Amended: 03/28/11
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:
The
work involves responsibility for the supervision of Social Welfare Examiners and/or
Trainees engaged in the intake and eligibility determinations of individuals
for various social services programs.
The incumbent manages workflow, supervises and reviews the work of
subordinate staff and is responsible for the final approval or disapproval of a
determination. The Senior Social Welfare
Examiner performs case related duties on an as needed basis, and assists in
resolving more complex issues. The work
is performed under the general supervision of a senior staff member, with
leeway permitted for the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the
details of the work. Does related work
as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only)
Provides
supervision for subordinate staff, including training, case assignment, and performance evaluations;
Reviews
cases and determinations for completeness and accuracy and decides if further action is required to ensure timely
completion and conformity with applicable
laws, rules, and regulations;
Determines
or re-determines financial eligibility for assistance programs and authorizes benefits and payments
within program guidelines;
Formulates
and implements employment plans with individuals by assessing needs to obtain employment, and identify barriers
to employment;
Performs
investigations of cases involving suspected fraud on the part of Social Services applicants and recipients or
vendors providing goods or services, including:
securing evidence, cooperation with law enforcement, preparing legal documents, and testifying in legal
proceedings when needed;
Makes
field and office visits to conduct personal interviews with benefit applicants
and recipients, fraud suspects,
employers and other individuals to secure information necessary to determine program eligibility or ascertain the
existence of fraudulent behavior;
Maintains
current knowledge of Social Services laws and regulations, and serves as a resource to staff in researching
questions on eligibility and community resources;
Prepares
and monitors the timely completion of a variety of reports and maintains records in compliance with laws, rules and
regulations;
Maintains
cooperative working relationships with other units, divisions and government agencies to facilitate the delivery of
service;
Attends
continuing education training regarding new State and Federal laws and rules concerning social services programs and
implements new procedures in order to adopt
new laws and rules into practice;
Prepares
and presents information at administrative fair hearings for applicants and recipients who dispute the agency's
determination of benefits.
SENIOR
SOCIAL WELFARE EXAMINER – contd. 2
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS,
ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Good knowledge of State and Federal laws and rules governing
eligibility for social services benefits programs;
Good knowledge of community services, programs, agencies and
employment resources;
Good knowledge of programs that relate to eligibility for
social services;
Good knowledge of interview techniques and practices;
Ability to plan and supervise the work of others;
Ability to review eligibility determinations for
completeness and accuracy;
Ability to operate a personal computer and utilize common
office software programs;
Ability to review the work of others to determine conformity with applicable laws and rules as well as for completeness and accuracy;
Ability to analyze and organize data and prepare records and
reports;
Ability to establish and maintain effective working
relationships with others;
Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the
position.
MINIMUM
QUALIFICATIONS: Either:
(a) Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with an Associate’s degree or higher and two (2) years of experience in examining, investigating or evaluating claims for assistance or benefits; or
(b) Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and four (4) years of experience as defined in (a) above; or
(c) An equivalent combination of training or experience as defined by the limits of (a) and (b).
SPECIAL
REQUIREMENT:
Possession
of a valid