HRA/DEPT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
APPLICANTS MUST BE PERMANENT IN THE BENEFITS OPPORTUNITY SPECIALIST (BOS) CIVIL SERVICE 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.
Fair Hearing and Conference/Pre-NOI/FH New Initiatives & Quality Analysis, formerly known as Fair Hearing Representation, consists of three areas in the Division of Fair Hearing: Fair Hearing & Conference (FH&C), which supports the agency to avoid fair hearing requests, scheduling of hearing that eliminate the chargeback from the Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance (OTDA); Pre Notice of Intent (Pre-NOI), which supports the agency to address clients’ disagreement with the agency actions or changes made to their households; and Fair Hearing New Initiatives & Quality Analysis (FHNIQA), which offers on-going support, resources and guidance for all new initiatives related FIA, Medicaid, Advocate Inquiry, Office of Administrative Hearing (OAI I), Office Program Performance & Financial Management (OPPFM) and Department and Homeless Services (OHS).
Under general supervision of the Fair Hearing Representative and with wide latitude for independent action and decision, Fair hearing Conference Specialist performs administrative duties relating to the resolution of adverse case action 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).
Fair Hearing Administration is seeking to hire one (1) Associate Benefit Opportunity Specialist I to function as Fair Hearing & Conference Specialist in the Fair Hearing and Conference Unit who will:
– Work with Cash Assistance recipients in the resolution of case actions relating to Agency decision affecting the receipt of CA benefits, SNAP, and Medicaid benefits by conducting conferences with the recipient to review and determine the appropriateness of Agency’s action. Notify clients of the conference decision and ensures, if warranted, that appropriate corrective action on the case be taken by notifying Job Center staff of required action to be taken to resolve cases.
– Conduct in person and/or telephone conferences to determine whether cases can be resolved. Review databases (including WMS, POS, SEAMS, Etc.) connected with Client’s case 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 work within the FHEMS system to route cases to the appropriate Fair Hearings/FIA Unit
– Advise and explain Fair Hearing processes to clients and/or their representative of their rights to appeal any adverse conference decisions to the New York State Department of Social Service Fair Hearing Division
– 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). Communicates with Fair Hearing Representatives to ensure that all evidence packets are complete and that any resolutions taken are part of the packet.
– Review the fair hearing stipulations (Pre-Hearing Disposition (PHD) to determine appropriate follow-up action. Notify the Job Center staff of the required action to be completed to comply with Fair hearing decisions.
– Monitor and review individual System 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.
– Serve as the service representative for client complaints and determine what action is necessary to resolve such complains; review social service problem areas to determine any causative factors affecting service complaints. When necessary, provide referrals to other social service agencies within HRA.
– 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.
– Under the direction of the covering office manager, provide emergency coverage at other location within the same Region.
Work Location: 1365 JEROME AVE, BRONX, NY 10452
Hours/Schedule: 9am – 5 pm with flex
Preferred Skills
– Excellent communication and writing skills. – Knowledge of Agency operations and NYS social service policy/procedures. – Strong analytical, problem-solving, and time management skills. – Detail oriented. – Knowledge of FHEMS, WMS, POS, NYCWAY, SEAMS – Exceptional Excel Skills.
55a Program
This 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 Forgiveness
As 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 https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.
Residency Requirement
New York City Residency is not required for this position
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.