Financial Fraud Investigator
Enfield
I am recruiting for a local authority who 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 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 not-for-profit, 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:
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.
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.
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.
Desirable:
Understanding of public sector organisations, ideally local government, and the issues currently facing the sector, including the major fraud risks.
Accreditation as a Financial Investigator under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.