[Hiring] Investigator 2 @State of Washington

Role Description

Are you interested in helping build something new that will make a lasting difference in the lives of thousands? If so, this opportunity may be what you are looking for! The Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) is seeking to hire an Investigator 2 for its Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) Claims Research Team. This position is part of a team that supports Washington State’s low-to-moderate-income working families and individuals. The mission of the Claims Research Team is to protect the integrity of the Working Families Tax Credit Program by preventing and detecting financial losses due to fraud or malfeasance.

• Conduct preliminary assessment of applications, attachments, and fraud indicators.
• Determine the requirements needed to authenticate and/or validate applicants.
• Complete requests for applicants to provide additional documentation.
• Make corrections to applications found to contain erroneous information.
• Conduct additional fraud evaluation on applications found to contain erroneous information.
• Approve or deny fraud evaluation cases after conducting a holistic review as per established policies and procedures.
• Determine the need for additional complex fraud investigation.
• Assess fraud tips.
• Investigate complex cases of identity theft, tax credit fraud, dependent fraud, vendor fraud, tips from the public, death records, failure to respond issues, missing employer, and out-of-country issues.
• Interview applicants, victims, and witnesses regarding identity theft, tax credit fraud, dependent fraud, vendor fraud, tips from the public, death records, failure to respond issues, missing employer, and out-of-country issues.
• Conduct complex investigations involving more than one claimant, victim, and/or issue, including those of possible or probable fraud.
• Verify investigative findings and information using available systems and data sets, including systems and data sets that are Federal Tax Information (FTI).
• Know, apply, and adhere to the IRS safeguarding standards for the use of FTI, including those found in IRS Publication 1075.
• Investigate claimants’ reported earnings with employer wage information.
• Adjudicate Working Families Tax Credit eligibility issues in accordance with the Revised Code of Washington, the Washington Administrative Code, and Federal Law.
• Determine if the fraud penalty should apply to invoices.
• Act as a resource for other WFTC staff regarding the validity of documentation provided by applicants, such as driver’s license, tax returns, etc.
• Answer all questions regarding benefits or available services. Explain available services, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and verification needs.
• Gather and record evidential facts, analyze data, prepare investigative summary reports and letters, and present findings to partner agencies, law enforcement, and/or Assistant Attorney Generals for prosecution.
• Testify in administrative hearings. Appear in Superior and District Courts as a witness for the state criminal cases.
• Participate in field evidence collection with partner agencies.
• Participate in continuing education and special projects as needed.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated progressive experience conducting complex fraud investigations—such as identity theft, dependent fraud, vendor fraud, and wage discrepancies—using investigative methods and multiple data sources to determine applicant eligibility and detect program misuse.
• Proven ability to research, interpret, and apply RCW, WAC, IRS Publication 1075, and agency safeguarding requirements, gained through work involving legal, regulatory, or compliance-based decision-making.
• Demonstrated skill in collecting, preserving, and documenting evidence—including maintaining accurate investigative summaries, case records, and ATLAS notes – developed through experience handling sensitive or confidential case information.
• Progressive experience conducting structured interviews with applicants, victims, and witnesses, using effective communication and customer-service skills to obtain accurate information and explain complex eligibility requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze information from multiple systems, identify inconsistencies or fraud indicators, and make sound, timely decisions even when information is incomplete or conflicting.
• Proven experience using investigative technology and secure databases—including FTI-protected systems and verification tools such as DOL, ESD, SSA, and TLO—while complying with confidentiality and credentialing requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a high-volume caseload by organizing work, prioritizing tasks, adapting to changing circumstances, and meeting strict timelines in a fast-paced office environment.
• Progressive experience preparing written findings, presenting case information to partner agencies, and providing credible testimony in administrative or court proceedings.
• Proven ability to maintain professionalism, impartiality, and emotional resilience when handling sensitive cases or interacting with individuals in difficult or volatile situations.
• Demonstrated ability to apply an equity-informed, culturally responsive approach when assisting diverse applicants, reducing barriers, and ensuring fair investigative determinations.

Requirements

• Two years of experience as an Investigator 1.
• Associate degree or higher in business/public administration, accounting, finance, political science, or criminal justice.
• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or other fraud credential.
• IRS or tax preparation certification.
• Demonstrated ability to read and write fluently in Spanish, or another language, gained through progressive experience, formal education, or practical application in professional, academic, or community settings.

Benefits

• Generous benefits package including defined benefit retirement plans.
• Health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Deferred compensation plans.
• Eligibility for student loan forgiveness as a public service employee.

Company Description

The Department of Revenue is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and offer a respectful, inclusive culture for people with disabilities, as well as members of all protected groups and statuses. We encourage you to apply.