The Putnam County Department of Social Services and Mental Health is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Social Services Specialist I.

This position is being posted for appointment effective January 1st, 2026 or as soon thereafter as possible. This position may not be filled prior to this date. 

This title has been approved by the New York Civil Service Commission for inclusion in the Non-Competitive class under the New York Hiring Emergency Limited Placement (HELP) Program.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: Incumbents of this class are responsible for the management of a case load which provides basic social services public assistance, medical assistance or food stamps, ensuring that service and assistance levels are maintained as established from initial assessments, or that necessary changes are made consistent with appropriate individual client circumstances and established regulations and procedures. Incumbents participate in the delivery of financial service programs for public assistance, medical assistance and food stamps. The class differs from that of the Social Service Specialist (Trainee) by virtue of its being at the full performance level. Depending on the unit and/or assignment, work is performed under the direct or general supervision of a higher-level employee with leeway allowed in the performance of work assignments. Supervision is not normally a function of the class but may occur on a limited basis, as appropriate. Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

• Provides or arranges for assistance and services for assigned clients consistent with established regulations, procedures and individual case plan;
• Conducts investigations including in‑depth interviews to elicit sufficient information to approve, deny or determine feasibility of establishing a financial service program, make an appropriate referral, or proceed with further investigations on a case;
• Initiates necessary transactions caused by any change in the client's personal, family or financial situation consistent with established laws, rules, regulations and procedures;
• Contacts by mail and telephone a variety of sources to document information on applications;
• Keeps abreast of changing laws, regulations and policies in order to assure the correct provision of financial services and to perform related duties;
• Redetermines or recertifies approval for a financial service;
• Records information on forms to be entered into electronic data storage and retrieval systems to record and update case records, to compute budgets, etc.;
• Informs and advises clients/applicants on the services provided by the agency and on related services provided by other agencies;
• Refers clients/applicants to other service divisions or assists by referring or to a limited degree representing the client/applicant in securing other community services such as housing, employment, legal assistance, health care, family planning, etc.;
• Makes contact with public utilities, landlords, employers and others to obtain information for case management;
• Refers cases for further investigation when fraud is suspected;
• May complete a variety of reports relative to client cases;
• Makes field visits as necessary as part of the eligibility process;
• May appear at administrative or judicial proceedings when required to interpret decisions regarding eligibility;
• Performs a variety of related activities as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

Associate's degree, or higher, and one (1) year of experience in the examination, investigation or evaluation of requests for financial entitlements or eligibility in compliance with State and/or Federal laws and rules regulating benefits issuance which includes interviewing for evaluative and assessment purposes or substantially similar work.

TRAINEE NOTE: In the event enough qualified candidates with the appropriate experience cannot be recruited, a candidate lacking up to one (1) year of the required experience may be appointed as a trainee.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

Possession of a valid unrestricted appropriate level driver’s license and acceptable driving record is required at time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.

SCHEDULE: Full-time, Monday – Friday

STARTING ANNUAL SALARY: $55,349 (2026)

TRAINEE STARTING ANNUAL SALARY: $52,797 (2026)

BENEFITS:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, personal, comp)
• NYS Retirement System Membership
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualifying employer
• Tuition Reimbursement
• CSEA Membership

PUTNAM COUNTY – AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER