Claims Specialist, Law Division (Non-Tort)

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 is responsible for investigating and adjusting claims filed for and against the City of New York. Among other claims, the 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.

Responsibilities

• Complete a full investigation of non-tort claims against the City of New York, which includes obtaining and reviewing agency records and searching databases, media outlets, or using other available sources to investigate and obtain information relevant to the claim.
• Analyze liability and damages, and prepare an objective evaluation of the claim.
• Review and critically analyze requests for settlement authority.
• Make sound recommendations as to the settlement or disallowance of assigned claims, and approve settlement authority requests or negotiate and settle claims within authorized monetary level.
• Prepare written settlement recommendations detailing the relevant information pertaining to the investigation and evaluation of damages.
• Maintain control over claim caseload, follow up with requests to agencies, and close out claims that are beyond the statutory time period to begin an action.
• Timely and accurately maintain claims files with all relevant claim data, investigative materials, and communications.
• Communicate 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.
• Work collaboratively with the Comptroller’s engineering and auditing staff, the Bureau of Fiscal Services, the Central Imaging Facility, among others.
• Perform related assignments and special projects as required.

Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university; or
• 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
• 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
• A satisfactory combination of education and/or experience that is equivalent to the above options.

College education may be substituted for experience as described in the second or third options 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.

Skills

• Basic understanding of the process/relationship between the NYC Comptroller’s Office, the New York City Agencies, and the New York City Law Department.
• Strong organizational skills, and the ability to multi-task and manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and analytical skills.

Benefits

• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

Pay

$59,359.00 – $68,263.00

Schedule

New 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.