VLOOKUP using wildcard on non-static data

I'm wondering if there is a way to perform a VLOOKUP function on data that isn't always an exact match - possibly using a wildcard feature? We have a report that shows errors on accounts that need to be worked daily. Based on the type of error, determines which department is responsible for working the error. Many times, these errors have dates in them, as well as different charge codes. The other tricky thing is that the Error description field does not always have these non-static data elements in the same location....they are scattered throughout the description. I have a table that I am referencing, that lists all of the errors, and which department is responsible. Obviously, my table will not have every possible charge code and date in it, so it can't find a match. Any help will be GREATLY appreciated!