Administration

Commissioners Office

The Commissioner's Office is responsible for directing all phases of social services programs, including planning, organizing and implementing public assistance and service delivery programs in accordance with Federal and State laws and regulations and local policies.

The Commissioner of Social Services manages a variety of programs and 350 supervisory, technical, professional, and non-professional employees, and directs and coordinates the work of the Agency for efficient and effective operation. Responsibilities include directing the Agency's financial planning, preparation of budgets, maintenance of fiscal controls and submission of required reports; determining personnel requirements and making appropriate appointments of staff; public and community relations, and the interpretation of social services programs to meet the needs of the community.

Under the auspices of public and community relations, the Commissioner's Office publishes an Annual Report and press releases as needed to keep the public informed about relevant topics.

Personnel Team

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The Personnel Office is responsible for processing all personnel and payroll transactions for the department.  The office staff coordinate and maintain employee records including title, salary, and civil service status.  They advise employees on a variety of matters including civil service law, benefits and contract interpretation, health insurance, retirement, and workers' compensation. Personnel staff prepare recruitment announcements, complete employment verifications, and ensure payroll is accurately processed in a timely manner.  Existing personnel policies and procedures are reviewed and updated, as appropriate.

View job opportunities, exam announcements and results, and additional information at the Rockland County Personnel Home page.

* Note to Job Applicants:

In accordance with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Security Guidelines for Federal, State and Local Agencies (IRS Publication 1075; Section 5.1.1), employees with access to Federal Tax Information (FTI) must complete a background check which is favorably adjudicated. The background check will include FBI fingerprinting; a check of local law enforcement agencies where the applicant has lived, worked and/or attended school within the last 5 years; and if applicable, of the appropriate agency for any identified results and verification of citizenship/residency. Applicants will be required to pay a fingerprinting processing fee.

View the full text of the Social Service Policy on Employee Background Checks and Fingerprinting Requirements.

Compliance Services

Compliance Team

The Compliance Team performs internal reviews to improve overall department operations and to ensure compliance with all laws, rules and regulations.

Special Investigations Unit (SIU)

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is comprised of the Fraud Section and the Front End Detection System (FEDS) Section.

The Fraud Section investigates complaints regarding possible welfare abuse. Cases in which fraud have been clearly established are referred to the District Attorney's office for possible criminal prosecution. This may involve charges of unlawfully obtaining Temporary Assistance or grand larceny and usually results in, at a minimum, recoupment of assistance incorrectly paid. In other cases, the Fraud Unit attempts to recover all overpayments of assistance made to customers. Recovery may be made by reducing Temporary Assistance grants or by individual agreement to repay the agency directly.

The FEDS system detects possible fraud or ineligibility at the application stage to prevent the initial payment of improper benefits by the Department.

If you suspect fraud is taking place, you may report it via telephone or email (see below).

For more information about reporting fraud:
Telephone:  (845) 364-3100 Option 2.
General Email:  reportfraud@dfa.state.ny.us
Fraud and How to Report It!

Collections Team

The Collections Team assures that any non-exempt income or assets of a customer are utilized to reduce the need for assistance. Recoupment is made from recipients when assets or resources are later uncovered, i.e. stocks, bonds, bank accounts, real property, lawsuits and estates or other claims. The Unit also files liens, judgments, assignments, estate claims and mortgages in appropriate cases to preserve the rights of the Department.

The Cash Management System (CAMS) coordinates and oversees all aspects of over payment and advance payment collections for all programs, including Temporary Assistance, Food Stamps, Child Care Assistance and Medicaid. The CAMS Unit is responsible for following up on all repayment agreements, establishing contact with non-paying consumers, coming to a mutually acceptable repayment arrangement, and as a last resort, referring matters for civil litigation when deemed necessary.

Collections Team Contact Information:
(845) 364-3100 Option 2, then option 1.
(845) 364-3013 (Fax)