DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
The employee in this class assists the Public Administrator in the administration of the Department and performs the duties of the Administrator in the Administrator's absence. The Deputy assists in the surveillance and investigation of decedents' estates and arranges funerals for the deceased. In the absence of the Public Administrator, the incumbent delegates work on estate administration to the office staff. Work is reviewed through conferences, reports and evaluation of work performance. Performs related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES
Assists the Administrator in directing the financial accounting of estate assets, instigation of family searches and preparation of appraisals for real property of estates;
Arranges investigations of premises where decedent lived, to secure legal papers required for administration of the estate;
Conducts interviews with claimants and family members; serves family with necessary papers;
Contacts the Department of Social Services, Department of Mental Hygiene, the Police Department and other agencies to procure information regarding estates;
Assists the Administrator in directing the winterizing of real property, cancellation of residential services and arrangements for property care;
Acts as liaison with attorneys; signs legal papers where required;
Testifies in court and attends hearings;
Attends real estate closings in the sale of estate properties;
Represents Department at opening of bids on real property; arranges for contracts of sale to be drawn up; receives citations.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Thorough knowledge of Federal, State and local laws regarding holding and liquidating properties as a fiduciary; good knowledge of modern office administration; knowledge of Surrogate's Court Procedure Act and of the Surrogate Court's function in cases determining the inheritor of a decedent's estate; knowledge of the methods and procedures used in the investigation of private property; knowledge of probate procedures and accounting practices; ability to make necessary arrangements for funerals; ability to plan and supervise the work of subordinates in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale; ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with Federal, State and County agencies, departments and the general public; ability to prepare accurate reports; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
This position is in the exempt jurisdictional classification; therefore, there are no minimum qualifications.