Office of Inspector General (OIG)
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007
www.azdes.gov

Salary: $85,500.05 - $104,500.06 

Grade: 24

Closing Date: March 2, 2026

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES) we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals who are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov; or click on the link here to view ‘Our DES’ video. Come Join the DES Team!

The Department of Economic Security, Office of Inspector General (OIG), Appellate Services Administration (ASA) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as the Office of Special Investigations Chief (Investigations Administrator). The Investigations Administrator provides strategic leadership and oversight for investigative operations within the Office of Inspector General (OIG), that support the agency's various public assistance programs. This position directs development, revision, and implementation of policies, protocols, and investigative guidelines to ensure program integrity and regulatory compliance. The OSI Chief oversees complex, multi-program investigations involving multiple subjects and external stakeholders, coordinating with regulatory law enforcement partners to address fraud, waste and abuse. The OSI Chief prioritizes investigative initiatives, allocates resources, guides evidence collection and interviews, and ensures the delivery of comprehensive findings and actionable recommendations.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely within Arizona based upon the department's needs and continual meetings of expected performance measures.

The state of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, commissions, many State employees participate in the State's Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Essential Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Manage all operations of assigned unit(s). Conduct special studies and investigations as assigned by Department Executives. Coordinates partnerships between DES programs, other Office of Inspector General (OIG) components and external agencies. Represent the Deputy Inspector General at meetings. Oversee and coordinate complex investigations, which may be high-profile and / or involve multiple stakeholders. Travel may be required.
• Partner with DES divisions, OIG investigative units, and other entities as required to conduct investigations. Participate in inter-agency task force investigations, work groups and committees to build external partnerships and combine knowledge and resources to resolve investigations more efficiently.
• Recommend and participate in the selection, placement, training, development, and performance management of qualified unit personnel. Ensure unit staff maintain required training certifications, as well as in-service training in detecting crime while mitigating exposure and risk.
• Provide guidance on complex principles, laws related to investigations, interview and interrogation, crime prevention, records management, evidence handling, use of force, law enforcement theory principles and practices. Assist in the development, revision, and implementation of guidelines, protocols, policies, and procedures associated with model programs and best practices.
• Supervise managers to include those leading investigations of public benefits fraud and other fraud investigations as required.

Knowledge of:
• Applicable Federal, State, and local Statues, Administrative Code, and DES Policy and Procedures.
• Operations, services and activities of DES Programs.
• Interview, interrogation, and investigative techniques and procedures.
• Law enforcement theory, principles, and practices and their application to a wide variety of services and programs.
• Principles and laws related to investigation, interview and interrogation, crime prevention, records management, evidence-handling, and use of force.
• Evidence and elements of crimes.
• Principles and practices of supervision and training.
• Google Workspace Applications, including Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive, Meets, and other applications

Skill in:
• Directing work and holding staff accountable for successful outcomes.
• Maintaining composure and working effectively under stressful conditions.
• Effectively supervising, leading and delegating tasks and authority.
• Mentoring and coaching.
• Creatively accessing information.
• Mobilizing investigative teams.
• Preparing clear, concise, and accurate oral and written reports.

Ability to:
• Interpret and apply Federal, State, and local laws, rules, codes, ordinances, and regulation.
• Monitor and direct the work of others.
• Make sound, independent decisions based on available data and adopt appropriate courses of action.
• Communicate effectively and accurately, both and in writing.
• Prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
• Perform detailed work with a high degree of accuracy.
• Review, evaluate and make improvements in the deployment of personnel and equipment.
• Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff.
• Prepare and deliver presentations for State and Department Leadership, work groups, and community groups.
• Accurately, succinctly, and courteously respond to inquiries from State or Department Leadership.
• Participate in the development and administration of Department goals, objectives, and procedures.
• Analyze problems identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Research, analyze and evaluate new methods and techniques related to the functions of the Unit.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:
• Three (3) years of investigative law enforcement experience with a minimum of three (3) years of supervisory or management experience.
• Bachelors degree in a related field or area.

• This position may require driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).
• Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify.
• Employee shall have a valid Level One fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute 41-1758.07 in order to work with children and vulnerable adults.
• The ability to secure and maintain clearance from the Department of Child Safety (DCS) Central Registry and the Adult Protective Services (APS) Registry.
• Due to the confidential, sensitive nature of information handled, successful completion of an Arizona Criminal Justice Information System (ACJIS) background check is required prior to receiving a job offer pursuant to 28 CFR 20.21(f)(4)(i). Must obtain ACJIS Terminal Operator Certification within 30 days of hire and maintain certification throughout the course of this assignment with the unit.

The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child.
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
• Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page.

State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the State sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.

On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates.

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact Benson Walker at (480) 318-4150 or email bensonwalker@azdes.gov.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (480) 318-4150. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.