SUPERVISING SOCIAL SERVICES INVESTIGATOR 40130

(Competitive)

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

 

The work involves responsibility for supervising and coordinating the work of an investigative unit in the Department of Social Services. Work includes developing and implementing policies and procedures for conducting investigations and performing related work, scheduling and assigning investigations, training and instructing the staff, handling problems, reviewing completed cases and evaluating staff performance. Work is planned and performed in accordance with applicable State and local laws and regulations. This is a supervisory position and employees in this class typically do not conduct investigations. Extensive knowledge in the areas of welfare fraud, penal law and the rules of evidence is a prerequisite of the position as the employee supervises the investigation of welfare fraud for criminal prosecution. The incumbent is responsible for coordinating and supervising a large professional staff performing investigation work as well as paraprofessional and clerical workers. Work is reviewed by conference and submission of reports with considerable leeway given for the exercise of initiative and sound professional judgment in the development, implementation and supervision of investigative procedures for the unit. Certain assignments made to employees in this class will require reasonable access to transportation to meet field work requirements made in the ordinary course of business in a timely and efficient manner. Incumbents must successfully pass a background check. Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

 

Establishes and implements procedures for conducting investigations based on the principles and techniques of investigating and interviewing, the principles of caseload management and all applicable State and local laws.

Assigns work to investigative staff and reviews each case upon completion for thoroughness of investigative work, accuracy and completeness of evidence and documentation.

Instructs investigative staff as to their duties and department procedures and policies through training sessions, on‑the‑job training, staff meetings and individual assistance as needed to insure the consistent and proper discharge of responsibilities.

Supervises and evaluates the performance of a large unit of investigative and support staff.

Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with Family Court, Probation Department, District Attorney's Office, Department of Social Services' Legal Division, law enforcement agencies, public and private agencies and industries useful in the conduct of investigations.

Coordinates the activities of the unit with other units in the Department of Social Services to insure the efficient and productive processing of investigation cases.

Prepares reports and maintains records of investigations and unit activities as mandated by State and local regulations.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

 

Thorough knowledge of the techniques, procedures and sources used in conducting investigations.

Good knowledge of Federal, State and local laws, rules and regulations as they apply to social services investigations and welfare fraud investigations.

Good knowledge of the techniques and procedures involved in establishing legal action in court.

Good knowledge of interviewing techniques.

Good knowledge of the legal requirements for gathering and reporting evidence for criminal prosecution

Working knowledge of the principles and techniques of office management relating to the directing of work, caseload management and supervision of staff.

Working knowledge of the rules of evidence for court proceedings.

Ability to establish investigation procedures and guidelines applying appropriate laws, regulations and department policies.

Ability to understand, interpret and apply laws, codes and regulations pertaining to the work.

Ability to analyze findings of investigations and to make appropriate recommendations and decisions.

Ability to impart knowledge and skills of investigation and interviewing to the investigative staff and to apply these knowledges in decision‑making situations.

Ability to deal with the public in an effective, professional and lawful manner.

Ability to compile and organize concise, comprehensive and accurate written and oral reports.

Ability to direct and supervise the work of others.

 

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

 

Promotion:

 

A. One (1) year of permanent, competitive class status in the title of Senior Welfare Fraud Investigator; or

B. Two (2) years of permanent, competitive class status in the title of Welfare Fraud Investigator.

-2- 40130

 

 

 

Open Competitive:

 

Seven (7) years of professional level work experience, or its part time equivalent, in field investigative work, two (2) years of which must have been public assistance or welfare fraud‑related field investigative work for a social services agency. Field investigative work must have involved contact with persons in the field for the purpose of verifying or authenticating information or complaints and discovering additional sources of information to be investigated in order to establish or disprove allegations.

 

NOTE: An Associate's Degree in Police Science or sixty (60) undergraduate semester hours in a criminal justice program from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees may be substituted for two (2) years of the non‑public assistance field investigative work experience.

 

 

09/2016 Revised