Claims Specialist level II, Law Division (Non-Tort)

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.

Qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program are also eligible to apply. 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.

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.

The Bureau of Law & Adjustment is responsible for investigating and adjusting claims filed for and against the City of New York. Among other claims, Law Division investigates and resolves claims for reimbursement of Special Education costs and attorneys’ fees and costs where it is alleged that the City failed to provide a free and appropriate public education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The Division works closely with the New York City Department of Education and the New York City Law Department.

Under the general direction of the Law Division Chief and reporting to Assistant Law Division Chief, with latitude for independent judgment and initiative, responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

- Completing a full investigation of non-tort claims against the City of New York, which includes obtaining and reviewing agency and searching databases, media outlets, or using other available sources to investigate and obtain information relevant to the claim;
- Analyzing liability and damages, and preparing an objective evaluation of the claim;
- Reviewing and critically analyzing requests for settlement authority;
- Making sound recommendations as to the settlement or disallowance of assigned claims, and approving settlement authority requests on or negotiating and settling claims within authorized monetary level;
- Preparing written settlement recommendations detailing the relevant information pertaining to the investigation and evaluation of damages;
- Maintaining control over claim caseload, following-up with requests to agencies, and closing out claims that are beyond the statutory time period to begin an action;
- Timely and accurately maintaining claims files with all relevant claim data, investigative materials, and communications,
- Communicating effectively and professionally with all Comptroller’s Office bureaus, City agencies including the Department of Education and Law Department, pro se claimants, and attorneys for the purpose of investigating, negotiating or settling claims;
- Working collaboratively with the Comptroller’s engineering and auditing staff, the Bureau of Fiscal Services, the Central Imaging Facility, among others; and,
- Performing related assignments and special projects as required.

CLAIM SPECIALIST - 30726

1. 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.

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.