STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Social Services Lead Investigator - Child Support

Recruitment #200806-7324SH-001

Introduction



The State of Connecticut, Department of Social Services (DSS) is recruiting for one (1) Social Services Lead Investigator position within the Child Support Division in the Hartford Field Office.  The hours are 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 

The Department of Social Services participates in E-Verify.

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:

Last 2 recent service ratings.

Last 2 years of attendance records. 

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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The preferred candidate should possess the following skills:
  • Strong written and verbal communication.
  • The ability to work independently as well as in a team setting.
  • Understand and interpret legal and financial documents.
  • Perform mathematical computations.
  • Knowledge of court procedures and related legal remedies.
  • Knowledge with assistance programs concerning children.
  • Ability to interpret and apply relevant agency policies and procedures.
  • Experience conducting investigations and interviews.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications, State system and databases.

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.