Social Services Examiner I-HELP Program

Social Services Examiner I-HELP Program

Requirements

• Good knowledge of federal, state and local social service laws and programs as they affect eligibility for financial assistance and money payments
• Good knowledge of Department of Social Services policies and procedures governing applications for assistance and eligibility criteria
• Good knowledge of the laws pertaining to Workers’ Compensation, Social Security and Unemployment Insurance as they affect eligibility for financial assistance
• Working knowledge of the services and programs available to applicants
• Ability to analyze facts objectively
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and clients
• Ability to understand and interpret written and oral instructions
• Good powers of observation and perception
• Tact
• Emotional maturity
• Good judgment
• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position
• Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma, and two (2) years of experience in examining, investigating or evaluating claims for assistance, veterans’ or unemployment benefits, insurance or a similar program operating under established criteria for eligibility
• Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and two (2) years of experience in a NYS public social services agency performing duties that require substantial client contact for the purpose of implementing, assessing or directly providing agency programs and services
• At the time of appointment and during employment in this title, employees will be required to possess a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State.

Responsibilities

• Interviews applicants for financial assistance programs
• Reviews certification form to determine that the information is complete and consistent; when necessary, asks applicant appropriate questions and makes necessary additions and/or corrections to the form
• Evaluates applicant’s financial eligibility for assistance; may determine initial categorical eligibility
• Prepares and computes budget for the applicant
• Advises applicant of the eligibility determination, the amount of assistance and when the first grant can be expected
• Informs applicants about the program under which they are eligible, and any documentation or additional information which may be needed
• Explains the validation process to the applicant
• Advises applicants about their duties to keep the agency informed of any change which may affect eligibility
• Informs applicant about the range of services in the agency and may refer applicant to social services section or other specialists, such as resources, housing, employment, legal, medical, etc
• Makes redeterminations of financial eligibility
• Recommends emergency grants as needed
• Makes field visits to obtain collateral verification of information to be used in determining eligibility for Public Assistance; provides eligibility workers with information obtained in field reviews.

Preferred Qualifications

• Additional education from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State will be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis.