment to serving Californians and organizational excellence.

We need your help! Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief optional survey: . This survey is not required to be considered for this position.

Telework and Salary Information

The position(s) is eligible for hybrid telework, in accordance with the Statewide Telework Policy and will be required to report to the office as needed/required. The successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment. Regular and consistent attendance is critical to the successful performance of this position. You must be regularly available and willing to work the hours necessary to meet business needs”

Business travel may be required, and reimbursement considers an employee’s designated office and residence subject to regulations and bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the reporting location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

Salary: Effective July 1, 2025, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the temporary Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee receive a temporary reduction in pay in exchange for PLP 2025 leave credits. The temporary salary reduction percentage and the number of PLP 2025 leave credits are based on the position’s associated bargaining unit. The salary range(s) included in this job advertisement do not include the temporary salary reduction. Please reach out to the hiring unit contact listed on this job advertisement for details.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.