SOCIAL SERVICES QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM SUPERVISOR 46083

4/16/89 B

This is the second class and the supervisory level in the Social Services Quality Assurance series. Positions in this class are responsible for ensuring the integrity, uniformity and timely completion of statistically reliable statewide samples of benefit programs cases. This class is distinguished from the Social Services Quality Assurance Program Specialist class by its responsibility for applying supervisory principles and techniques in order to assign and review the work of subordinates, provide leadership and guidance, promote staff development, conduct performance appraisals, and recommend personnel selection and dismissal.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of considerable difficulty which involves supervising the analysis of collected data to assure that pertinent laws, regulations, policies and operational methods are uniformly interpreted and applied by local agencies determining social services eligibility and payment. Establishes priorities; coordinates the assignment of case audits; and provides technical assistance, consultation and training to staff. Interprets program policies, procedures, and regulations; assesses staff performance and conducts performance appraisals at established intervals; and prepares statistical reports, program evaluations, correspondence and other documents. Negotiates and resolves discrepancies with individuals from both local and state agencies.

Supervision Given: Supervises Social Services Quality Assurance Program Specialists and monitors activities in an assigned unit(s). The degree of supervision given is in terms of ensuring the integrity, uniformity and timely completion of case audits within prescribed guidelines and time frames.

Supervision Received: Receives general direction from a regional director or other higher-level supervisor.

Scope: Work affects the effectiveness of the quality assurance program which in turn affects the agency and its clients in terms of the delivery of social services and the appropriateness of program expenditures.

Impact of Actions: Effective supervision of the quality assurance program results in the provision of accurate audit results which serve to develop effective management tools for state and federal administrators and are the basis for appropriate corrective action plans designed to reduce or eliminate the cause of incorrect payments; ensure appropriate application of state and federal procedures; and assure delivery of quality social services. Errors could result in the failure to detect program discrepancies or in the inefficient management of expenditures.

Personal Contacts: 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 agencies of the Commonwealth and of other states, recipients, and individuals from the public and private sectors to clarify or seek information.

Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of case-study methods and practices; state financial assistance programs; quality assurance policies, procedures, and/or guidelines; research techniques and methodology; data processing systems, applications and capabilities; and supervisory principles and techniques.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; to interpret, explain and apply policies, procedures and regulations; to research, compile, and analyze data and make recommendations on program guidelines and procedures; to supervise subordinate staff; and to operate information systems equipment.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

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

Level and Type of Experience: Experience related to financial assistance programs, social work, eligibility determination; management analysis, or training.

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 established in April 1989 as a result of the Statewide Classification Review/Specification Update Program. This class replaces Welfare Financial Services Supervisor A class.