Salary : $75,316.80 – $96,137.60 Annually
Location : All Locations – San Luis Obispo County, CA
Job Type: Permanent – Hourly
Job Number: 0923PM-001531-01
Department: Department of Social Services
Division: DSS Administration
Opening Date: 09/19/2023
Closing Date: 10/3/2023 11:59 PM Pacific
About the Position
The Department of Social Services has an exciting opportunity for a Substitute Social Services Investigator to join their team.
Under general supervision, conducts investigations relating to suspected fraudulent receipt of aid; works in cooperation with the District Attorney’s office and other law enforcement agencies; and completes other related work as required. This Position may need to work irregular office hours as needed. Spanish speaking is preferred but not required.
for the full job description.
Typical Tasks and Representative Duties (not in order of importance):
- Conducts investigations of persons suspected of fraudulent receipt of aid
- Locates and interviews suspected persons and witnesses
- Interprets and explains rules and regulations related to the investigation
- Contacts individuals, employers and other representatives of business or governmental organizations to secure information and gather evidence
- Evaluates testimony
- Examines evidence and suggests an appropriate course of action
- Gathers, assembles and prepares reports for presentation in court
- Conducts surveillance
- Testifies in court and assists in prosecutions
- Prepares correspondence, obtains and executes search warrants with concurrence of supervisor
The Ideal Candidate
Education and Experience:
A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes:
Graduation from high school or possession of a General Education Development (GED) certificate. AND Either A: Two years of experience as an Employment Resource Specialist III or equivalent Or B: One year of experience in investigative work with a law enforcement, probation department, or other closely related agency.
Licenses and Certificates:
A valid driver’s license is required at the time of application. A valid CALIFORNIA driver’s license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
Successful completion of the following is required for continued employment: Either within six (6) months of appointment must satisfactorily complete Basic POST certification. Or within twelve (12) months of appointment must satisfactorily complete POST Specialized Basic Investigators’ Course, pursuant to Penal Code §832.25.
PHYSICAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING:
Must meet minimum peace officer standards as specified in California Government Code Sections 1029 and 1031, including but not limited to: not currently on probation for a misdemeanor; no prior felony convictions (unless fully pardoned); good moral character as determined by thorough background investigation (this includes a polygraph examination and/or computer voice stress analysis); submission of fingerprints for purpose of a criminal record check; and found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, that might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer.
Other Conditions of Employment:
All applicants are subject to the requirements outlined in Government Code Sections 1029 through 1031 regarding peace officer standards; including candidate’s physical, emotional and mental health will be evaluated and must be free from any condition which might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer or performance of the duties of this position. This class specification generally describes the duties and responsibilities characteristic of the position(s) within this class. The duties of a particular position within a multi-position class may vary from the duties of other positions within the class. Accordingly, the essential functions of a particular position (whether it be a multi-position class or a single-position class) will be identified and used by medical examiners and hiring authorities in the selection process. If you have any questions regarding the duties or the working conditions of the position, please contact the Personnel Department at (805) 781-5959.
How to Apply
Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. To apply for this position, click “apply” at the top of this page. Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.
An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.
Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.
If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at hr@co.slo.ca.us. Confidential inquiries are welcomed.
For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at
Reasonable Accommodation Notice
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Please call 805-781-5959 for assistance or e-mail hr@co.slo.ca.us for more information.
Veteran’s Preference Points
If you are applying for employment with the County of San Luis Obispo and you served in the United States Armed Forces, you may be eligible for veteran’s preference points as part of the recruitment process. Some dependents and survivors of eligible veterans may also be eligible for preference points. for more information and to learn how to apply for this benefit. Please note that Veteran’s credits must be on file with the County of San Luis Obispo Veterans Services Office prior to the recruitment closing date indicated on the job announcement.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The County is an equal opportunity employer. Objectives are directed toward assuring equal opportunity in selection / promotion, pay, and job assignments. Recruitment and selection procedures have been established to ensure non-discrimination on the basis of political or religious opinions or affiliations, age, sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors. In addition, the County complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act in hiring and retaining employees. For more information contact the Human Resources Department at (805)781-5959.
