A CAREER IN PUBLIC SERVICE

Abstract

•Bureau of Public Assistance, Technical T r a i n i n g 8orvlco. T h i s article Is based on a statement prepared for the Wartime Coramlt teo on rc r sonnol , American Association of Social Workers . THE STATE public assistance agencies are responsible for providing, within the framework of the respective State statutes and agency policy and procedure, cash assistance and other appropriate services for the special types of public assistance. The agencies frequently administer additional programs, such as general assistance, and, at times, such temporary programs as civilian war assistance, in which capacity they act in behalf of the Federal Bureau of Public Assistance and the Social Security Board. Since those programs are State programs, operating through Federal grants-in-aid, their operation varies from State to State. In some instances the public assistance agency is part of a public welfare department which includes other programs, such as probation and parole, care for the mentally ill, and general assistance financed without the aid of Federal funds. In other instances the public assistance program is administered in a separate agency. Some of the programs are State administered; others provide for administration by the local agency, supervised by the State agency. The Federal act gives the State agencies wide latitude in establishing and operating the assistance programs, but it requires certain basic conditions, such as Statewide operation of the plan through a single State agency, financial participation by the State, and opportunity for a fair hearing for applicants denied assistance. Methods of administration must provide proper and efficient operation of the plan, including methods for establishing and maintaining personnel standards on a merit basis, and for adequate reporting.