Senior Investigator

the title of senior support investigator is part of the nys civil service help program. At this time the position does not require a written civil service examination. this position involves responsibility for making assignments and supervising the work of support investigators. The incumbent functions as an assistant supervisor. Responsibilities also involve conducting investigations to locate individuals who are legally responsible for the support of dependents so that support and paternity orders may be established and payments may be obtained through voluntary agreements or court orders.

The work is performed under the general supervision of a higher level support investigator allowing the incumbent a considerable amount of independent judgment and initiative in the performance of assigned duties.

• assists the unit supervisor as required;
• trains new staff in the unit functions;
• reviews work of support investigators and other unit staff,
• interviews child support services clients and social service recipients and applicants and their relative,, neighbors and others in an effort to obtain information concerning the whereabouts of certain individuals;
• interviews unwed mothers in an effort to determine the feasibility of pursuing court action to establish paternity;
• compiles information necessary to obtain family court order directing individuals to
  make support payments when voluntary agreement for payment cannot be reached;
• contacts banks, insurance companies, employers to determine financial resources of individuals legally responsible for the support of others;
• contacts other governmental institutions in an effort to locate individuals;
• furnishes state and federal parent locator service with required information when local investigations fail to locate an absent parent;
• refers cases of suspected fraud to appropriate investigative unit;
• prepares reports as necessary;
• maintains a continuous case file of progress and results of investigations;
• monitors support payments as ordered by the court or pursuant to voluntary payment
  agreements and follows up on all delinquent accounts through mail, phone calls, etc.;
• prepares petitions for filing with courts;
• makes court appearances on behalf of the agency as necessary;
• updates state generated child support management computer systems.

good knowledge of the investigative techniques used in determining the location and financial status of individuals; ability to understand and interpret laws concerning family court as applicable; skill in interviewing techniques; ability to gather and analyze facts and to arrive at sound conclusions; ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with a variety of individuals and agencies; ability to obtain information from individuals who may be uncooperative or hostile;

ability to understand and interpret statistical data; ability to maintain records and prepare reports; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; good knowledge of training techniques; ability to plan and supervise the work of others.

an employee in this position must be bondable.