The work involves reviewing, investigating, evaluating, documenting, and determining the eligibility of applications and/or re-applications for public assistance. Incumbents verify and document claims of financial eligibility for persons assisted by various programs administered through the local social services agency. Incumbents are responsible for the determination of amount, and control of assistance granted in accordance with established policies and procedures. Work is performed under the direct supervision of a higher-ranking employee. Does related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
- Reviews documents available in the agency’s files to verify eligibility and/or to determine the additional action necessary to verify eligibility;
- Contacts cooperating agencies to verify client’s eligibility;
- Makes field visits when necessary, to verify information relevant to the validation process; obtains corroborative written or recorded documentation in cases of possible ineligibility;
- Appears at administrative or judicial proceedings when required to interpret decision on application;
- Interviews applicants and recipients and, as needed, collateral contacts for documentation of eligibility for public assistance;
- Prepares and computes budget for the applicant;
- Reports findings of investigation; makes recommendations for proper disposition of cases reviewed; i.e., reduce grant, close case, release grant, refer to law enforcement, etc.;
- Advises applicant of the eligibility determination, the amount of assistance and any documentation or additional information which is necessary for final program classification;
- Prepares required statistical reporting appropriate to action;
- Makes determination of financial eligibility;
- Explains validation process to applicants;
- Informs applicants of the range of assistance offered by the agency;
- Refers clients to appropriate sections or specialists within the department as required;
- Approves referral of clients to Social Services section or services;
- May be assigned work which involves employment interviews, placement, or counseling.
FULL PERFOMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKLLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Good knowledge of Federal, State and local social service laws, regulations and programs which affect eligibility for financial assistance and money payments; working knowledge of other laws and regulations affecting eligibility, such as Worker’s Compensation and Social Security Unemployment Insurance; ability to understand and follow directions; ability to deal effectively with others; ability to analyze facts in making judgments regarding eligibility; ability to perform ordinary mathematical calculations; tact; sound professional judgment; emotional maturity; capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A) Completion of 60 credit hours at a regionally accredited or New York State registered two or four year college or university; or:
B) Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and two years of experience in reviewing, examining, investigating or evaluating claims for assistance, veteran’s or unemployment benefits insurance or a similar program operating under established criteria for eligibility; Or;
C) An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (B).
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Successful candidates must demonstrate ability to speak and understand Somali as spoken in the Buffalo Metropolitan Area.
Applicants for designated positions in the Department of Social Services that may have access to federal tax information to perform his/her job duties shall be subject to a suitability background check investigation, including FBI fingerprinting, local law enforcement check, and verification check of citizenship/residency. A criminal record does not necessarily disqualify applicants from employment, rather an individualized determination will be made. The cost of the background check will be assumed by the Department of Social Services.
This notice will be posted for the period JUNE 30, 2022 through and including JULY 9, 2022.
If interested and meet the above qualifications, please send a resume to:
DEIDRE BROWN
PERSONNEL SUPERVISOR- SOCIAL SERVICES
ERIE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
95 FRANKLIN STREET, ROOM 604
BUFFALO NY 14202