Fraud Officer

Job description

Morgan Hunt's Cambridgeshire Client is seeking a diligent and skilled Corporate Fraud Investigator to join our team on a contract basis dealing with Housing Benefit and Council Tax fraud. This role involves providing a robust corporate response to allegations of fraud from various sources, conducting thorough investigations, and making informed recommendations on case disposal.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Investigations:
• Conduct investigations into fraud allegations affecting council services.
• Ensure professional and legally compliant investigations.
• Prepare statements, gather evidence, and manage disclosure.
• Maintain electronic and paper investigation files.
• Undertake surveillance in accordance with council policies and legislation.
• Obtain and advise on information from employers regarding individuals under investigation.
2. Working in Partnership:
• Collaborate with internal departments and external agencies to gather information.
• Notify relevant government agencies (DWP, HMRC) of investigations impacting national or local benefits.
• Work cross-boundary and cross-discipline as permitted by law.
3. Public Contact:
• Interview witnesses and obtain statements to support evidence.
• Conduct or participate in PACE interviews when sufficient evidence suggests an offence.
• Respond to inquiries from suspects, their representatives, and others involved in investigations.
4. Workload Reports:
• Keep the Corporate Fraud Team Leader informed of progress.
• Prepare and submit detailed investigation reports with recommendations for case disposal and remedial action.
5. Court Attendance:
• Prepare Plea or Expedited files for court proceedings.
• Represent the council at appeal hearings, Magistrates Court, and Crown Court.
6. Special Features:
• Manage interactions with distressed, agitated, or aggressive individuals.
• Balance thorough investigation methods with sensitivity to the rights and needs of subjects and witnesses.
• Adapt to additional duties as required by council developments.

Person Specification:

Essential Criteria:

• Knowledge of criminal law including PACE, RIPA, CPIA.
• Advanced IT skills (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Excellent report writing and communication skills.
• Ability to work flexibly as part of a team.
• Strong time management and prioritisation skills.
• Understanding of the Data Protection Act's impact on investigations.
• Experience in a busy office environment and working to tight deadlines.
• Proven ability to produce high-quality work and detailed reports.
• Experience in interviewing suspects and witnesses.
• Experience with public, private, and voluntary organizations.
• Conducting or supporting criminal investigations.
• Building and maintaining partnerships with other organizations.

Desirable Criteria:

• Educated to A-level or equivalent.
• Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist (ACFS) (PinS) or BTEC in Investigations.
• Full UK driving license.
• Authorised Officer Accreditation (CTS/POSHFA/RIPA).
• Legal qualification (Criminal).
• Commercial awareness and decision-making skills.
• Customer-focused and innovative approach.
• Effective planning, organizing, and flexibility in adapting to changes.

If you're looking to work from home for a Public Sector and Government client based , and feel you meet the essential criteria outlined above to be a Fraud Officer, please contact the team with an up to date CV

Morgan Hunt is a multi-award-winning recruitment business for interim, contract and temporary recruitment and acts as an Employment Agency in relation to permanent vacancies. Morgan Hunt is an equal opportunities employer. Job suitability is assessed on merit in accordance with the individual's skills, qualifications and abilities to perform the relevant duties required in a particular role.