Financial Fraud Investigator

We are looking for an experienced Financial Fraud Investigator that sits within the Housing Benefit / Financial Assessment structure. The main purpose of the role is to work as part of a new multidisciplinary team and assist with reviewing our existing and potential new caseload of supported (exempt) accommodation tenants and providers. The Council offers flexible hybrid working arrangements. The purpose of the team will be to assess the need for and provision of care support and supervision from a housing duty perspective. Challenging tenant eligibility for supported housing and provider eligibility under Housing Benefit regulations will be the main focus as well as reducing the elements that make up the eligible rent. As the Counter Fraud Investigator your main focus will be on investigating providers (i.e. are they notforprofit are there links to other providers do they provide the required level of care support and supervision what evidence do we have how are the Directors linked to the company and other companies contrived tenancies and potential DWP benefits council tax support and council tax fraud.) Experience and knowledge of housing fraud is desirable. Essential experience skills and knowledge: 1. Extensive experience of working in an investigative environment including undertaking interviews obtaining and preparing reports and materials for disciplinary or Court hearings and in accordance with strict guidelines and procedures. 2. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with facilitation and presentation experience. 3. Experience of building relationships and working with senior managers and other key stakeholders with the ability to show courage and integrity when challenged on investigation findings. 4. Numeracy skills including the ability to analyse interpret and clearly present detailed and complex data. 5. Knowledge of the legislation regulations and current issues affecting the investigation of fraud including the requirements of the Fraud Act 2006 Police and Criminal Evidence Act Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 Human Rights Act Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act Theft Acts and relevant Data Protection and Social Security legislation. 6. An Investigation qualification such as Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist PINS FOCUS BTEC CIPFA Investigative Practice or equivalent. Desirable: 1. Understanding of public sector organisations ideally local government and the issues currently facing the sector including the major fraud risks. 2. Accreditation as a Financial Investigator under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

Extensive experience of working in an investigative environment, including undertaking interviews, obtaining and preparing reports and materials for disciplinary or Court hearings, and in accordance with strict guidelines and procedures. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with facilitation and presentation experience. Experience of building relationships and working with senior managers and other key stakeholders, with the ability to show courage and integrity when challenged on investigation findings. Numeracy skills, including the ability to analyse, interpret and clearly present detailed and complex data. Knowledge of the legislation, regulations and current issues affecting the investigation of fraud, including the requirements of the Fraud Act 2006, Police and Criminal Evidence Act, Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013, Human Rights Act, Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, Theft Acts, and relevant Data Protection and Social Security legislation. An Investigation qualification such as Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist, PINS, FOCUS, BTEC, CIPFA Investigative Practice or equivalent. Extensive knowledge of best practice and current trends within public sector fraud investigation. Extensive knowledge of investigative techniques and how and when to apply these to complete efficient and effective investigations. A good knowledge of the issues and challenges currently facing local government and the fraud risks that this may present. Knowledge of current and incoming legislation that impact on the counter fraud and investigations, including the Fraud and Bribery Acts. Understanding of the importance of Health and Safety, and Equal Opportunities, issues within the context of the job. Experience of undertaking proactive anti-fraud work, including the ability to spot fraud risk indicators and trends and identify ways to address these. Ability to organise and prioritise tasks. Ability to display initiative. Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality. Ability to identify areas for improvement and implement these. Ability to produce clear, succinct and well-structured written work which creates a positive impact on recipient(s). Ability to reflect on information, define key issues and reach logical conclusions. Ability to work to the highest standards, demonstrating resilience to pressure and always retaining due professionalism. Ability to work efficiently and effectively, taking ownership of deliverables and consistently meeting and/or exceeding targets.