CASEWORKER

IF YOU ARE HIRED PROVISIONALLY IN THIS TITLE, YOU MUST TAKE AND PASS THE CIVIL SERVICE EXAM, WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE, TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT.

The OCSS Borough Offices are the point of entry into the child support system for custodial parents who are Cash Assistance applicants and recipients. Custodial parents are automatically referred for child support services as a requirement for full benefits for their household. When the noncustodial parent’s whereabouts are or become known, cases will be referred to the family court to initiate the legal child support proceedings, for pursuing orders of support and/or the establishment of paternity. Custodial parents and their families rely on the agency to provide guidance in collecting monies due to them and to use all means at the disposal of the agency to collect such monies.

Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) is recruiting seven (7) Caseworkers.

Under the supervision of the Supervisor I (Social Services), the Caseworker, with latitude for independent actions, conducts client interviews and investigations with referrals from Family Independence Administration (FIA) for the purposes of locating the legally, responsible, absent parents of their children. This process is required for the applicant to remain eligible for assistance. When the absent parent is located, the information is referred to DSS Court Services for the preparation of the summons for the absent parent to appear in court in order to confirm paternity and establish child support.

The Caseworker will

Assess whether an interview is required and conducts required interviews for the purpose of completing

the child support application, building and/or updating the case record, and locating the non-custodial

parent. Schedule follow-up interviews and activities as needed. Client contact may be in-person or by

telephone.

Conduct comprehensive system searches in various applications based on leads obtained during the

client interview; pursues and develops leads through systems searches and contacts so that the

non-custodial parent is located.

Communicate with other OCSS departments and entities to obtain information and/or required

documents.

Ensure all necessary documentation is available for referral to court to establish parentage and/or an

order of support.

Understand and adhere to correct operational procedures and established guidelines to prevent delays

in referring the case to court and ensures accuracy of the completed work. Prepare and complete standard

forms and other supporting documentation to move the cases from the Borough Office to Court.

Complete worker logs to reflect interviews conducted throughout the day. Participate in special projects; performs other Caseworker allowable functions within the program area.

Salary Range

$45,329 - $52,128

Work Hours/Shift

Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm

Work Location (s):

Various Sites

Minimum Qualifications

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university accredited by regional, national, professional, or specialized agencies recognized as accrediting bodies by the U.S. Secretary of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Additional Information: Section 424-a of the New York State Social Services Law requires an authorized agency to inquire whether a candidate for employment with child-care responsibilities is or has been the subject of an indicated child abuse and maltreatment report on file with the State Central Register for child abuse and maltreatment. State Central Register screening will be conducted prior to considering a candidate for employment as a Caseworker. Candidates who have been the subject of an indicated child abuse and maltreatment report will not be assigned to any position which requires child-care responsibilities. Employees who have been the subject of such a report may be reassigned or terminated from employment from their positions as Caseworker.

Preferred Skills

Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills. - Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment. - Aptitude using computer systems to search for information - Strong customer service skills - Eagerness to learn Child Support and HRA business process

55a Program

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement

New York City Residency is not required for this position

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.