This is the first class in the Social Services Quality Assurance Series. Positions in this class conduct audits on statistically reliable statewide samples of benefit programs cases; engage in substantive and technical audits of local social service agencies’ eligibility and payment determinations; select and employ a variety of data collection techniques; and apply diverse analytical and evaluation methods in conducting audits of agency programs and procedures. This class is distinguished from the Social Services Quality Assurance Program Supervisor class by the latter's supervisory responsibilities.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of moderate difficulty which involves conducting in-depth audits by applying prescribed techniques and approaches to data gathering analysis and evaluations. Documents findings, makes recommendations and prepares audit reports. Positions present findings and recommendations to local agencies and eligibility management to be used as corrective action data and local agency management training. Incumbents use investigative techniques to seek sources of information and detect discrepancies. Positions typically select from numerous technical procedures and approaches in the development of data gathering, surveying, and qualitative and quantitative analysis; present written reports of data collected, findings, conclusions and recommendations to agency management; and may assist in assessing training needs. Positions also use computers to gather data related to programs.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor.

Supervision Received: Receives general supervision from a Social Services Quality Assurance Program Supervisor on the review of information, compliance audits, and assigned audits are handled independently with only occasional technical guidance.

Scope: Work affects the delivery of social services and the appropriateness of program expenditures that affect the agency and its clients.

Impact of Actions: Accurate and comprehensive audits serve as valuable management tools for state and federal administrators and as the basis for corrective action plans formulated to reduce or eliminate the causes of incorrect payments; to ensure appropriate application of state and federal procedures; and to assure the delivery of quality social services. Errors could result in the failure to detect program discrepancies and/or inefficient management of expenditures that would be costly to the agency.

Personal Contact: Frequent internal and external contacts with federal, state and local agency representatives regarding data gathering, information sharing, and coordination of joint efforts; and with other state(s) agencies, recipients, and individuals from the public and private sectors to clarify or seek information. Contacts may also include home visits with clients/recipients to clarify and seek information.

Knowledge: Working knowledge of case-study methods and practices; of program policies and procedures; of regulations for state financial assistance programs and quality assurance; and of data processing systems, applications and capabilities.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; to research, compile and analyze data; and to make sound recommendations.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with course work in human services or a related field.

Level and Type of Experience: Experience related to financial assistance programs, social work, eligibility determination, management analysis, training or related work activities which involved the development and analysis of program data.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class was revised April 1989 as a result of the Statewide Classification Review/Specification Update Program. This class was previously titled Welfare Quality Control Reviewer.