Senior Claims Specialist, Law Division

This position is open only to current City of New York employees serving in a permanent Civil Service title of Claims Specialist. Applicants must clearly indicate their current permanent Civil Service title on their resume and cover letter.

About the Office

The New York City Comptroller’s Office works to promote the financial health, integrity, and effectiveness of New York City government 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 to hold City government accountable for budgeting wisely, investing responsibly, operating efficiently, acting fairly, and addressing long-term challenges.

Authorized by the New York City Charter, the Comptroller, through the Bureau of Law and Adjustment (BLA), negotiates and approves all monetary settlements of claims and lawsuits involving the City of New York. BLA investigates and settles pre-litigation claims for and against the City, protecting the City’s fiscal interests while ensuring fair and just resolutions in accordance with applicable laws. BLA also reviews, evaluates, and authorizes settlements of litigated cases and administers disputes arising from City contracts. The bureau manages City risk by holding agencies accountable, identifying fraud, and coordinating with the Law Department and other agencies on issues impacting public fiscal health and safety.

The Bureau of Law & Adjustment is responsible for investigating and adjusting claims filed for and against the City of New York, including claims for reimbursement of Special Education costs and attorneys’ fees 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

• Handle non-tort claims against the City of New York, including complex claims involving administrative appeals and difficult legal or factual situations.
• Conduct full investigations of assigned claims, including obtaining and reviewing agency records, searching databases, media outlets, or other sources for relevant information.
• Analyze liability and damages, and prepare objective evaluations of claims.
• Review and critically analyze requests for settlement authority.
• Make sound recommendations for settlement or disallowance of claims, and approve settlement authority requests or negotiate settlements within authorized monetary levels.
• Prepare concise, detailed written settlement recommendations outlining investigative findings and damage evaluations.
• Approve, adjust, or disallow recommendations for the settlement of special education claims, including those involving administrative appeals.
• Act as the primary contact for and handle special education claims expedited to comply with court or other legal timelines.
• Maintain control over claim caseload, follow up with agency requests, and close out claims beyond the statutory time period to begin an action.
• Maintain claims files with all relevant data, investigative materials, and communications in a timely and accurate manner.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with Comptroller’s Office bureaus, City agencies (including the Department of Education and Law Department), pro se claimants, and attorneys for investigating, negotiating, or settling claims.
• Collaborate with the Comptroller’s auditing staff, Bureau of Fiscal Services, Central Imaging Facility, and 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 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 equivalent to the above. College education may substitute for experience on the basis that 30 semester credits may replace each year of required experience. All candidates must have a four-year high school diploma or its equivalent.

Preferred Skills

• Understanding of the process and relationship between the NYC Comptroller’s Office, New York City agencies, and the New York City Law Department.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to multi-task and manage multiple priorities.
• Proven ability to handle a fast-paced, high-volume work environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and analytical skills.

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Applicants interested in being considered through the 55-a Program should indicate this at the top of their resume and cover letter.

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, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website.

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. Eligibility for residency requirements will be discussed during the interview process.