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Social Services Investigator Page 1 I 2 Jurisdiction: Cortland County Jurisdictional Class: Competitive Adopted: 10/20/05 Amended: 7/15/08; 12/11/12 SOCIAL SERVICES INVESTIGATOR DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The work involves responsibility for the investigation of fraud allegations and the prevention of fraud on the part of Social Services clients and/or vendors. The incumbent reviews applications for assistance, verifies information provided by individuals and vendors, and investigates cases in which facts may be concealed or misrepresented or where other financial services may be available to reimburse the department. The incumbent uses a variety of resources to perform investigations, including Social Services applications and history files, personal interviews and vital records. In cases where fraud is detected, the Social Services Investigator assembles facts needed to build a case and works with appropriate law enforcement officials to prosecute the cases. The incumbent participates in civil and criminal court actions taken to collect funds owed, and testifies in court when necessary. The work is performed under the supervision of a higher level supervisor. Does related work as required. TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: Completes financial reviews of individuals by reviewing information gathered from benefit application forms, bank records, and insurance records to determine financial resources available to individuals; Contacts insurance companies, banks, employers and government agencies during the course of investigations to collect data and confirm information provided by benefit applicants and vendors and to determine cost effectiveness or availability of resources; Performs investigations of information provided by applicants before an eligibility determination is made, or when information provided by individuals or vendors is inaccurate, misleading or potentially misrepresented; Makes field and office visits to conduct personal interviews with applicants and recipients, fraud suspects, employers and other individuals to secure information necessary to ascertain the existence of potential fraudulent behavior or over issuance of benefits; Secures evidence, affidavits, and depositions needed by the District Attorney and other law enforcement officials to prosecute cases of welfare fraud; Works with law enforcement officials to initiate cases against suspected fraud perpetrators, and pursues collection of funds owed the Department of Social Services; Collects information from County Jail personnel concerning incarcerated individuals, and refers cases involving incarcerated benefit applicants to appropriate Social Services personnel for deletion or closure; Prepares reports and maintains records in compliance with laws, rules and regulations; Enters and retrieves information from a database; May testify in court proceedings concerning civil or criminal actions brought against suspected fraud perpetrators; Maintains a continuous file of cases in progress and prepares reports detailing the results of investigations; May prepare legal documents necessary to recover funds from fraud perpetrators, such as Medicaid liens, estate claims, small claim actions, landlord overpayment claims and income executions; ---PAGE BREAK--- Social Services Investigator Page 2 I 2 May participate in efforts to limit benefit costs to the Department of Social Services through the pursuit of lawsuits in cases involving accidents, and taking steps to ensure that qualifying individuals obtain private health insurance; May prepare various legal documents including bond and mortgages, liens, and other resource recovery documents. FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Good knowledge of investigative techniques used to determine the financial status of individuals; Good knowledge of community resources and departmental programs; Good knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations that govern fraud prevention, enforcement and collection; Good knowledge of modern methods used in keeping and checking financial records and reports; Working knowledge of modern office terminology, procedures, equipment and business English; Ability to analyze and organize data and prepare records and reports; Ability to operate a personal computer and utilize common office software programs; Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; Ability to understand and interpret laws concerning support cases; Ability to deal effectively with the public; Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Either: 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; OR Graduation from high school or possession of an equivalency diploma and two years experience examining, investigating or evaluating claims for assistance; OR An equivalent combination of training or experience as defined by the limits of and SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of an appropriate New York State driver's license. Failure to maintain a NYS driver’s license including driving privileges throughout employment will result in disciplinary action or dismissal. NOTE: Degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education. If the degree was awarded by an educational institution outside of the United States and its territories, applicant must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of acceptable companies who provide this service can be found at http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/cfm. Applicants must pay the required evaluation fee.