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Principal Social Welfare Examiner 1 Jurisdiction: Schuyler County Jurisdictional Class: Competitive Adopted: March 1, 2004; Updated: October 15, 2014; Updated: August 1, 2018 PRINCIPAL SOCIAL WELFARE EXAMINER DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The work involves responsibility for planning, coordinating, supervising and managing the performance and activities of a group of Senior Social Welfare Examiners, Social Welfare Examiners and clerical employees engaged in determining client eligibility for public assistance and Medicaid. The duties, although similar to those of a Senior Social Welfare Examiner, are broader in scale, carry greater responsibility, are performed with more independence, and involve a greater variety of related functions. The work is performed under the general supervision of the Employment and Temporary Assistance Supervisor. Does related work as required. TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: Supervises and reviews eligibility determinations, budgets, and calculations, and consults with subordinate workers for purposes of final determination and eligibility; Establishes necessary controls for determining staff performance and makes necessary performance evaluation; Plans, supervises and manages the unit activities within assigned area of responsibility; Participates in the formulation of local policies and procedures that relate to eligibility for the programs administered by the local Social Service district; Manages the County burial program Evaluates current policies and procedures for appropriateness; Evaluates applications and conducts interviews for new department employees as well as facilitates employee training; Performs check of statewide computer system to monitor for double registration of clients as well as consulting with other agencies and community groups; Makes an evaluation of client’s eligibility for assistance, may determine initial categorical eligibility and evaluates available resource details in relation to eligibility; Approves assistance to clients on an emergency basis through the cooperation of community groups, churches, businesses and other agencies; Reviews employee time cards for accuracy and approves leave requests; Refers clients, when appropriate, to specialists such as housing, employment, legal or medical support services; Appears at administrative or judicial proceedings when required to interpret decisions on applications; Reports findings of investigations and makes recommendations for proper disposition of cases reviewed; Presents various outreach programs within area of responsibility, such as on food stamps for senior citizens at on-site senior housing, food pantries, Office for the Aging, etc.; Attends continuing education training, workshops and other related meetings regarding new State and Federal laws and mandates concerning social services; Reviews worker’s cases to ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations; Present information to community agencies, groups, etc. within area of responsibility. ---PAGE BREAK--- Principal Social Welfare Examiner 2 FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Thorough knowledge of Federal, State and local social services laws and programs as they affect eligibility for assistance; Good knowledge of the agency’s overall programs, policies, and procedures; Good knowledge of other laws and regulations as they affect eligibility, such as Workers’ Compensation, Social Security and Unemployment Insurance; Ability to plan, organize, and supervise the work of others; Ability to establish and maintain successful relationships with people; Ability to interpret and apply complex written material to specific situations; Ability to analyze facts obtained and use facts in making judgments regarding eligibility; Ability to prepare clear and accurate records and reports; Ability to use a computer for word processing and for the entry and retrieval of information in a database or on spreadsheets; Ability to plan and implement action plans to effectively address the needs of clients and the agency; Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A. Completion of two years (60 semester credit hours) of study in a regionally accredited college of university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees and three years of experience in examining, investigating or evaluating claims for assistance, veterans or unemployment benefits, insurance or similar program operating under established criteria for eligibility; or B. Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and five years of experience as outlined in above; or C. An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of and above. ***PROMOTIONAL QUALFICATIONS: One year of permanent competitive status as a Sr. Social Welfare Examiner or two years as a Social Welfare Examiner with Schuyler County Department of Social Services.