Principal Social Welfare Examiner

This is an administrative position involving responsibility for planning, coordinating, supervising and managing the performance and activities of a group of employees, a unit or section depending on the organizational structure of the agency for determining financial eligibility for the various programs administered by the local Social Services district. Duties, though similar to those of a senior social welfare examiner, are broader in scale, are performed with more independence and involve a greater variety of related functions and the exercise of supervision over a greater number of subordinates. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Director of Income Maintenance. Performs related duties as required.

Three (3) years full time permanent status as a Senior Social Welfare Examiner in the Department of Social Services. Notes: Candidates permanently appointed to a qualifying title and had provisional service in the same title immediately preceding the permanent appointment, such provisional service may be counted towards meeting the time in title required to apply for this examination per Civil Service Law Section 52.1.10.B

A written test designed to evaluate knowledge, skills and/or abilities in the following areas:
1. ENSURING EFFECTIVE INTER/INTRA AGENCY COMMUNICATION S - These questions test for understanding of techniques for interacting effectively with individuals and agencies, to educate and inform them about topics of concern, to clarify agency programs or policies, to negotiate conflicts or resolve complaints, and to represent one's agency or program in a manner in keeping with good public relations practices. Questions may also cover interacting with the staff of one's own agency and/or that of other agencies in cooperative efforts of public outreach or service.
2. PREPARING WRITTEN MATERIAL - These questions test for the ability to present information clearly and accurately, and to organize paragraphs logically and comprehensibly. For some questions, you will be given information in two or three sentences followed by four restatements of the information. You must then choose the best version. For other questions, you will be given paragraphs with their sentences out of order. You must then choose, from four suggestions, the best order for the sentences.
3. EVALUATING CONCLUSIONS IN LIGHT OF KNOWN FACTS - These questions will consist of a set of facts and a conclusion. You must decide if the conclusion is proved by the facts, disproved by the facts or if the facts are not sufficient to prove or disprove the conclusion. The questions will not be specific to a particular field.
4. ADMINISTRATIVE SUPERVISION - These questions test for knowledge of the principles and practices involved in directing the activities of a large subordinate staff, including subordinate supervisors. Questions relate to the personal interactions between an upper level supervisor and their subordinate supervisors in the accomplishment of objectives. These questions cover such areas as assigning work to and coordinating the activities of several units, establishing and guiding staff development programs, evaluating the performance of subordinate supervisors, and maintaining relationships with other organizational sections.
5. ADMINISTRATIVE TECHNIQUES AND PRACTICES - These questions test for a knowledge of management techniques and practices used in directing or assisting in directing a program component or an organizational segment. Questions cover such areas as interpreting policies, making decisions based on the context of the position in the organization, coordinating programs or projects, communicating with employees or the public, planning employee training, and researching and evaluating areas of concern. Test guide: The New York State Department of Civil Service has not prepared a test guide for this examination. However, candidates may find information in the publication 'General Guide to Written Tests' helpful in preparing for this test. This publication is available online at: https://www.cs.ny.gov/testing/testguides.cfm.

There are no residency requirements for this examination. However, preference in appointment may be given to successful candidates who have been residents of Otsego County for at least one month immediately preceding the scheduled date of the written examination.

The eligible list resulting from this examination will be used to fill vacancies as they occur in the Otsego County Department of Social Services under the jurisdiction of the Otsego County Personnel/Civil Service Department.