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Social Welfare Examiner Page 1 I 2 Jurisdiction: Cortland County Jurisdictional Class: Competitive Adopted: 10/20/05 SOCIAL WELFARE EXAMINER DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The work involves responsibility for the initial intake and determination of eligibility and assistance for individuals for various social services programs. The incumbent interviews applicants and evaluates applications and records to determine eligibility for various assistance programs. In some cases, the incumbent makes referrals based on service needs. The incumbent may also make assessments of individuals’ employment background, skills and abilities, and provide services relative to vocational and employment needs. The work is performed under the direct supervision of a higher level staff member. Does related work as required. TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: Performs initial intake by interviewing and assessing the individual’s situation to determine eligibility for various programs and ensures that application information is complete and consistent; Makes referrals to various community service agencies; Formulates and implements employment plans with individuals by assessing needs to obtain employment, and identify barriers to employment; Explains programs to individuals to ensure their understanding of their rights and responsibilities as they pertain to eligibility for programs; Conducts interviews by phone or in person to assess an individual’s progress, and confirm understanding of their responsibilities; Evaluates client’s financial eligibility for assistance, determines initial categorical eligibility and evaluates available resources in relation to financial eligibility; Redetermines or recertifies financial eligibility for assistance programs; Authorizes benefits and payments within program guidelines; Reviews benefits to determine if an individual’s benefit is accurate and takes corrective action when an error is discovered; Prepares and presents information at administrative fair hearings for applicants and recipients who dispute the Agency's determination of benefits; Maintains files and computerized records, including all necessary documentation related to the assessment, follow-up and assistance of services provided. FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Good knowledge of State and Federal laws and rules governing eligibility for social services benefits programs; Good knowledge of community services programs, agencies and employment resources; Good knowledge of programs that relate to eligibility for social services such as Workers’ Compensation, Social Security, and Unemployment Insurance; Good knowledge of interview techniques and practices; Ability to assess and evaluate individual’s situation, education, experience, aptitude and interests to determine appropriate referrals and develop a self-sufficiency plan; Ability to understand and empathize with the needs and concerns of others; ---PAGE BREAK--- Social Welfare Examiner Page 2 I 2 Ability to operate a personal computer and utilize common office software programs; Ability to analyze and organize data and prepare records and reports; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions; 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 completion of 60 semester credit hours) and one year of full-time experience or its part-time equivalent in examining, investigating or evaluating claims for assistance, veterans, or unemployment benefits insurance or a similar program operating under established criteria for eligibility; OR Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and three years of full time experience or its part-time equivalent in examining, investigating or evaluating claims for assistance, veterans, or unemployment benefits insurance or a similar program operating under established criteria for eligibility; OR Successful completion of the Social Welfare Examiner Traineeship; OR An equivalent combination of training and experience as described in and above. 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.