CENTRALIZED PACKET REVIEW UNIT SPECIALIST

NYC Department of Social Services; New York (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

NYC Department of Social Services is seeking an Associate Benefits Opportunity Specialist I to support the Central Packet Review Unit (CPRU). The role involves reviewing fair hearing requests, assembling evidence packets in the FHEMS system, and coordinating with Fair Hearing Representatives for hearings.

The position requires strong communication, analytical thinking, and knowledge of NYC social services operations.

Qualifications

• A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and three years of full-time satisfactory experience in social/human services or related setting.
• Bachelor's degree plus eighteen months of full-time experience as a Benefits Opportunity Specialist or similar.
• Bachelor's degree plus eighteen months as described above.
• 60 credits substitution allowed for the experience, with at least 18 months of full-time related work.

Responsibilities

• Review and analyze Fair Hearing Requests to determine whether cases should be resolved or sent to Packet Preparation.
• Prepare electronic Fair Hearing evidence packets using the FHEMS system for presentation at OAH.
• Conduct outreach to clients to obtain necessary documentation and explain the process.
• Monitor FHEMS queues and coordinate workload with supervisor; stay updated on policy changes.
• Notify Job Center staff of actions required to resolve cases and respond to inquiries from outside agencies.
• Send resolution letters and coordinate with Fair Hearing Representatives to strengthen case packets.

Skills

Communication

Writing

Analytical

Time management

Attention to detail

Excel

Interpersonal skills

FHEMS knowledge

WMS knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree

High school diploma

60 credits substitution

Tools

FHEMS

WMS

POS

NYCWAY

SEAMS

Job description

APPLICANTS MUST BE PERMANENT IN THE BENEFITS OPPORTUNITY SPECIALIST (BOS) CIVIL SERVICE TITLE FOR AT LEAST ONE YEAR. THIS IS A PROVISIONAL APPOINTMENT, WHEN A TEST BECOMES AVAILABLE IN THE ASSOCIATE BENEFITS OPPORTUNITY SPECIALIST (ABOS) TITLE, YOU MUST TAKE AND PASS THE EXAM TO REMAIN IN THE ABOS 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.

Position

Fair Hearing Administration is recruiting for one (1) Associate Benefits Opportunity Specialist I to function as CPRU (Central Packet Review Unit) Specialist.

Responsibilities

Under general supervision of the CPRU Supervisor and with wide latitude for independent action and decision, the CPRU Specialist performs outreach, administrative, analytical duties relating to the resolution of client fair hearing request 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). Assignments are made at the discretion of management, and such assignments will be limited to the duties and responsibilities detailed below.

• Review and analyze Fair Hearing Requests from clients to determine whether cases should be resolved or sent to Packet Preparation. Review databases (including WMS, POS, New York City Way, Etc.) connected with client’s cases 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 works within the FHEMS system to route cases to the appropriate Fair Hearings/FIA Unit.
• 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.
• Conduct outreach to clients on cases that require follow up to determine case resolution. Explain the fair hearing process to clients and determine what information and/or documentation are needed to resolve cases. Ensure that such documentation is received from the client and properly incorporated into the client’s case file.
• Monitor and review individual FHEMS 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.
• Notify Job Center staff of required action to be completed to resolve cases.
• 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.
• Send resolution letters to clients whose cases we have determined will be resolved. Communicate with Fair Hearing Representatives to determine the quality of the evidence packets and the need to add additional documentation to enhance the defense of cases at hearings.

Hours / Shift

9am - 5 pm with flex

Minimum Qualifications

ASSOCIATE BENEFITS OPPORTUNITY - 56316

• A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent, and three years of full-time satisfactory experience working directly in social/human services or a related setting, providing either client services or employment planning/counseling services which involves job development, Skills Assessment, And Employment Placement Or Other Economic opportunity programming.
• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college; plus eighteen months of full time satisfactory experience working as a Benefits Opportunity Specialist; or
• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college; plus eighteen months of full time satisfactory experience as described in one (1) above.
• College credit from an accredited college may be substituted for this experience on the basis of 60 semester credits for 9 months of the work experience described above. However, all candidates must have at least 18 months of full-time satisfactory experience working as a Benefits Opportunity Specialist or performing social/human services work as described in one (1) above.

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.
• Interpersonal 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.