Human Services Examiners (HELP Program)

Cayuga County New York; City of Auburn (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Cayuga County New York is seeking a qualified candidate to conduct investigations and in-depth interviews to determine financial program eligibility. You will document information, advise clients, and coordinate referrals to housing, employment, and legal services as needed.

Responsibilities include maintaining records, communicating clearly with applicants, and supporting court-related processes in a fast-paced social services environment.

Qualifications

• Ensures understanding of investigations and eligibility for financial services.
• Ability to conduct in-depth interviews and collect pertinent information.
• Knowledge of laws and policies governing social welfare programs.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations and in-depth interviews to approve/deny programs.
• Contact applicants by mail and phone to document information.
• Maintain case records and prepare court orders as needed.
• Advise clients on agency services and referrals to other agencies.
• Assist with financial arrangements and locate absent parents when needed.
• Keep up-to-date with laws, regulations, and policies affecting programs.

Skills

Investigation techniques

Oral & written communication

Interviewing skills

Observation skills

Analytical thinking

Education

Associate’s Degree

HS diploma + 2 yrs experience

Equivalent training/experience

Tools

Court records

Job description

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• EITHER: Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS registered 2-year college with an Associate’s Degree; OR
• Graduation from high school or possession of a general equivalency diploma and 2 years of full-time clerical or customer service experience involving frequent interaction with clients in the public or private sector; OR
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience as stated in (A) and (B) above.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCEPTANCE OF APPLICATIONS:

Certain assignments made to employees in this class will require reasonable access to transportation to meet field work requirements made in the ordinary course of business in a timely and efficient manner. Operation of county-owned vehicles requires employees to possess a current valid New York State Motor Vehicle operator’s license.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

This position exists in the Department of Social Services and involves responsibility to participate in the delivery of financial service programs including: Public Assistance, Medical Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Child Support Enforcement Services. The work is performed in accordance with State and Federal regulations and department policy and

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: (continued)

involves responsibility in determining financial eligibility, investigations, in-depth interviewing, establishing amounts of assistance, making appropriate referrals; and the processing and maintenance of a variety of forms and records. In addition, the incumbents may represent the department in court as custodian of record to ascertain the completeness of records. Depending upon unit and/or assignment, work is performed under the direct or general supervision of a higher-level employee with leeway allowed in the performance of work assignments. Supervision is not normally a function of the class. Does related work as required.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES, PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Working knowledge of investigation techniques including interviewing procedures and practices.
• Working knowledge of federal, state and local laws, codes and policies concerning the provision of social welfare financial programs.
• Working knowledge of other laws, codes and programs relating to the provision of human services.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to relate well with others under stressful conditions.
• Ability to read and understand moderately complex written information.
• Ability with supervision to analyze obtained information and determine its pertinence to financial service programs.
• Good powers of observation and perception.
• Good interviewing skills, organizational skills.
• Initiative; Tact; Patience; Maturity.
• Good judgment.
• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative Only)

• Conducts investigations, including in-depth interviews to elicit sufficient information to approve, deny or determine the feasibility of a financial service/program, make an appropriate referral or proceed with further investigation.
• Contacts by mail and telephone a variety of sources to document information on applications.
• Keeps abreast of changing laws, regulations and policies in order to assure the correct provision of financial services and to perform related duties.
• Redetermines or recertifies approval for financial service.
• Researches applicant status, prior history and payment or grant history utilizing various paper and/or electronic data storage and retrieval systems.
• Records information on forms to be entered into electronic and/or paper data storage and retrieval systems to record and update case records, to compute budgets, etc.
• Informs and advises clients/applicants on the services provided by the agency and on related services provided by other agencies.
• Refers clients/applicants, as indicated, to the services divisions or assists by referring other services such as housing, employment, legal assistance, medical assistance, family planning, etc.
• Makes financial arrangements on behalf of participants with public utilities, landlords and employers, etc.
• Refers for investigations to determine location of absent parent, or makes referral to locator service.
• Compiles information to prepare a variety of court orders pertaining to child support enforcement.
• May conduct investigations, or refer cases for further investigation when fraud is suspected; Does related work as required.