Introduction
The
State of Connecticut, Department of Social Services (
DSS), is recruiting for one Social Services Lead Investigator position within the Child Support Division in the Torrington office location. The hours are 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Selection Plan
In order to be considered for this job opening, you must be a current State of CT employee of the Department of Social Services who has permanent state status*, and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application.
*For employees in the classified service, permanent status is obtained after successful completion of a working test period. For employees in the unclassified service, permanent status is obtained after serving in a position for at least six months (full-time or full-time equivalent).
Candidates selected for interview must bring the following at the time of interview:
- Two most recent service ratings.
- Attendance records for the past two years.
Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Kelly Geary at Kelly.Geary@ct.gov.
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In the Department of Social Services this class is accountable for acting as a working supervisor and policy specialist for a unit of Social Services Investigators engaged in performing investigations relevant to the enforcement of child support obligations.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Plans unit workflow and determines priorities; schedules, assigns, oversees and reviews work; establishes and maintains unit procedures; provides staff training and assistance including monitoring and assessing current and projected needs; conducts or assists in conducting performance evaluations; acts as liaison with operating units, cooperating agencies and outside officials such as third party providers, social services agencies, attorneys regarding unit policies and procedures; makes recommendations on policies or standards; prepares reports and correspondence; acts as liaison with Social Services Investigations Supervisor concerning unit training needs, practical program implementation problems and effectiveness of unit workflow procedures; acts as unit policy specialist in difficult, unusual and/or complex case resolution; processes complex cases; testifies in court on cases involving support or claims for reimbursement and determines appropriate actions to enforce compliance with court orders; may be assigned to represent Commissioner in cases requiring a high degree of tact and diplomacy; performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
Considerable knowledge of public assistance programs concerning children and the financial obligations related to these programs; considerable knowledge of investigatory methods and techniques; considerable knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply relevant agency policies and procedures; considerable knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; considerable knowledge of economic, social and health problems affecting family security; considerable knowledge of property ownership, personal finances, paternity and child support issues; knowledge of court procedures, legal terminology and related legal instruments; considerable skill in conducting investigations; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; problem solving skills; considerable ability to understand and interpret financial and legal documents; considerable ability to negotiate settlements with legally liable party; ability to utilize computer software and systems; some supervisory ability.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
Six (6) years of experience in the investigation of real and personal assets related to child support obligations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE
One (1) year of the General Experience must have been in performing child support investigations.
Note: For state employees, this is interpreted at the level of a Social Services Investigator (Child Support).
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED
1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2. A Master's degree in a closely related area may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
3. For state employees, one (1) year of experience as a Social Services Investigator (Child Support) may be substituted for the General and Special Experience.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
Conclusion
AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.