DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:
The work involves responsibility for
planning, coordinating and supervising the activities of workers within a unit
or division of a social service agency. The incumbent participates in the
formulation of local policies, and is responsible for the implementation of
procedures for the efficient delivery of benefits and services in compliance
with State and Federal laws and regulations.
In addition, the Social Welfare Manager acts as a liaison between State
and local agencies, and educates members of the community in matters pertaining
to Social Services programs and guidelines. The Social Welfare Manager provides
training to subordinate staff within the assigned unit or division, provides
guidance in unusual situations, and evaluates employee performance. The work is performed under the general
supervision of a division Director, with considerable leeway permitted in
carrying out the details of the work. Does related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
Supervises a unit responsible for administering social services benefit programs by establishing policies for, and reviewing practices of subordinate staff, as they relate to the laws, mandates and agency policies;
Plans, coordinates and manages the activities of subordinates within an assigned area of responsibility;
Participates in the formulation of local policies and procedures to facilitate the delivery of benefits and services;
Implements policies and procedures to ensure compliance with established policies and guidelines related to the delivery of benefits and services;
Coordinates and participates in the training of staff, and serves as a resource to them in researching questions related to agency policies and procedures;
Maintains cooperative working relationships with other units within the agency to facilitate the delivery of services;
Participates in the interviewing of the candidates and makes recommendations for subordinate vacancies;
Serves as a liaison between the State and other local agencies, and speaks to other organizations within the community regarding matters pertaining to social services programs and benefits;
Completes State, Federal and local reports in a timely manner to ensure accurate statistical data analysis;
Establishes performance guidelines for employees, and conducts performance evaluations;
Reviews cases in which disputes arise, and implements corrective action when necessary;
Interacts with attorneys and local law enforcement officials concerning hearings and cases, and appears at hearings when necessary.
SOCIAL WELFARE MANAGER - contd. 2
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS,
ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Thorough knowledge of State and Federal laws and rules governing eligibility for social services benefits and programs;
Thorough knowledge of agency programs, policies and procedures;
Thorough knowledge of programs that relate to eligibility for social services such as Workers’ Compensation, Social Security, Unemployment Insurance and the Heating and Energy Assistance Program;
Good knowledge of benefits and services available through community agencies by referral;
Good knowledge of interview techniques and practices;
Ability to plan and supervise the work of others;
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
Ability to deal effectively with the public
Ability to understand and interpret complex oral instructions and/or written directions;
Ability to analyze and organize data and prepare records and reports;
Ability to operate a personal computer and utilize common office software programs;
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 three (3) years of experience in examining, investigating or evaluating claims for assistance or benefits, one of which must have been in a supervisory capacity; or
(b) Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and five (5) years of experience as defined in (a); or
(c) An equivalent combination of training or experience as defined by the limits of (a) and (b).