Make a Difference
Employees of the County of San Luis Obispo are public servants who impact the lives of our community every day. From supporting efforts to reduce homelessness, keeping our drinking water clean, or serving the families in need in the community, County employees make a difference.
Compensation and Benefits
Your annual salary is supplemented by a generous benefit package.
For additional information regarding the benefits listed that may be available to you, visit the associated .
Some benefits include:
– Medical (PPO, EPO), Dental (HMO, PPO) and Vision Insurance
– Cafeteria (County contribution to pay for insurance premiums)
– Free visits to the employee health clinic
– Mental Health resources/benefits
– Voluntary insurance plans (life insurance, disability, critical illness and many more)
– A lifelong retirement benefit through the San Luis Obispo County Pension Trust
– Optional deferred compensation Plan with up to $500 per year match
– Tax savings accounts (medical and dependent care)
– Paid personal, sick and vacation days
– 12 paid holidays
– Employee Assistance Program
– Education and Wellness Allowance
– Post Employment Health Plan
– Family Friendly workplace policies
– Flexible work schedule options
-Rideshare commuter benefits
The County of San Luis Obispo has been recognized as a Diamond Level Family Friendly Workplace by San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce. We support our employees through: childcare assistance, flexible scheduling practices, paid and unpaid leave, comprehensive health benefits, flexible spending accounts, and employee assistance programs.
Pension Benefit and Employee Contribution Rates:
The County’s pension is a defined benefit plan that provides a guaranteed monthly pension payment for life based on your time in service, wages, and other factors. The County is the primary contributor to the pension fund, but the health of the pension fund also depends on mandatory employee contributions. Employees are required to pay a percentage of their base pay towards the pension fund, ranging from 5% to 19%. This amount is deducted from your paycheck pre-tax every pay period. To find out how much will be deducted from your paycheck should you be hired for this position, please contact Pension Trust at (805) 781-5465.
Healthcare Benefits and Cafeteria Contributions:
The County offers comprehensive medical coverage to you and your family, along with two dental plan options and vision coverage. All permanent employees receive a monthly employer contribution (or ‘cafeteria’ contribution) to help them pay for their portion of the medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums. The amount of the cafeteria contribution varies by Bargaining Unit (BU) and the extent to which employees enroll their dependents. If the cafeteria amount is greater than your selected premiums, the remainder of the cafeteria is paid out to you in your paycheck as taxable income. If the cafeteria amount is less than your monthly premiums, you pay the remainder of the premiums with pre-tax wages.
To estimate your out-of-pocket costs (or cashback from extra cafeteria),
Learning and Development
The County prioritizes your learning, personal and professional development, and career growth. Employees have access to over 1500 on-demand courses, instructor led courses, and job-specific trainings.
Employees can take courses to upskill to make themselves more competitive for promotional opportunities and further their career growth. Examples of courses include:
– Emotional Intelligence
– Supervisor/Manager academies
– Microsoft Suite courses
– Defensive Driving
– Financial management
– Retirement preparedness
– Teambuilding
– Written Communication
– Conflict Management
– Clifton StrengthsFinder and DISC
– Job specific conferences/trainings
Student Loan Forgiveness
Did you know that if you are employed by a government agency you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
County employees also have access to GotZoom, a program that offers tools and support to navigate your federal student loans.
Homebuyer assistance program
Employees have access to the “Assist-to-Own” program sponsored by to get a loan for the down payment.
01
Employees in substitute positions receive benefits equivalent to permanent full-time employees, therefore will be eligible to earn vacation, sick leave, health and pension benefits. Substitute appointments will fill behind an employee who is on a leave of absence and the substitute appointment will end upon the return of the incumbent employee. If the incumbent employee does not return, the substitute employee may assume the position. I understand this is a Substitute Social Services Investigator position.
- Yes
- No
02
What is your understanding of the function of Social Services?
03
What is your experience with Social Services Participants?
04
What is your understanding of the role of Law Enforcement in Social Services?
Required Question