Fraud Investigator

Department of Labor Job Class Code: 5040

Grade: 22 (Professional/Technical)
Salary: $47,646.56 - $66,491.36/Annually - includes a 1% stipend

Location:

Presque Isle, Portland, Lewiston, Augusta, MEOpening Date:
September 11, 2026

Closing Date:
September 25,2026

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Are you a detail-oriented investigator with an exceptional eye for detecting fraud and misrepresentation? Do you have the analytical confidence to make tough decisions and stand by them? The Maine Department of Labor's Bureau of Unemployment Compensation is seeking two Wage Fraud Investigators to safeguard Maine's Unemployment Trust Fund. In this pivotal role, you will investigate potential benefit over payments - determining whether discrepancies stem from simple errors or intentional fraud - and oversee necessary corrective actions.

Additionally, you will analyze identity documents to detect and prevent identity theft, ensuring benefits reach legitimate claimants.

To succeed in this role, you will develop a deep operational knowledge of the full Unemployment Claims lifecycle, including claims entry and eligibility adjudications.

• Interview claimants, employers, and other witnesses largely by phone to determine claimant eligibility for compensation and which employer account, if any, to charge.
• Writes clear and concise decisions to document UC benefit determinations and which employer account, if any, to charge.
• Evaluate and assess all investigative information to make referrals and determine and initiate the best course of action that protects the State's application of laws, rules, and use of unemployment funds.
• Explains laws, regulations, commission rules, precedents, and Department policies regarding eligibility, disqualifications, and appeals to provide information to claimants, employers, and the public.
• Investigates, researches, and documents allegations of misrepresentation and fraudulent claims to determine validity and prepare reports of investigation.
• Testifies at hearings and in court to present and justify written decisions rendered.
• Plans, assigns, and oversees the work of subordinate staff, as well as provides training to ensure applicable laws, rules, regulations, and policies are applied consistently and equitably.

Knowledge ofIn-depth interviewing techniques

Clear and concise report writing

Strong oral and written presentation of evidence and facts

Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and professional judgment.

Ability to communicate findings clearly and confidently in both written and verbal formats.

Ability to Ability to analyze complex or incomplete information and make a well-reasoned, defensible decision based on available evidence.

Communicate effectively.

Write clearly and effectively.

Determine benefit eligibility.

Interpret and apply laws, rules, and regulations in specific circumstances.

Compile and analyze facts, reach logical conclusions, and make sound recommendations.

Deal effectively with irate or confused clients.

Demonstrate competent time management.

Write complete and understandable decisions and reports.

Plan, direct, and coordinate the work of subordinate staff.

A Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, Economics, Finance, or related field and two (2) years of technical, administrative, or paraprofessional support level experience in public contact work which demonstrates interviewing, data gathering, and analytical skills. Comparable work experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

The ideal candidate would have experience in unemployment claims, unemployment adjudication, or investigations. Experience with decision making is preferred.

Questions about this position should be directed to:
Paul Jerome, paul.l.jerome

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto-"Dirigo" or "I lead"-as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit
  - Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive…