Claim Specialist II

Note: This position is open only to current City of New York employees serving in a permanent (not provisional) civil service title of Claim Specialist. Please clearly state your permanent civil service title on your resume and cover letter.The New York City Comptroller’s Office works to promote the financial health, integrity, and effectiveness of New York City government, in order to strengthen trust, secure a thriving future for all New Yorkers, and build a more just, equitable, and resilient city. Led by an independently elected citywide official, the comptroller’s office provides checks and balances needed to hold City government accountable for budgeting wisely, investing responsibly, operating efficiently, acting fairly, living up to its obligations and promises, and paying attention to the long-term challenges we face together.Authorized by the New York City Charter, the Comptroller, through the Bureau of Law and Adjustment (BLA), negotiates and approves all monetary settlement of claims and lawsuits involving the City of New York. BLA investigates and, when in the best interest of the city, settles pre-litigation claims for and against the City of New York. In resolving claims before litigation is commenced, BLA protects the fiscal interest of the City while ensuring that pre-litigation claims are resolved in a fair and just manner, and in accordance with applicable laws. BLA furthers this goal in its review, evaluation, and authorization of requests to settle litigated cases involving the City and through diligent administration of disputes arising out of City contracts. BLA manages City risk by holding agencies accountable, rooting out fraud, and identifying trends, as well as, coordinating with the Law Department and other City agencies on issues that impact the public fiscal and public safety.The Bureau of Law & Adjustment (BLA) is responsible for investigating and adjusting claims filed against the City of New York. The Sidewalk/Roadway Liability Claims Division investigates and resolves personal injury pre-litigation claims involving claims against the New York City Department of Transportation for sidewalk and roadway related injuries. The Sidewalk/Roadway Liability Claims Division consults with BLA's Litigation Unit and works closely with the Office of the Corporation Counsel and other City agencies to investigate and resolve claims pre-litigation. The Claim Specialist II, Sidewalk/Roadway Liability Claims, works under the general supervision of the Division Chief, Personal Injury Liability Claims, with wide latitude for the exercise of independent initiative and judgment. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:- Complete a full investigation of personal injury claims against the City, which includes obtaining and reviewing agency reports and medical records, analyzing liability and damages, and preparing an objective evaluation of the claim;- Maintain a complete claims file – prepare claim abstracts detailing the relevant information about the investigation and evaluation of liability and damages, document any events or conversations in claim notes, and upload documents upon receipt;- Use available databases, media outlets, and other available information to gather information relevant to the investigation of the claim;- Offer sound, well-reasoned recommendations about whether a claim should be settled, disallowed, or litigated;- When appropriate, negotiate and settle claims within delegated monetary authority level or present claims to Division Chief to request increased settlement authority;- Maintain control over claim backlog, timely follow-up on requests made to City agencies, and close out claims that are beyond the statutory time frame to bring a lawsuit;- Identify and recommend claims for insurance takeovers, when appropriate;- Identify and recommend claims to the New York City Law Department Special Litigation Unit for pre-litigation investigation, when appropriate; - Communicate effectively and professionally with City agency employees, pro se claimants, attorneys, and insurance carriers when investigating a claim or negotiating a settlement;- Work collaboratively with Comptroller’s Office staff, including the Bureau of Fiscal Services and the Central Imaging Facility; and- Perform other related assignments and special projects as may be required.Note: This position is open only to current City of New York employees serving in a permanent (not provisional) civil service title of Claim Specialist. Please clearly state your permanent civil service title on your resume and cover letter.CLAIM SPECIALIST - Minimum Qualifications1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university; or 2. An associate degree or 60 semester credits from an accredited college or university and two years of full-time satisfactory experience investigating and/or settling claims for personal injury or property damage or loss; or 3. A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent approved by a State's Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization and four years of full-time satisfactory experience investigating and/or settling claims for personal injury or property damage or loss; or 4. A satisfactory combination of education and/or experience that is equivalent to “1”, “2” or “3” above. College education may be substituted for experience as described in “2” or “3” above on the basis that 30 semester credits from an accredited college or university may be substituted for each year of required experience. However, all candidates must have a four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent.Preferred Skills- Demonstrated analytical skills- Strong negotiation skills preferred - Attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to multi-task and manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision - Basic understanding of the process/relationship between the Comptroller's office and the Law Department with respect to lawsuits. - Excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing (includes Microsoft Office Suite proficiency) with all claimants and agency personnel.55a ProgramThis position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.Public Service Loan ForgivenessAs a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at class="jobad-residencyRequirement">Residency RequirementNew York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.