Fraud Investigator - Wage - Multiple Vacancies
About the position The Maine Department of Labor’s Bureau of Unemployment Compensation is seeking three Wage Fraud Investigators to join their team. This position plays a critical role in protecting Maine’s Unemployment Trust Fund by investigating potential benefit overpayments. Overpayments may occur accidentally through misunderstanding or error, or intentionally through misrepresentation or false statements made while filing for benefits. As a Wage Fraud Investigator, you will review these situations, determine the cause and severity of the overpayment, and ensure appropriate action is taken. You may also review and validate identity documents submitted to the Bureau to determine whether a claim is legitimate or the result of identity theft. Incumbents in this position are also required to know and understand the entire Unemployment Claims process, including Claims Entry and Eligibility Adjudications. This position will become hybrid, with at least 1 day per week in office, after successful completion of training.
Responsibilities
- Review unemployment claims and employer‑provided wage audits to determine whether an overpayment exists and whether it was intentional or due to misunderstanding.
- Write clear, accurate unemployment eligibility determinations based on investigative findings.
- Participate in appeal hearings to justify and support your decisions.
- Conduct identity validation through documents uploaded to the ReEmployME system and through in‑person review.
- Travel statewide on an infrequent basis as needed.
Requirements
- Ability to analyze complex or incomplete information and make a well‑reasoned, defensible decision based on available evidence.
- In‑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
- A Baccalaureate Degree in Criminal Justice, Law, Business or Public Administration, or related field -AND- one year experience in criminal investigation, law enforcement, forensic accounting, auditing, or related field.
- Directly related work experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience in unemployment claims, unemployment adjudication, or investigations.
- Experience with decision making is preferred.
Benefits
- 13 paid holidays
- 12 days of sick leave
- 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually
- Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums
- Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums
- Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) for MSEA, or 18.09% for Confidential employees.