SOCIAL SERVICES EXAMINER III 3083

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class, depending on the examining workload and the structure of the agency, may supervise a group of examiners or a unit or section responsible for determining financial eligibility for various programs administered by the Department of Social Services. The incumbent is responsible for planning, coordinating, supervising and managing the activities of the unit. Positions in this class differ from Social Services Examiner II positions in that duties are broader in scale, are performed with more independence, involve a greater variety of related functions and include the exercise of supervision over a greater number of subordinates. The employee, rather than working as a member of an eligibility team, may be assigned to a position that involves assisting an administrator in the solving of eligibility related problems. This may include representing the department at Fair Hearings to defend eligibility decisions. Work is performed under the general supervision of a higher level Social Services Examiner or other administrator. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Assists in the formulation of policies and procedures that relate to financial eligibility for the various programs administered by the Department of Social Services;

Interprets Federal, State and local policies and programs as they relate to financial eligibility;

Plans, coordinates, supervises and manages the activities within assigned area of responsibility;

Establishes necessary controls for determining staff performance and makes necessary performance evaluations;

Reviews recommendations made by lower level examiners and approves or disapproves them;

Approves referral of clients to social service section for services;

Maintains cooperative relationships with other units and sections of the agency, through administrative channels;

Maintains contact with community groups and other agencies in area of responsibility.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of federal, state and local social services laws and programs as they affect eligibility for financial assistance; thorough knowledge of the agency's overall programs, policies and procedures; good knowledge of other laws and programs which may affect eligibility, such as Workers' Compensation, Social Security and Unemployment Insurance; good knowledge of modern principles of supervision; ability to communicate and deal effectively with others; ability to plan, coordinate, manage and supervise the work of others in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale; ability to prepare reports; initiative; tact; judgment; leadership; emotional maturity; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

OPEN COMPETITIVE

Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State with a Bachelor's Degree, and two (2) years of experience in examining, investigating or evaluating claims for assistance, veterans' or unemployment benefits, insurance or a similar program operating under established criteria for eligibility.

NOTE: Additional relevant education from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State will be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis.

PROMOTIONAL

Two (2) years of permanent competitive status as a Social Services Examiner II.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

Depending on the nature of the assignment, at the time of appointment and during employment in this title, candidates may be required to possess a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State.

R 04/17/24

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive