Social Services Examiner I-Spanish Speaking-HELP Program

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. Typical work activities include interviewing applicants, including Spanish-speaking applicants, for financial assistance programs; reviewing certification forms for completeness and consistency; evaluating financial eligibility; preparing and computing budgets; advising applicants of eligibility determinations and assistance amounts; informing applicants about programs and documentation requirements; explaining validation processes; advising applicants on their duty to report changes; informing about agency services and making referrals; making re-determinations of eligibility; recommending emergency grants; and possibly making field visits for verification and referrals to Special Investigations Unit. The role requires good knowledge of social service laws and programs, Department policies, and related laws; ability to read and converse fluently in Spanish; analytical skills; good judgment; and physical condition commensurate with the job demands.