---

Job description

The role of the EO1 Fraud Investigator is to undertake full end to end Criminal fraud investigations, including gathering evidence to prove/disprove an allegation, carrying out covert surveillance operations, Interviews under Caution (IUC), compliance with H&S procedures, employer visits, landlord visits, childcare provider visits liaise with the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) and attendance at Court and Appeal Tribunals as a Departmental representative or witness The role also involves building and maintaining collaborative working relationships with other law enforcement agencies including participation in multi-agency operations. Please see employer website for full job details & person specification.

Responsibilities

• Lawfully gathering evidence to prove/disprove an allegation of benefit fraud in line with Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1986 (CPIA).
• Completion of a benefit fraud investigation collection plan and making decisions on the progression of criminal investigations to the next stage from referral to criminal proceedings in Court.
• Prepare briefs for individual case conferences and recommendations for SO manager on progressing investigations.
• Pre surveillance checks and covert observations on foot and in a vehicle in accordance with Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA).
• Preparaing, arranging and carring out Interviews under Caution in line with the Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 (PACE).
• Attendance at Court and Court Officer duties. (Acting as a witness and Dept representative and be familiar with Court protocols).
• Attend at Social Security Appeal Tribunals as a Departmental Witness.
• Compliance with all Health and Safety procedures.
• Undertake Accredited Counter Fraud, surveillance and cyber fraud training & develop skills in these areas.
• Case closures and recommendations on criminal proceedings and re-routing of cases to compliance.
• Take personal responsibility and ownership for keeping up to date with changes in policy and processes.
• Contribute to and develop internal guidance and instructions.
• Participation in multi agency operations, including drafting pre briefs, real time updates, de briefs and outcome reports for SO manager.
• Keep and maintain management information and report to SO monthly.
• Building and maintaining collaborative working relationships with other criminal justice agencies including the PPS.
• Employer visits.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Have a minimum of 2 years’ experience gained within the last 5 years of carrying out fraud or enforcement investigations into potential criminal behaviour, within the public or private sector.
• Have a minimum of 2 years’ experience within the last 5 years of maintaining successful working relationships with other agencies outside your own organisation to achieve shared objectives.
• Demonstrable experience of working within a challenging environment including organisational and time management skills, and ability to obtain, evaluate and present information to deliver against performance targets.
• A full Category B driving licence, valid for Northern Ireland, and access to a vehicle that will enable the candidate to carry out the duties of the post in full.

Further Information

NICS Applications form only. Vacancy closing date Friday 12th December 2025 at 12 noon. Applications from young people (people under the age of 35), people with a disability and people from minority ethnic communities are particularly welcomed for this post. The Northern Ireland Civil Service is an Equal Opportunities Employer.