Investigative Assistant

Examples of Duties

This recruitment is being established to fill a vacancy that is Grant Funded. Funding for this position will end on June 30th, 2025.

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Assist in research of evidence, recording crime scenes and providing investigative support.
• Perform field work locating and interviewing informants, suspected violators, witnesses, abducted children, and/or missing parents.
• Serve court documents; assists in case development; provides information to persons seeking assistance for abducted children.
• Gather, assembles, preserves, and reports facts, statements, or affidavits and other evidence for use in legal action.
• Interpret and explain the provisions of laws, rules or regulations related to investigations.
• Gather, examine and evaluate a variety of records and documents to secure information concerning suspected violations.
• Testify in court; prepares file records and reports; Perform case report tracking.
  
  

Experience

Minimum Qualifications

One (1) year of experience performing criminal or civil investigative functions (i.e.; interviewing persons, taking statements, locating persons or assets)

OR

Two (2) years of experience working in a public assistance agency or organization.

Education

Completion of 30 college units with a major in administration of justice, social work, law enforcement or a closely related field.

OR

Successful completion of California P.O.S.T. training (Level 2 Reserves, minimum) and fifteen (15) college units with a major in administration of justice or law enforcement.

License

Possess a valid California driver's license at time of appointment and maintain.

Essential Functions

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Investigations, interviews, and researches.
• Operate a personal computer and other office equipment.
• Communicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone.
• Analyze data, interpret directions, procedures and regulations, and develop appropriate responses.
• Perform job duties under stressful conditions and respond appropriately to situations.
• Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
• Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision and color perception.
• Frequently lift, carry, reach, push, pull, twist and manipulate large and small objects.
• Kneel, bend, twist, squat, balance and crawl, occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Frequent use of hand-eye coordination and repetitive hand and arm motion.
• Normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping.
• Sit, stand or walk for extended periods of time.
• Frequent public contact, concentration in noisy conditions, exposure to emergency situations.
• Occasional exposure to hazardous materials, cold and heat.
• Regular attendance is an essential function.
  
  

Knowledge Of

• Criminal Judicial system.
• Laws governing domestic violence and custody of minors.
• Basic investigative techniques and procedures.
• Correct English and clear and comprehensive writing style for legal and technical topics.
• Current office procedures, practices, and equipment; spreadsheet, word processing and online mail and scheduling functions.
• Report writing and record keeping.
• Laws, rules, and regulations governing eligibility for multiple public assistance programs depending on area of assignment.
  
  

Ability To

• Operate a computer terminal.
• Learn and apply rules and regulations related to assigned work.
• Learn California laws related to welfare fraud, fraud investigations, and eligibility requirements depending on area of assignment.
• Recognize fraudulent documentation.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Conduct research and prepare presentations.
• Write clear and accurate correspondence and reports.
• Deal effectively with citizens and public officials under conditions requiring tact and good judgment.
• Gather and document information and evidence by observation, record examination, and interview.
• Operate a vehicle.
  
  

HOLIDAYS & LEAVES

VACATION

10 days the first 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 160 hours), 15 days in the second 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 240 hours), and 20 days after 10 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 320 hours).

SICK LEAVE

0.0625 hours sick leave for each paid regularly scheduled work hour. 16 days (130 hours per year) with unlimited accumulation. Optional annual buy back of a portion of accumulated sick leave hours upon meeting certain criteria.

HOLIDAYS

Twelve paid holidays annually plus two optional holidays.

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE

Five (5) regularly scheduled workdays.

INSURANCE

HEALTH INSURANCE

Medical Insurance - Merced County offers multiple Medical Plans and contributes towards employee and dependent premiums. Medical plan availability varies based on bargaining units.

• Anthem 500 EPO
• Anthem 1500 EPO
• Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) with Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) without Health Savings Account (HSA)
  
  

Dental Insurance -Delta Dental

• County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)
  
  

Vision Insurance - VSP

• County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)
  
  

DISABILITY INSURANCE

State Disability Insurance (SDI)

Merced County non-management employees are enrolled in the State Disability Insurance Program (SDI). Premiums for this insurance are paid by the employee. This insurance is administered solely by the State, who determines eligibility and payments. Benefit amounts are based on the quarter with the highest wages earned within the base period.

LIFE INSURANCE

County-paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance

• Represented Employees $10,000
  
  

Voluntary Term and Whole Life Insurance are available - premium paid by employee

RETIREMENT

Deferred Compensation

The County offers a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. Employees choose their investment funds and can make pretax contributions to the plan up to the maximum allowable.

MERCED COUNTY EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION

The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 and other provisions of the California Government Code. MCERA members also pay into Social Security.The applicable benefit formula is dependent upon your hire date with an MCERA employer; yourpension amount will be determined by your age, years of service and final compensation amount.

Extra Help Employees Do Not Qualify For County Benefits.

EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

Anthem EAP services provide up to five face-to-face counseling sessions per incident and provides a toll-free "800" hotline available 24/7 for emergencies and crisis intervention. EAP services include counseling services, legal services, financial services and work-life resource services.

EMPLOYEE TICKETS, COUPONS, and DISCOUNTS

The County of Merced has partnered with Employee Savings Tickets to provide discounted coupons and tickets for all county employees to attractions throughout the state and out-of-state. The discounts and coupons are available for shopping, movies, sporting events, theme parks, zoos and aquariums and much more.

THIS BULLETIN IS NOT A CONTRACT AND DOES NOT CREATE CONTRACTUAL OR LEGAL RIGHTS ON BEHALF OF ANY EMPLOYEE. THIS BULLETIN IS SUBJECT OF BEING SUPPLEMENTED, MODIFIED, WITHDRAWN OR OTHERWISE CHANGED PENDING LABOR AGREEMENTS AND/OR AT THE DISCRETION OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICER OR AS THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DEEM NECESSARY.

For answers to specific questions regarding employee benefits, please call Human Resources at 209.385.7682

Closing Date/Time: Continuous