SOCIAL SERVICES EXAMINER I (SPANISH SPEAKING)                          3091

                       

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under the supervision of a technical or administrative supervisor, an employee in this class determines financial eligibility for programs administered by the Department of Social Services and recommends amounts of assistance in accordance with established policies and procedures.  This class is distinguished by the fact that the employee conducts personal interviews with applicants in Spanish, computes budgets for applicants and determines or reviews applicants' eligibility for assistance.  The incumbent works under close supervision at first, but is expected to develop considerable initiative and judgment as experience is gained.  Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

            Interviews applicants, including Spanish-speaking applicants, for financial assistance programs;

            Reviews certification form to determine that the information is complete and consistent; when necessary, asks applicant appropriate questions and makes necessary additions and/or corrections to the form;

            Evaluates applicant's financial eligibility for assistance and may determine initial categorical eligibility;

            Prepares and computes budget for the applicant;

            Advises applicant of the eligibility determination, the amount of assis­tance and when the first grant can be expected;

            Informs the applicant about the program under which she/he is eligible, and any documentation or additional information which may be needed;

            Explains the validation process to the applicant;

            Advises the applicant about his/her duty to keep the agency informed of any change that may affect eligibility;

            Informs applicant about the range of services in the agency and may refer applicant to social services section or other specialists, such as resources, housing, employment, legal, medical, etc;

            Makes re-determinations of financial eligibility;

            Recommends emergency grants as needed;

            May be required to make field visits to obtain collateral verification to determine eligibility and make referrals to Special Investigations Unit if appropriate.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Good knowledge of federal, state and local social service laws and programs as they affect eligibility for financial assistance and money payments; good knowledge of Department of Social Services policies and procedures governing applications for assistance and eligibility criteria; good knowledge of the laws pertaining to workmen's compensation, social security and unemployment insurance as they affect eligibility for financial assistance; working knowledge of the services and programs available to applicants; ability to read and converse fluently in Spanish; ability to analyze facts objectively; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and clients; ability to understand and interpret written and oral instructions; good powers of observation and perception; tact; emotional maturity; good judgment; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

            OPEN COMPETITIVE

            Either:

            a)Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma, 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; or,

            b) Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and two (2) years of experience in a NYS public social services agency performing duties that require substantial client contact for the purpose of implementing, assessing or directly providing agency programs and services. 

 

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

 

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

            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.

 

            There will be a qualifying Spanish language examination for Open-Competitive candidates.

 

R 04/17/24

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive