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Senior Social Services Investigator Page 1 I 2 Jurisdiction: Cortland County Jurisdictional Class: Competitive Adopted: 10/20/05 Amended: 7/15/08 SENIOR SOCIAL SERVICES INVESTIGATOR DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The work involves responsibility for supervising the investigation of fraud allegations and for coordinating fraud prevention activities. The incumbent plans, schedules, organizes and directs the work of the unit, and participates in fraud investigations as well. The Senior Social Services Investigator reviews the work of subordinate staff, maintains unit statistics, and acts as a liaison with other units and government agencies. The incumbent also provides recommendations for the disposition of court cases brought against fraud perpetrators and monitors the disposition of cases for the unit. Supervision is exercised over subordinate staff. Work is performed under the general supervision of a higher level administrator or manager. Does related work as required. TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: Supervises and performs investigations of cases involving suspected fraud on the part of Social Services applicants and recipients or vendors providing goods or services; Supervises, assigns and participates in pre-eligibility investigations and the maintenance of investigative case records; Makes field and office visits to conduct personal interviews with benefit applicants and recipients, fraud suspects, employers and other individuals to secure information necessary to ascertain the existence of fraudulent behavior and build cases against fraud perpetrators; 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 recommends a course of action to collect funds owed the Department of Social Services; Prepares legal documents necessary to recover funds from fraud perpetrators, such as Medicaid liens, estate claims, small claim actions, landlord overpayment claims and income executions; Testifies in court proceedings concerning civil or criminal actions brought against suspected fraud perpetrators; Represents the Department of Social Services at fair hearing proceedings; Maintains current knowledge of Social Services laws and regulations, accounting rules and procedures and other disciplines related to the investigation and prosecution of financial fraud cases; Participates in the training, hiring and evaluation of unit staff; Answers correspondence and inquiries concerning support or fraud matters from other government agencies, beneficiaries and respondents; Prepares reports and maintains records in compliance with laws, rules and regulations; Maintains cooperative working relationships with other units, divisions and government agencies to facilitate the delivery of service. ---PAGE BREAK--- Senior Social Services Investigator Page 2 I 2 FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Thorough knowledge of investigative techniques used to determine the financial status of individuals; Thorough knowledge of community resources and departmental programs; Thorough knowledge of the Social Services laws, rules and regulations that govern fraud prevention, enforcement and collection; Thorough knowledge of modern methods used in keeping and checking financial records and reports; Good knowledge of modern office terminology, procedures, equipment and business English; Ability to plan and supervise the work of others; Ability to prepare and deliver presentations in a clear, concise and articulate manner; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; 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 Social Services laws and regulations; 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 a Bachelor’s degree or higher; OR 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 and two years of experience examining, investigating, or evaluating claims for assistance; OR Graduation from high school or possession of an equivalency diploma and four years experience as described in OR An equivalent combination of training or experience as defined by the limits of and 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. SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of an appropriate New York State driver's license.