Social Welfare Examiner Position Available In Orleans, New York

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.

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 Associates Degree, but it could be a Bachelors 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.

For purposes of these qualifications:

Behavioral Sciences coursework includes but is not limited to: psychology, sociology and anthropology, counseling, criminal justice, gerontology, human behavior, social work/social welfare and vocational rehabilitation.

Human Services coursework includes but it not limited to: social work, psychology, gerontology, early childhood development, mental health, developmental disabilities and vocational and/or psychological counseling, as well as therapeutic modalities such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, and therapeutic recreation, education and nursing.