Social Services Team Worker; NY HELPS

Position: Social Services Team Worker (NY HELPS)

Job Title

SOCIAL SERVICES TEAM WORKER (NY HELPS)

Overview

The NY HELPS (Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Program Statewide) is a New York State program that allows civil service agencies to hire qualified permanent employees quickly and without requiring them to take a competitive civil service exam. It was created to help agencies fill critical vacancies by streamlining the appointment process, though candidates must still meet all other minimum qualifications for the job.

Notice

Period

This notice will be posted for the period January 5, 2026 through and including January 15, 2026.

Department

SOCIAL SERVICES

Division/Work Unit

TA

Bargaining Unit

CSEA

Salary

Job Group 5

Starting salary for external candidates: $45,344. (Non‑Negotiable)

Employment Type

Full‑Time

Appointment Type

Permanent

Location

ERIE COUNTY RATH BUILDING – 95 FRANKLIN STREET BUFFALO, NY 14202

Responsibilities

The work involves maintaining an automated file of case specific information that serves as a key tool to the performance of both the casework and administrative staff of the Services division and CASA.

• May serve as a resource specialist to staff for tasks such as budgeting, authorization processing and fiscal calculations relative to personal care.
• Investigates and resolves personal care processing authorization problems such as billings and data entry for staff and provider agencies.
• Maintains an automated file of confidential case specific information which generates reports requested by management.
• Prepares packages for eligibility determination.
• Performs general database processing and data entry functions.
• Composes and types correspondence.
• Develops and implements at the request of Supervisor various projects.
• Provides support to various supervisory staff as relates to the composition of cases in care.
• Contacts cooperating agencies to verify client eligibility.
• Responds to inquiries regarding validation process and the range of assistance offered by the Services Division.
• Assists with preparation of petitions and a variety of legal documents for the courts.
• Searches files and other sources for information and data for coding within the automated data system.
• Updates respective files and advises supervision and/or management staff.
• Updates library of reference material used by professional staff.

Qualifications

Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and two years clerical experience, including one year operating an alpha‑numeric keyboard.

Special Requirements

Ability to type 40 words per minute.

Section 424‑a of the Social Services Law requires the local social services district to inquire whether the applicant is the subject of an indicated child abuse or maltreatment report on file with the State Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment.

Criminal Background Check

In accordance with New York State law, a criminal background check may be conducted after a conditional offer of employment has been made. A prior conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment unless required by law or directly related to the duties of the position. Certain positions may be subject to additional background screening based on statutory or regulatory requirements.

Remote

Work Eligibility

This position may be eligible for one remote work day per week, subject to departmental needs and supervisory approval, after successful completion of the probationary period. Participation in remote work is not guaranteed and may be modified or revoked at any time.

Diversity Statement

Erie County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

Visa Sponsorship

Erie County does not sponsor employment‑based visa status for any position. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment, without the need for current or future visa sponsorship.

Application Instructions

If interested and you meet the above qualifications, please apply online and attach transcripts. Or fill out an Application for Employment , attach transcripts and send to:
Starlet Saffron, Personnel Specialist, 95 Franklin St, Room 604, Buffalo, NY 14202, Starlet.

Saffron.

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