DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL SERVICES
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This Administrative position involves the responsibility for the supervision and coordination of the Financial Assistance Programs of the Department of Social Services, including Public Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, and HEAP. The Director must insure accurate and timely eligibility determinations for both regular and emergency benefits. The Director works closely with the Services and Administrative Division to insure integrated and coordinated service delivery to clients. The work is carried out under the administrative direction of the Commissioner in compliance with established policies and objectives, with considerable latitude given for the exercise of independent judgment. Does related work, as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
Oversees the administration of Public Assistance, Medicaid,
SNAP and HEAP program;
Responsible for implementing Federal, State and local policy
directives regarding financial assistance entitlements;
Monitors and oversees the case administration process, including
reception/intake, eligibility determination, recertification, and resource
recovery for both regular and emergency benefits;
Oversees the front end detection and fraud investigation systems;
Prepares and presents the Department's position in the fair hearing
process, including receipt of system notices, review of case files,
preparation of documents and witnesses, negotiation with
Legal Aid attorneys, and represents the Department in those hearings;
Assists the Commissioner in formulating Departmental objectives with
primary responsibility for Public Assistance, Medicaid,
SNAP and Home Energy Assistance Program;
Provides direct supervision to Unit Supervisors in the Division of
Financial Assistance, including formal and informal
performance evaluations;
Assists the Commissioner in preparation and monitoring of budget
including the formulation of recommendations as to the fiscal
and personnel resources needed to carry out the functions of
the major entitlement programs;
Assists in formulating overall Departmental policies and
procedures, including integration of financial and social services;
Assumes responsibility of the Services Division in the absence
of the Director of Social Services;
Assumes responsibility of the Department in the absence of the
Commissioner and Director of Social Services.
The above examples of duties are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND/OR PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Thorough knowledge of principles and practices relating to Public Assistance administration and Social Casework theory; thorough knowledge of Federal, State and local Public Assistance Laws and Regulations; Good knowledge of Financial Assistance entitlements; Good Business Arithmetic skills; Good Supervisory skills; ability to work well with other staff members and representatives of other agencies; ability to comprehend complex written and oral instructions; good judgment, maturity, initiative, and tact.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to walk, talk and hear.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from high school or possession of an appropriate equivalency diploma recognized by the NYS Department of Education, AND EITHER:
A. Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS registered college
or university with a Master’s degree AND four (4) years of
full-time paid experience including three (3) years in a
supervisory capacity in a public or a private social services
agency providing social casework and/or financial assistance
services adhering to acceptable standards;
B. Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS registered college
or university with a Bachelor's degree AND five (5) years of
full-time paid experience including three (3) years in a
supervisory capacity in a public or private social services
agency providing social casework and/or financial assistance
services adhering to acceptable standards;
Special Requirements for appointment: Successful completion of a background investigation will be required prior to appointment.
Competitive Classification