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.

　　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 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.-Authorizes the provision of financial benefits needed to support the client's self-sufficiency plan within the required guidelines.-Maintains files and computerized records.

　　Full Performance Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Personal Characteristics:-Working knowledge of: -Federal, State laws and local regulations and policies that govern applicant/recipient eligibility for social services financial assistance; -Various human service programs, agencies and resources; -The programs that relate to eligibility for social services programs such as Workers Compensation, Social Security, Unemployment Insurance, etc.; -Ability to: -Assess and evaluate clients situation, education, experience, aptitude and interest to determine appropriate referrals and develop self-sufficiency plan; -Enter and maintain data and records in computer database; -Establish rapport and motivate client to self-sufficiency; -Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; -Gather and analyze facts obtained and use facts in making judgments regarding a need for services and financial support; -Understand and follow directions; -Maintain records and reports;-Must have: -Good powers of observation and perception; -Good judgment; -Initiative; -Tact;

　　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 at least an Associate's Degree, but it could be a Bachelor's Degree, which included or was supplemented by twelve (12) credit hours in behavioralsciences and/or human services coursework;ORB. 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.

　　Apply online at: https://www.orleanscountyny.gov/departments/personnel/job_postings.php