Representative Payee Program Investigator

The Georgia Advocacy Office (“GAO”) is a federally funded, private non-profit organization that is the designated Protection and Advocacy System for people with disabilities in Georgia.  Protection and Advocacy (P&A) systems are mandated under federal law to protect people with disabilities from abuse and neglect and to advocate for the human and legal rights of people with disabilities. GAO employs a broad range of advocacy strategies from supporting self-advocacy to legal advocacy to fulfill this mandate.

Position Purpose

An Investigator for the Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries with Representative Payees Program will be responsible for conducting investigations for the Representative Payee investigative program.  In addition, responsibilities will include assisting the Program Director with the development of protocols and processes to implement the program, direct advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities, and administrative management of the Representative Payee Program. The position reports to the Director of the Representative Payee Program.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

1. Perform on-site reviews and coordinate investigations to ensure suitability of representative payees.
2. Write and review reports based upon guidelines dictated by program requirements.
3. Ensure compliance with timelines.
4. Review financial information and evaluate for compliance with representative payee requirements.
5. Work with advocates/investigators to manage “cases” and initiatives which may include research, training sessions, network-building with other professionals both within Georgia and throughout the United States, and participation in collaboration meetings with other agencies responsible for the people served by this program.
6. Comply with the GAO program accountability policies and procedures and support staff to be in compliance with said policies and procedures.
7. Participate as part of the GAO team.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Competencies

1. Knowledge of GAO programs, priorities, responsibilities, and issues.
2. Sound reasoning and writing skills to effectively analyze complex issues and make recommendations about the proper course of action to advocate effectively and persuasively on behalf of individuals with disabilities.
3. Ability to complete investigations involving representative payees’ use of funds designated for a beneficiary of Social Security.
4. Oral and written communication skills to effectively and professionally communicate with individuals over the telephone, in writing, and in person, including but not limited to: representative payees; beneficiaries of Social Security; employers; attorneys; governmental agencies; assistance and outreach programs; advocacy organizations; supervisors; and other service providers and entities.
5. Interpersonal skills to maintain productive working relationships with all staff members and to work in an interdisciplinary team with other professionals.
6. Organizational skills to manage and successfully complete multiple priorities and tasks, including but not limited to: maintain timelines established by the Social Security Administration; ensure performance requirements are met; responsibly submit timesheets and other required program reports, including corrective action plans; manage case files; organize office space and filing systems; use office technology effectively; and meet self-imposed and externally-set deadlines.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Sense of identification with people with disabilities.  Understand the concepts of advocacy, self-determination, and a "with, not for" approach when assisting others.
2. Bachelor’s degree in a related field.  Consideration will be given to a combination of life experience and education, demonstrating a likely capacity to perform the requirements of the position.
3. Highly organized, detail oriented, analytical and deadline driven.
4. Knowledge and strong commitment to the improvement of quality of life and protection of rights for people with disabilities living in Georgia.
5. Compliance with all written policies of the organization.
6. Strict adherence to maintaining confidentiality.
7. Ability to maintain and follow strict adherence guidelines to ensure compliance
8. Experience in conducting investigations.
9. Ability to fulfill security clearance requirements of the Social Security Administration.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Background in social role valorization and related training.
2. Knowledge of federal statutes governing protection and advocacy systems.
3. Experience advocating with and for persons with disabilities.
4. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Outlook, Excel, web-based report creation, generic database management.

Essential Position Requirements

1. Significant travel throughout the state as required.
2. Ability to work for extended periods processing information.
3. Ability to interview beneficiaries and others.
4. Ability to document and analyze information obtained and rely on evidence to reach conclusions.
5. Ability to gather and process information related to financial management.

Salary range $40K - $55K, commensurate with experience.  GAO provides excellent benefits, such as health insurance, 403B plan, and paid vacation and holidays.  We are located in downtown Decatur, Georgia, a vibrant community minutes from downtown Atlanta. GAO is an equal opportunity employer committed to having a diverse workforce. Applicants with disabilities and members of other minority groups are encouraged to apply. 

To apply, please submit a cover letter explaining your qualifications for the position, a resume, and three references by Monday, June 17, 2019, to:

info@thegao.org

or by mail to:

Representative Payee Search/Investigator

Georgia Advocacy Office

One West Court Square, Suite 625

Decatur, GA 30030