Job Description

Position Summary

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Now Hiring: Fraud Prevention Specialist

Serve with Integrity. Protect Public Trust. Make a Real Difference.

Benton County is seeking a

Fraud Prevention Specialist

to help safeguard the integrity of public assistance programs across our

four-county region,

Benton, Sherburne, Mille Lacs, and Morrison Counties

. In this vital role, you'll lead investigations, uncover potential fraud, and ensure that benefits are delivered fairly and lawfully to those who truly need them.


This position blends

investigative work, analytical skills, and community service.

It's perfect for someone who thrives on details, values fairness, and takes pride in upholding the public good.

Why You'll Love This Role

Your work directly protects public resources and helps ensure fairness in essential human service programs. Every day is different. You'll balance investigative fieldwork, analytical review, and professional collaboration. You'll be part of a

dedicated regional team across

Benton, Sherburne, Mille Lacs, and Morrison Counties

committed to ethical service and accountability.

What We're Looking For -

We're seeking a candidate with:

Strong investigative, interviewing, and analytical skills. Sound judgment, integrity, and respect for confidentiality. Experience as a Child Support Officer, Collections Officer, Eligibility Specialist, or Fraud Prevention Investigator/Specialist. Education in criminal justice, human services, or related fields is a plus. Familiarity with public assistance programs and Minnesota statutes is a plus.

Position Summary

Conducts fraud prevention investigations and manages the resolution of alleged or suspected violations of public assistance laws, rules, and regulations across Benton, Sherburne, Mille Lacs, and Morrison Counties.

Schedule:

Full-time; 40 hours/week

Interview Information

Initial interviews may be conducted by phone or in person and are tentatively scheduled for

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

(times TBD). Please watch your email for more information.

Apply by:

Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 4:30 PM

Join us in protecting what matters most, the integrity of our public programs and the trust of our communities.

Learn more about this

impactful public service role

and apply:

Benton County Career Opportunities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

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Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions

A. Review internal referrals and complaints from the public to determine possible program violations.

B. Plan and conduct investigations of fraud and suspected fraud under the Fraud Prevention Investigations (FPI) program.

B.1. Review the public assistance file, interview Eligibility Specialists, gather evidence, and conduct surveillance and field investigations.

B.2. Conduct joint investigations with other law enforcement agencies as appropriate.

B.3. Prepare and serve administrative subpoenas.

B.4. Interview suspects and potential witnesses, and third parties.

B.5. Prepare and maintain investigative notes.

B.6. Ensure MN State Guidelines and time frames for FPI cases are followed.

C. Provide findings to the appropriate agencies to support enforcement and program integrity efforts.

D. Recommend appropriate administrative or criminal actions for program violators.

E. Settle fraudulent case situations administratively according to MN State Statutes and the Intentional Program Violation (IPV) process.

F. Prepare FPI cases for submission to the Minnesota Department of Human Services for Administrative Disqualification hearings.

F.1. Complete investigations, compile all evidence, and prepare the Hearing Request Form, exhibit packet, witness list, and narrative.

F.2. Represent the County during the Disqualification Hearing by presenting evidence, providing opening and closing statements, and explaining the reason for the request and where the Intentional Program Violation occurred.

F.3. Present clear and convincing evidence, call and question witnesses testifying on behalf of the County, respond to the Judge's inquiries, and, if the client is present, address client questions and conduct questioning on the record as needed.

G. Conduct front-end collateral investigations during the application process and maintain the disqualification program.

H. Conduct case file reviews and other proactive initiatives to identify potential program violations.

I. Manage and maintain case files through the Program Integrity Network (PIN).

J. Conduct annual Fraud Prevention training for Eligibility Specialists in each of the four counties, Benton, Mille Lacs, Morrison, and Sherburne.

