Social Welfare Examiner

Order#: NY1701875 SOCIAL WELFARE EXAMINER Distinguishing Features of the Class: This position involves responsibility for the initial intake and on-going case management of clients who are recipients of a variety of services provided by the Orleans County Department of Social Services. The incumbent assists clients on a continuum basis in overcoming the barriers to self-sufficiency, by developing and following up on a self-sufficiency plan and making referrals to appropriate community agencies and services. The work involves interviewing applicants and evaluating applications and records for financial assistance, making initial eligibility determination for benefits and authorizes benefits needed to support the clients self-sufficiency plan. Such benefits may include public assistance, medical assistance, food stamps or other benefit programs as may be available. Under the close supervision of a higher ranking Social Welfare Examiner, incumbents undergo a comprehensive training program, which includes, continuing education and on the job training to acquire an understanding of departmental rules, regulations and procedures. Does related work as required. Typical Work Activities: Performs initial intake by interviewing and assessing the clients situation to determine barriers to self-sufficiency; Assists the client in identifying the barriers to self-sufficiency and available community services and providers to overcome those barriers; Assists the client in developing a self-sufficiency plan by identifying specific steps for the client to complete to become self-sufficient; Makes referrals to various community agencies and resources in order to assist the client in implementing his or her self-sufficiency plan; Makes initial referral to Job Development for an in depth employability evaluation and plan; Engages the client in mutual conversation to ensure his or her understanding of his or her rights, responsibilities, the temporary nature of assistance, how benefits change with employment; and how to obtain the services needed to become self-sufficient; Provides follow-up interviews by phone or in person to obtain client feedback in relation to his/her progress, continued understanding of his or her responsibilities, and barriers to his/her self-sufficiency plan; Participates in Team meetings with Job Development Office to review clients progress and make necessary changes to self-sufficiency plan; Reviews all intake, application and assessment information to determine that all statements are complete and consistent with every other item of information provided; Evaluates applicants financial eligibility for assistance, determines initial categorical eligibility and evaluates available resources in relation to financial eligibility; Authorizes the provision of financial benefits needed to support the clients self-sufficiency plan within the guidelines of Public Assistance, Emergency Assistance to Adults, Food Stamps, Medicaid or other public financial benefit programs as may be available through the State; Maintains files and computerized records, including all necessary paperwork related to the assessment follow-up and financial assistance services provided to the client; 180 Minimum Qualifications: A. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with an associates degree, which included or was supplemented by twelve (12) credit hours in behavioral sciences and/or human services coursework; OR B. Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and two (2) years 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 two (2) years experience in a human service agency identifying client problems and referring clients to appropriate resources.