Social Security’s Representative Payment Program provides financial management for the Social Security and SSI payments of Social Security beneficiaries who are not able to manage their own Social Security or SSI payments. The Representative Payee Investigator will be responsible for scheduling, conducting, and completing detailed reports on compliance reviews of both organizational and individual representative payees as assigned by the Social Security Administration under the Disability Law Center’s (DLC’s) new Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries with Representative Payees program. The investigator will engage in statewide site visits to beneficiaries’ homes, residential facilities, and state mental institutions implementing specific guidelines and procedures as set forth by the Social Security Administration. These procedures include personal interviews; financial record reviews; detailed tracking of these reviews; adherence to strict procedural time-lines for completion; and, submission of final reports to federal partners. Field reviews and educational visits will also be conducted to verify that the representative payee is using the benefits properly on behalf of the beneficiary and carrying out the responsibilities and duties correctly. Substantial travel throughout Massachusetts will be required.
- Conduct site reviews, investigations and educational visits with individual and organizational representative payees throughout the state following strict timelines and site visit procedures.
- Interview representative payees, beneficiaries, and others; examine financial and confidential records; document observations; collect evidence and information of value.
- Review and analyze financial records to assess violations or potential incidents of mismanagement of beneficiary funds.
- Identify and document potential situations of abuse, neglect, exploitation or other rights violations.
- Prepare comprehensive reports detailing the investigation, findings and recommendations.
- Develop corrective action plans to assist representative payees in conforming to requirements specified by the Social Security Administration Commissioner, as needed.
- Develop training and education materials and conduct training and outreach activities following SSA protocols, as needed.
- Analyze trends and data from investigations and monitoring activities to determine if they present systemic issues which may be appropriate for DLC to address, and, with the Program Director, formulate strategies for their prevention, reduction or elimination.
- Manage caseload in a timely manner, following all Social Security guidelines regarding procedural steps and deadlines.
- Effectively communicate complex concepts clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
- Work with supervisor and other investigators in scheduling, site-visits and reporting duties.
- Maintain accurate, confidential files documenting advocacy services provided;
- Assist in preparing reports to funding sources.
- Maintain accurate time records and client records, including accurate use of the client tracking database for DLC to meet its programmatic and fiscal responsibilities, and to obtain prevailing party attorney fees when appropriate.
- Timely open and close case files regarding client matters.
- Perform related tasks consistent with skills, abilities, and general responsibilities as required to support DLC.
- Reliable transportation and the ability to significantly travel throughout Massachusetts and outside of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as necessary, to perform assigned job tasks.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in an area related to the provision of advocacy services to vulnerable populations or equivalent experience.
- Five (5) to ten (10) years direct experience conducting investigations such as site visits, compliance audits or other regulatory matters.
- Demonstrated success working with persons with disabilities and maintaining confidential information.
- Demonstrated experience doing financial record keeping using basic accounting principles.
- Demonstrated ability in reviewing and analyzing financial records.
- Ability to provide education and training to large groups.
- Demonstrated ability in conducting investigatory interviews and writing reports of investigatory findings.
- Excellent listening and verbal skills; professional written communication skills, and strong negotiating communications skills.
- Basic computer skills, including email, Microsoft Office programs, data entry, and use of the internet.
- Reliable transportation and ability to travel statewide.
- Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize complex tasks.
- Government clearance by the United States Government Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is required for this position. In addition, continued eligibility for government clearance by OPM is required
Desired Attributes
- Demonstrated understanding of Social Security and Supplemental Security Income, income and resources regulations.
- Demonstrated commitment to the civil rights of all people.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
- Demonstrated experience working with people with disabilities.
- Demonstrated ability to work with a minimum amount of supervision.
- Bilingual fluency in another language and/or American Sign Language (ASL).
Working Conditions
An Investigator performs work in an office environment, but the position will take the Investigator to non-standard workplaces. An Investigator will be expected to travel significantly within the state and then outside the state as necessary.
Travel: 50%+
The starting range for these positions is: $49,800 – $55,800. DLC has a very generous benefits package. For details, please visit https://www.dlc-ma.org/about/careers-at-dlc/.
In order to be considered for this position, applicants must upload the following materials in Microsoft Word format on DLC's website (or email them to [email protected]):
- Cover Letter, which must indicate: a) your personal and professional motivation for seeking this position; b) a discussion of how you meet each of the minimum qualifications and any of the desired attributes for this position; and, c) willingness to complete the required SSA suitability clearance background investigation or if a current clearance exists.
- Resume, including 3 references; and
- Sample of professional written work (redacted investigative report, funder report, etc.)