K. Prepare and present a variety of reports for county departments and the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

Additional Functions

A. Attend trainings as needed.

B. Perform other duties as assigned or apparent.

Minimum Qualifications - Training and Experience Required

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Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

A. High School Diploma or Equivalent GED; and

B. Four years of related work experience as a Child Support Officer, Collections Officer, Eligibility Specialist; OR

C. Equivalent combination of education/training/experience.

D. Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to drive in the state of Minnesota.

E. Must successfully complete a background check.

F. Obtain and maintain certifications and licensures.

Preferred Qualifications

A. Two or more years of post-secondary education.

B. Fraud investigations experience.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Physical Demands and Working Conditions Required

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Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

A. Knowledge of federal and state laws, rules, and regulations relating to public assistance fraud and criminal and civil laws applicable to wrongfully obtaining public assistance and theft.

B. Knowledge of laws and policies covering federal and state civil and criminal procedures, rules of evidence, administrative court procedures, civil rights regarding rules and procedures relevant to fair hearings, and administrative fraud hearings.

C. Knowledge of laws and ethics pertaining to data privacy.

D. Ability to explain laws or legal processes to a variety of audiences.

E. Ability to prepare and present legal documents.

F. Knowledge of standards of evidence, legal terminology, civil and criminal processes, and a basic understanding of program policy and criminal statutes.

G. Ability to effectively navigate and search a variety of computer and web-based systems and programs.

H. Ability to conduct interviews effectively and tactfully in situations involving hostile or abusive clients, while obtaining required information and/or providing necessary

information to the client.

I. Skills in mediation, interviewing, complaint resolution, and problem solving.

J. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written or oral forms.

K. Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, and have strong positive public relations skills.

L. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

M. Ability to handle a variety of typical assignments and problems under limited supervision with general autonomy in determining how objectives are achieved.

N. Ability to apply a variety of procedures, policies, and precedents using moderate analytical ability to adapt standard methods to fit facts and conditions using generally prescribed procedures.

O. Effective communication with the department and other departments, outside agencies, clients, and the public on specialized matters requiring detailed or technical responses and explanations.

P. Ability to travel within your daily work assignment.

Q. Ability to travel within Minnesota, including extended overnight stays.

R. Ability to work extended evening and weekend hours as needed.

S. Must comply with organizational and departmental policies.

T. Performs the physical/mental demands of the work environment requirements for this position.

U. Attendance during regularly scheduled work hours, and outside regular hours, as necessary.

V. Effective and respectful communication and interactions with other employees, supervisors, individuals from different organizations, and citizen customers.

W. Must comply with data practices policies and standards related to private data. Access to private data is limited strictly to what is necessary to perform assigned job duties. While accessing such data, the employee must take reasonable measures to prevent unauthorized access by individuals without a work-related need. Once the work-related purpose has been met, private data must be properly secured and stored in accordance with county policies and Minnesota Statutes.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

A. Work is performed in the office and the community. Options for telework (when not required to be in the office or the community) may be permitted at the discretion of the Department Head.

B. Headaches, eyestrain, and other related occupational hazards reflect the most common potential for injury.

C. Work is light duty and sedentary with the ability to lift, carry, or push up to 10 pounds.

D. May encounter verbal abuse and threats from hostile and frustrated clients.

E. This position is exposed to mental effort and stress.

F. This position frequently performs work under moderate attention to detail and deadlines.

G. Duties are performed in varying weather conditions, ranging from extreme cold to extreme heat, and in diverse travel conditions, throughout the year.

H. Potential exposure to hazardous materials, including chemicals, blood and other bodily fluids, pets/animals, and illegal substances.

I. Work environments may involve atmospheric conditions such as fumes, odors, dust, gases, or poor ventilation during visits to clients' homes.

J. Conduct interviews in clients' residences, which may involve clients who are upset, abusive, or hostile, as well as those experiencing behavioral or cognitive challenges.

Hours of Work

A. Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Equipment Utilized

A. Office equipment, computer hardware and software, and personal vehicle, county automobile, and phones.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship. The County Board, County Administrator, or appropriate Elected Official retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.

Benton County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.