APPLICANTS MUST BE PERMANENT IN THE BENEFITS OPPORTUNITY SPECIALIST (BOS) CIVIL SERVICE TITLE FOR AT LEAST ONE YEAR. THIS IS A PROVISIONAL APPOINTMENT, WHEN A TEST BECOMES AVAILABLE IN THE ASSOCIATE BENEFITS OPPORTUNITY SPECIALIST (ABOS) TITLE, YOU MUST TAKE AND PASS THE EXAM TO REMAIN IN THE ABOS TITLE.
The Department of Social Services (DSS) is comprised of the administrative units of the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) and the Department of Homeless Services (DHS). HRA is dedicated to fighting poverty and income inequality by providing New Yorkers in need with essential benefits such as Food Assistance and Emergency Rental Assistance. DHS is committed to preventing and addressing homelessness in New York City by employing a variety of innovative strategies to help families and individuals successfully exit shelter and return to self-sufficiency as quickly as possible.
Under general supervision of the CPRU Supervisor and with wide latitude for independent action and decision, the CPRU Specialist performs outreach, administrative, analytical duties relating to the resolution of client fair hearing request related to Agency decisions affecting receipt of Cash Assistance, SNAP and Medicaid benefits, and the preparation of documentation for presentation of evidence at Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH). Assignments are made at the discretion of management, and such assignments will be limited to the duties and responsibilities detailed below.
Fair Hearing Administration is recruiting for one (1) Associate Benefits Opportunity Specialist I to function as a CPRU (Central Packet Review Unit) Specialist who will:
- Review and analyze Fair Hearing Request from clients to determine whether cases should be resolved or sent to Packet Preparation. Review databases (including WMS, POS, New York City Way, Etc.) connected with client’s cases to determine accuracy of actions taken or to determine if Notices of Intent (NOI)/ decisions are defective. Take appropriate action to correct any cases that can be resolved and works within the FHEMS system to route cases to the appropriate Fair Hearings/FIA Unit.
- Prepare electronic Fair Hearing evidence packets through use of the FHEMS system, incorporating all relevant documents for presentation of evidence at the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH). Communicate with Fair Hearing Representatives to ensure that all evidence packets are complete and that any resolutions taken are part of the packet.
- Conduct outreach to clients on cases that require follow up to determine case resolution. Explain the fair hearing process to clients and determine what information and/or documentation are needed to resolve cases. Ensure that such documentation is received from the client and properly incorporated into the client’s case file.
- Monitor and review individual FHEMS queues to ensure all work is completed in a timely manner. Consult with immediate supervisor to determine workload issues and appropriateness of actions taken on cases. Continue to stay abreast of changes in Agency Policies and Procedures, maintaining understanding of changes in the FHEMs system.
- Notify Job Center staff of required action to be completed to resolve cases.
- Receive and respond verbally or in writing, to telephone or written inquiries and complaints from outside agencies, public officials and central office operations regarding clients and fair hearing activities.
- Send resolution letters to clients whose cases we have determined will be resolved. Communicate with Fair Hearing Representatives to determine the quality of the evidence packets and the need to add additional documentation to enhance the defense of cases at hearings.
Hours/Shift: 9am – 5 pm with flex
ASSOCIATE BENEFITS OPPORTUNITY - 56316
1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college; or
2. A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent, and two years of full time satisfactory experience in social/human services, call centers, customer
service or a related setting performing the following:
a) Interviewing, determining eligibility for, and/or providing client benefits and
services; or
b) Interviewing, determining eligibility for, and/or providing employment
planning and counseling services including job development, skill
assessment, and employment placement or other economic opportunity
programming.
c) College credit from an accredited college may be substituted for this
experience, on the basis pf 30 semester credits for 6 months of work
experience.
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
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