Fraud Investigations Specialist

Summary of Responsibilities and Personal Duties: Selfmanage a varied caseload of reported allegations of fraud or irregularities against Lewisham Council by members, employees, contractors, clients, or customers in order to deliver the service in accordance with legislative requirement, the Division?s service plan, policy requirements, internal disciplinary procedures and any other requirements as determined by the A-FACT Manager.Undertake the investigation of complex cases to a high professional standard, delivering an effective and efficient service which complies with legislative requirements such as employment legislation, the Criminal Procedures and Investigatory Act 1998, Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act2000 (RIPA), Human Rights Act 2018, Fraud Act 2007, Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984(PACE), Data Protection Act 1998(DPA), Road Traffic Act 1975, Housing Act, Health & Safety at Work Act and other relevant legislation as appropriate.Monitor and review a varied investigation caseload, prioritizing to meet service needs, targets and legislative deadlines subject to frequently changing circumstances and conflicting priorities. Carry out all investigations with due regard to Lewisham Councils internal policies and procedures. Where relevant and appropriatereview existing procedures and making recommendations where weaknesses are identified, thus making a positive contribution to enhance internal controls and add value to create robust internal controls that minimise the opportunity for fraud or irregularity.To manage the National Fraud Initiative (NFI) bi-annual exercise and ensure that it is undertaken in a timely and efficient manner. To undertake the Council?s ?key contact? role of co-ordinating cross-departmental input to this mandatory requirement thus ensuring that Lewisham Council complies with the data requirements and timetable prescribed by the Audit CommissionUndertake interviews of officers, members, clients, contractors, partners and customers in a professional manner and in accordance with best accepted practices. Undertake interviews under Caution in accordance with Police and Criminal Evidence Act, codes of practice.Where interviewees elect not to have their interview tape recorded, undertake contemporaneous note taking of such interviews and ensure that notes taken are agreed by all parties.Ensure that sensitive situations and confrontational matter are addressed using tact and diplomacy and that professionalism and confidentiality is maintained in all cases.Maintain accurate computerised and manual records of investigations, ensuring that theserecords are kept securely at all timesCollate, analyse, preserve and present evidence of investigations for internal disciplinary hearings or any legal proceedings as appropriate. Undertake joint working with the police during arrest and search of suspects property, This may involve unsociable hours and for health and safety reasons, it may be required that a stab/bullet proof vest is worn. To attend police station to process and interview arrested suspects. Undertake the role of ?disclosures officer? for cases where a legal proceedings are undertaken in accordance with the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996- sworn witness statements, exhibits, unused material and sensitive material, contact and forewarn potential witnesses.Undertake Pre ?employment vetting for high risk positions in the Council, validating information supplied by prospective employees, identifying any discrepancies and making recommendations where applicable.Maintain a working knowledge of legislation affecting welfare benefits such as Housing and Council Tax Benefits and refer any cases from Pre-employment vetting to the Revenues section where there are discrepancies that affect any benefits, discounts, disregards and exemptions claimed.Use specialist knowledge and software to examine and determine whether identity documents, financial paperwork and other official documents are authentic as well as using this expertise to ensure the integrity of certain elements of the Councils requirement process. These maybe documents that are presented for recruitment purposes, or for the purposes of accessing Council services. Document examination may also be required during interviews, visits or while executing search or arrest warrants. Represent Lewisham Council as a witness for disciplinary hearings, professional body conduct hearings and attend Court as a witness when summoned. Determine strategies to enable the implementation, organizing and carrying out ofspecial projects such as the NFI or Fraud Awareness Training, or any other proactive Anti Fraud campaigns. Liaise with other sections within the AFACT and external partners to raise the profile of the team and promote corporate anti fraud strategies.Design, create, prepare and deliver specialist fraud awareness training to educate members, managers and staff in empowering them in implementing the Councils objectives towards fraud .To providea fraudadvisory response service for telephone and writtenenquiriesfrom both internal and external ?customers?.To keep abreast of developments of investigatory methods and legislative knowledge relevant to the duties and responsibilities of the post of Special Investigations Officer. Attend and represent A-FACT, as requested by the A-FACT Manager, at any partnership working with government agencies, local authorities, the Met Police, and other bodies involved in the prevention, detection and investigation of fraud and corruption.To help develop a high quality investigation service that supports the achievement of corporate anti fraud policy of zero tolerance to fraud & corruption by identifying opportunities to improve services and taking on additional areas of investigatory work.To undertake visits during normal working hours and out of hours as necessary to achieve the objectives of an investigation. Undertake covert directed surveillance (foot, mobile and static) on suspects. To be conducted within the parameters of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 and the Human Rights Act 1998. Participate in the recruitment process of new staff and provide on job training and supervise the work of temporary, agency or apprentices within the special Investigations section Liaise with the council?s Press Office to publicise the results of successful prosecutions, to promote deterrence to fraud.At all times to carry out the responsibilities/duties with due regard to the London Borough of Lewisham Equalities policies . Requirement to undertake homeworking. Adhere to and promote the Councils Core Values.Carry out the responsibilities if the post with due regard to the Council?s Equal Opportunities Policy and promote these policies within the team.Assist in carrying out the environmental policy within the day to day activities of the post.Comply with the Council?s Health and Safety policies and practices and Directorates codes of practice at all times. Ensure that safe working practices within Special Investigation section are adhered to. Fraud Investigations Specialist Fraud Investigations Specialist Fraud Investigations Specialist Fraud Investigations Specialist Fraud Investigations Specialist Fraud Investigations Specialist TPBN1_UKTJ