Job Description

IF YOU ARE HIRED PROVISIONALLY IN THIS TITLE, YOU MUST TAKE AND PASS THE CIVIL SERVICE EXAM, WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE, TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT.

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.

Fair Hearing and Conference/Pre-NOI/FH New Initiatives & Quality Analysis, formerly known as Fair Hearing Representation, consists of three areas in the Office of Fair Hearing Administration: Fair Hearing & Conference (FH&C) is responsible for mediating any dispute related to an infraction in engagement and non-willful infractions with the participant and supporting the agency to avoid fair hearing requests, Pre Notice of Intent (Pre-NOI) facilitates the case review of individuals who did not report to or comply with a Wellness Comprehensive Assessment, Rehabilitation, and Employment (WeCARE) appointment or assignment, including those who infract with a Vocational Rehabilitation Service (VRS) engagement activity and Fair Hearing New Initiatives & Quality Analysis (FHNIQA) offers fair hearing data support for all new initiatives related to Family Independence Administration (FIA), Medicaid, Advocate Inquiry, Office of Administrative Hearing (OAH), Office of Performance Management & Data Analytics (OPMDA) and Department of Homeless Services (DHS).

Under the direction of the Deputy Director, and with wide latitude for independent judgment and decision-making, the Fair Hearing Field Supervisor performs operational analyses and leads special projects. This role involves coordinating with multiple Benefits Access Centers, Regional Managers, Center Directors, and other key stakeholders to obtain and communicate accurate, relevant information in a timely manner. Supports agency efforts to prevent unnecessary Fair Hearing requests and reduce chargebacks from the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) by improving scheduling efficiency and resolving issues proactively. Assists the agency in addressing client disputes regarding agency actions or household changes, and provides ongoing support, resources, and guidance for new initiatives related to FIA, Medicaid, Advocate Inquiry, the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH), and the Department of Homeless Services (DHS).

Fair Hearing Administration is recruiting for one (1) Associate Benefits Opportunity Specialist III to function as a Fair Hearing Field Supervisor who will:

• Coordinate the work of units and supervisors within Fair Hearing & Conference, Pre-Notice of Intent (Pre-NOI), and Fair Hearing New Initiatives & Quality Analysis (FHNIQA). Conduct problem analyses, prepares detailed reports, and reviews relevant documents and materials to provide agency staff with accurate information and actionable feedback. Oversee activities, maintains current and organized records, and develops recommendations to improve productivity, workflow, and overall efficiency within the Benefits Access Center.
• Participate in staff meetings by facilitating the agenda, guiding relevant discussions, and ensuring full staff participation. Communicate agency and unit goals, as well as changes in policies and procedures, to keep staff informed and aligned. Assists in developing training curricula for the unit when processes are updated or modified. Reviews and monitors the work of subordinates to evaluate productivity and efficiency. Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly operational reports. Provide training and coaching to subordinates by conducting individual and unit meetings to support performance and skill development.
• Provide supervision, guidance, and technical expertise to Associate Benefit Opportunity Specialists serving as the agency’s Fair Hearing Service Specialists. Oversee day-to-day operations by monitoring staff activities through direct observation, review of statistical reports, and examination of Fair Hearing case records. Conduct conferences, evaluates work quality, and verifies adherence to agency guidelines to ensure program objectives are met and optimal service is delivered.
• Ensure adequate coverage is consistently maintained and promptly identifies inappropriate actions or errors by subordinates. Work closely with staff to ensure that all issues are addressed and corrected within prescribed deadlines, maintaining compliance with agency standards and supporting overall unit performance.
• Responsible for preparing and distributing work activity assignments for subordinates based on an understanding of assignment requirements, scheduling needs, and staff abilities and preferences, ensuring adequate representation at hearings. Ensure projects are well organized, tasks are properly prioritized, and work is completed efficiently. Compiles statistical reports on Fair Hearing activities, Pre-NOIs, conciliations, and other relevant areas as needed.

Hours/Shift: 9am – 5 pm with flex

ASSOCIATE BENEFITS OPPORTUNITY - 56316

Qualifications

1. A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent, and three years of full-time satisfactory experience working directly in social/human services or a related setting, providing either (a) client services or (b) employment planning/counseling services which involves job development, skills assessment, and employment placement or other economic opportunity programming.
2. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college; plus eighteen (18) months of full time satisfactory experience working as a Benefits Opportunity Specialist; or
3. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college; plus eighteen (18) months of full time satisfactory experience as described in one (1) above.
4. College credit from an accredited college may be substituted for this experience on the basis of 60 semester credits for 9 months of the work experience described above. However, all candidates must have at least 18 months of satisfactory full-time experience working as a Benefits Opportunity Specialist or performing social/human services work as described in one (1) above.

Additional Information

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.