INCOME MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN (Local)

Code: 02089 Local Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under close supervision of a professional income maintenance staff member of a welfare board or agency, performs a variety of noncomplex tasks of a technical, financial nature related to determining eligibility for public assistance; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• Reviews information on routine forms/applications for financial assistance for completeness, consistency, and accuracy.
• Provides routine/general information to applicants about eligibility requirements for public assistance, application procedures, and grant processes, offering agency literature that provides additional information concerning the income maintenance program.
• Talks to applicants to obtain information needed to complete application properly and expeditiously and to obtain clarification of information provided.
• Talks with applicants, either in person or on the telephone, to inform them how and where they can obtain additional information needed to complete an application form.
• Performs field investigations to verify applicant information and data required for authorization of emergency financial assistance and to secure information concerning potential assets.
• Aids persons when applying for financial or medical assistance or food stamps in understanding their responsibilities in completing application forms on which eligibility decisions are primarily based, and in securing supporting data.
• Contacts other sources for information that applicant cannot provide and explains the need for information requested.
• Provides information about assistance payments by letter, telephone, or interview to applicants and others in the office, home, or other areas to clarify conditions of eligibility.
• Reviews information on application form along with other information gathered, and compares same with eligibility requirements as stated in agency guidelines to determine applicant's eligibility.
• Utilizes regulations/guidelines to determine level of assistance to be provided, and performs mathematical computations to determine applicant's budget allotments.
• Confers with supervisor or other senior staff to obtain clarification on technical questions concerning eligibility requirements, grant determination, application processing, and pertinent regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Reviews completed redetermination questionnaire, noting any new or unclear information and comparing same with prior information in case record to determine if grant should be continued, changed, or terminated based on regulations/guidelines.
• Contacts clients by phone or letter to obtain clarification of information noted on redetermination questionnaire.
• May refer applicants to social service unit for further assistance when necessary.
• May attend fair hearings to observe how case presentations are handled.
• Reviews information in case record in relation to regulations to determine eligibility and grant levels and if grant should be continued, changed, or discontinued.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Experience

Two (2) years of experience involving either: (1) securing/verifying information and making determinations or recommendations pertaining to such matters as eligibility or qualifications of applicants for loans, insurance, credit, or entitlement to cash awards of financial benefits or adjustment and settlement of insurance claims; (2) investigations which involve collection of facts and obtaining information by observing conditions, examining records, interviewing individuals, and preparing investigative reports of findings; or (3) investigating, establishing, and/or enforcing support obligations in a welfare board or agency, court system, or related agency.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of sources/methods of obtaining information regarding finances, property ownership, and financial resources.
• Knowledge of problems of economically and culturally disadvantaged persons.
• Knowledge of use and content of agency guidelines and eligibility policies after a period of training.
• Knowledge of eligibility requirements and procedures after a period of training.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative, courteous relationships with clients, business persons, employers, and others.
• Ability to advise clients on financial matters pertaining to the eligibility function of the board/agency.
• Ability to explain board/agency policies, regulations, and procedures to client.
• Ability to follow instructions.
• Ability to prepare brief, concise, complete, and accurate reports.
• Ability to maintain files and records.
• Ability to work cooperatively with agency staff.
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic computations.
• Ability to gather, collect, analyze, and evaluate information relative to determining eligibility for public assistance.
• Ability to interview applicants and determine their eligibility for public assistance based on the application of pertinent regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Semester hour credits from an accredited college or university may be substituted for indicated experience on a year-for-year basis with thirty (30) semester hour credits being equal to one (1) year of experience.