Fraud Investigator

Salary: $8,071.00 - $10,493.00 Monthly
Location : Denver Metro, CO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: IHA-07551 10.12.2026
Department: Colorado Department of Human Services
Division: DPSO (Division of Performance & Strategic Outcomes)
Opening Date: 10/14/2026
Closing Date: 10/26/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Determined by Position
Type of Announcement: This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address: 4126 S Knox Ct.; Denver, Colorado 80236
FLSA Status: Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information:
Salary Note: Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.
How To Apply: Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.

Department Information
This position is open to current Colorado residents only.

Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
AUDIT DIVISION

The purpose of the Audit Division is to provide independent, objective assurance designed to add value and improve the Colorado Department of Human Services' (CDHS or Department) operations. The Audit Division aims to accomplish this by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, internal controls, and the governance process. The purpose is accomplished through the examination and analysis of internal controls and policies and procedures of the Department and its subrecipients and contractors. Examples of this include:

• Examining and analyzing CDHS' compliance, as well as its subrecipients' and contractors' compliance, with Federal and State laws, rules, regulations, and internal policies and procedures;
• Identifying Federal and State funds that were by CDHS, as well as its subrecipients and contractors, and subsequently recovering improperly expended funds, as needed;
• Providing a deterrent against waste, fraud, and abuse of Federal and State funds;
• Tracking and managing the implementation of external and internal audits of CDHS' programs and activities;
• Regularly collaborating with internal staff and external stakeholders; and
• Providing training and technical assistance to ensure compliance with Federal and State laws, rules, regulations, and internal policies and procedures.

Description of Job
Hybrid Work Assignment: Minimum of 2 days per week in the office

Please note: These working arrangements are subject to change
The purpose of the position is to enhance and protect the Department's vision, mission, and values by detecting and investigating allegations of fraud. The position is responsible for:

• Acting as the sole lead and owner for all fraud services at CDHS.
• Independently lead and investigate fraud related matters related to CDHS employees, and when deemed necessary CDHS funded providers, employees of county departments or clients receiving benefits funded by CDHS;
• Maintain fraud hotline and fraud databases;
• Developing and reviewing fraud detection analytics/data that may indicate fraud or need for further inquiry.
• Review complex contracts in order to determine compliance with contract terms and requirements;
• When needed, preparation and referral of criminal complaints for suspected misuse of taxpayer funds;
• When needed, testifying at administrative, civil, and criminal hearings and proceedings;
• Determining the appropriate amount of investigation needed to accomplish investigation and review objectives;
• Preparation of detailed reports and exhibits; and
• Creating and disseminating required fraud reports to CDHS leadership, the State Controller's office, and the Office of the State Auditor (OSA).

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Experience Only:

• Eight (8) years of relevant experience in Accounting, Forensic Accounting, Finance, Legal Studies, Fraud Investigation or other related occupation to the work assigned to this position

OR
Education and Experience:

• A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in Accounting, Forensic Accounting, Finance, Legal Studies, Fraud Investigation or other occupation related to the work assigned equal to eight (8) years
• Current, valid licensure as a CPA from the Colorado Board of Accountancy or current, valid CIA or CFE certificate will substitute for five (5) years of the requirement

Preferred Qualifications:

• Investigative Expertise & Interviewing: Ability to independently plan and execute complex fraud investigations, conduct forensic evidence gathering, and perform effective investigative interviews of alleged perpetrators and witnesses.
• Professional Standards & Legal Compliance: Mastery of applying professional fraud/auditing standards and state/federal rules (such as Uniform Grant Guidance 2 C.F.R. Part 200 and State Fiscal Rules) to ensure findings and workpapers are legally defensible.
• Critical Thinking & Case Triage: Skill in analyzing raw fraud referrals to evaluate credibility, determine appropriate scope, and distinguish actionable fraud from routine HR or administrative performance issues.
• Written & Technical Communication: Proficiency in compiling clear, objective, and detailed investigative reports, maintaining workpapers in database systems, and tracking case dispositions.
• Interagency Collaboration & Legal Proceedings: Ability to partner effectively with District Attorneys, the Attorney General's Office, and law enforcement, as well as provide credible expert witness testimony in court or administrative hearings.
• Lead Oversight & Training: Capability to assign, guide, and review the work of supporting audit staff on investigations and deliver fraud prevention training to internal and external stakeholders.
• Adaptability & Time Management: Ability to manage independent ongoing projects while remaining agile enough to adjust priorities and deploy on short-notice field travel across Colorado.
• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Conditions of Employment:

• Standard background check and reference check required
• This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application (unless otherwise identified in the posting), and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position.
• Travel in-state will be required
• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:
  • Disclose that information on the application.
  • Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.
  • Provide your employee number from your prior State employment. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.

CDHS Selection Process Explanation
Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements.

• Preferred Qualifications & Competencies:
  
  • Relevant years of state service experience

Minimum Qualification Screening Process
A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position. You must complete the official State of Colorado online application. Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications in the application form. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached."
You must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process. Part-time work experience will be prorated.
Comparative Analysis Process - Structured Application Review
After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve a reviewing and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from standardized testing.

Your Work Experience/Job Duties
Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications.

If listed, answer all supplemental questions as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase. Provide at least 4-8 sentences for each supplemental question.
Supplemental Questions

Answer the supplemental questions completely and thoughtfully. We will rate your answers based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing).
Appeal Rights

You may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director if your application is eliminated. You will find the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it on the State Personnel Board website.

• You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.
• You can find the official appeal form here.
• You must be deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:
  
  • By email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), or
  • Postmarked in US Mail to(1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203, or
  • Hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or
  • Faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department's action.

Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance:

• At (303) 866-3300, or
• Refer to the Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules webpage.

Supplemental Information
HOW TO APPLY TO THE STATE OF COLORADO
The Assessment Process
For additional recruiting questions, please contact Jade Green at jade.green@state.co.us