Forensic investigator Jobs in Elk Grove, CA

Job Description and Duties

Completion of the Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Basic Academy or Specialized Investigators Basic Course is required.

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is recruiting to fill a Investigatorposition within the Office of Protective Services (OPS) in the Headquarters Office, located in Sacramento.

Under the direct supervision of the Supervising Special Investigator I (Lieutenant) of the Professional Standards Branch (PSB), Office of Protective Services (OPS), the Investigator hereinafter referred to as “Detective” is a sworn Peace Officer pursuant to section 830.0(v) of the California Penal Code. Responsibilities include conducting independent criminal, civil, and / or administrative investigations to identify violations of Federal, State, and / or local laws and facility policies.

The Detective is also responsible for the administration of the criminal history review and exemption procedures and processes associated with the Family Home Agency (FHA) program and Self Determination Program (SDP). The Detective conducts and completes investigations within established guidelines as set forth in the Office of Protective Services Law Enforcement manual.

Investigations may include but are not limited to client deaths; allegations of abuse and neglect; fraud; embezzlement; and criminal history investigations based on a subsequent arrest or DOJ / FBI notification. The Detective will collect and verify evidence; complete clear, concise, and accurate reports; and may conduct undercover or surveillance operations.

This position provides hybrid telework opportunities, with employees required to work in-person at least two days per week. Beginning July 1, 2025, all employees will be required to work in-person at least four days per week in alignment with .

RE-ADVERTISEMENT : If you previously applied to this position, it is not necessary to submit a new application

DDS now offers an entrance salary rate of

$6837.00 for the Investigator classification.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Works on a personal computer approximately seventy (70) percent of the time reviewing / writing policies, investigations reports, and electronic communication. Performs other physical work associated with the performance of investigations, e.g., gathering documents / evidence, conducting / recording interviews, and traveling to other DDS locations. Drives and travels by various modes of transportation to conduct investigative activities. Maintains the ability and willingness to travel overnight, work holidays, weekends, and odd or irregular hours to respond to an investigative incident(s) and work overtime when approved.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and / or restrictions.
• The position(s) require(s) a Drug Screening be passed prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) Psychological Evaluation clearance prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) a(n) Specialized Investigators Basic Course Certificate. You will be required to provide a copy of your certificate prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) a(n) or POST Certificate. You will be required to provide a copy of your certificate prior to being hired.

The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be typed in 12-point Arial font, single spaced, and be no more than two pages in length. Applicants who fail to answer the question below or submit an SOQ may not be considered.

Note :  If you do not follow the instructions, you may not move forward in this recruitment. Cover letters and resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.

If you are using list eligibility from an on-line exam to qualify for this position, you MUST include with your application any documentation (i.e., copy of transcript, degree, license, etc.) to verify meeting the MQ’s or you may not be considered for the position.

The MQs will be verified prior to interview and / or appointment. If it is determined that an applicant does not meet the MQs of the classification, the applicant may not be considered and withheld from the eligible list.

California State Civil Service Employee Benefits Summary Benefit Description​ ​Additional Information ​ New Employee Benefits Orientation Page

Summary review of benefits available to you as a new State Civil Service employee. ​ State Civil Service Act

Review the benefits and protections provided to State Civil Service employees through the State Civil Service Act.

​ Salaries and Civil Service Pay Scales

Information regarding salary ranges for State Civil Service employees, as well as the Civil Service Pay Scales, the official salaries for all state jobs.

​ Represented Employee Bargaining Contracts

Review the specifics of represented state employee collective bargaining contracts.

​ Retirement

Learn more about the defined benefit plan that is offered to state employees through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) based on years of service, age and final compensation. CalPERS also offers disability retirement, partial service retirement, and death benefits for eligible employees.

401(k) and 457(b) Plans (Savings Plus)

Offers a voluntary benefit that allows you to contribute to both a 401(k) and a 457(b) plan to enhance your retirement benefit. This allows you to contribute, through payroll deduction, up to twice the amount available to the private sector and most public sector employees. You can contribute on both a pre-tax and an after-tax designated Roth basis that offers you the opportunity to take advantage of tax savings now and in the future.

​ California State Civil Service Employee Benefits Summary - Specific Benefits ​Specific Benefits ​Additional Information

Cash In Lieu of Health and / or Dental Benefits (Cash Option)

Allows you to receive cash in lieu of state-sponsored health and / or dental benefits insurance if you have other qualifying medical and / or dental coverage through a spouse, domestic partner, parent or other source.

​ ​ Common Carrier Travel and Accident Insurance – for Excluded Employees Only

Offers employer-paid accidental death and dismemberment insurance to managers, supervisors and other specified employees who travel on state business.

​ ​ Commute Program

Voluntary benefits that subsidize commuting expenses for eligible employees who commute to and from work using public transportation, vanpools, or bicycles.

​ Consolidated Benefits (CoBen)

Provides a benefit allowance, rather than specific contribution amounts for health, dental and vision benefits. You may receive additional taxable income each month, depending on the total cost of the benefit plans you choose.

​ ​Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)

Continuation of health, dental, and vision insurance coverage as well as medical reimbursement account for employees and eligible dependents who involuntarily lose coverage.

​ Death Benefits

Benefits available to legal survivors and / or designees of state employees; see "Planning Ahead" handbook.

​Planning Ahead Handbook | ​Dental Benefits

Offers you and your dependents preventive, basic and major dental care coverage through one of several dental plans.

​ Employee Assistance Program

Employer-paid program offers free professional and confidential short-term counseling and referral services to employees and their eligible dependents, as well as valuable information on a variety of topics including financial, legal, and wellness.

California State Civil Service Employee Benefits Summary Benefit Description​ ​Additional Information

Group Legal Services Insurance

Voluntary, employee-paid plan that provides comprehensive legal coverage designed to meet most common personal legal needs. Available to eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

​Group Long-Term Disability Insurance – For Excluded Employees Only

Voluntary, employee-paid plan that replaces a portion of the employee's income in the event the employee is unable to work for six months or longer due to a covered illness or injury.

Health Benefits

Offers you and your dependents a broad range of health insurance plans with the state paying a portion of the premium. CalPERS administers this coverage.

CalPERS Health and Wellness

Promotes a work environment that encourages healthy lifestyle choices, decreases the risk of illness and disease and enhances employee effectiveness and well-being.

​ Long-Term Care Program

Offers coverage through CalPERS for a chronic illness, frailty of old age, or a serious accident. Available to all California public employees, retirees, and their eligible family members.

​ ​Part-time, Seasonal, and Temporary Retirement Program

Offers a retirement savings program for part-time, seasonal and temporary employees who are not covered by CalPERS or Social Security.

​ ​ Reimbursement Accounts

Allows you to set pre-taxed money aside in a reimbursement account to pay for certain kinds of medical and dependent care expenses. You can increase your take home pay and decrease your taxable income.

​ ​ Third-Party Pre-Tax Parking Reimbursement Account Program

Allows you to deduct a specific pre-tax amount for work-related parking fees from your pay. Available to employees who drive a personal vehicle to work or to a location from which the employee commutes to work and pays for parking.

​ ​Vision Benefits

Employer-paid benefit that offers you and your dependents an annual eye examination and an allowance for frames and lenses. An enhanced vision plan is also available which provides higher allowances for certain materials and other benefits.