Claims Specialist, Law Division (Non-Tort)

About the role

The New York City Comptroller’s Office works to promote the financial health, integrity, and effectiveness of New York City government, strengthening trust and building a more just, equitable, and resilient city. The Bureau of Law and Adjustment (BLA) negotiates and approves all monetary settlements of claims and lawsuits involving the City of New York, investigates and settles pre-litigation claims, and manages City risk by holding agencies accountable, rooting out fraud, and identifying trends. The Bureau also investigates and adjusts claims filed for and against the City, including Special Education cost reimbursement claims under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, working closely with the Department of Education and the Law Department.

Responsibilities

• Conduct full investigations of non-tort claims against the City, including obtaining and reviewing agency records, searching databases and media outlets, and gathering relevant information.
• Analyze liability and damages, and prepare objective evaluations of claims.
• Review and critically analyze requests for settlement authority; make sound recommendations on settlement or disallowance of assigned claims, and approve or negotiate claims within authorized monetary levels.
• Prepare written settlement recommendations detailing investigation findings and damage evaluations.
• Maintain control over claim caseload, follow up with agencies, and close out claims beyond statutory time limits.
• Timely and accurately maintain claims files with all relevant data, investigative materials, and communications.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with Comptroller’s Office bureaus, City agencies (including the Department of Education and Law Department), pro se claimants, and attorneys during investigation, negotiation, or settlement.
• Collaborate with engineering and auditing staff, the Bureau of Fiscal Services, the Central Imaging Facility, and others as needed.
• Perform related assignments and special projects as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.

College education may be substituted for experience: 30 semester credits from an accredited college or university may be substituted for each year of required experience. All candidates must have a four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent.

Preferred Skills

• Basic understanding of the process/relationship between the NYC Comptroller’s Office, NYC agencies, and the NYC 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.