Claims Specialist, Correction Claims

Office-of-the-Comptroller; New York (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

55a Program

Loan forgiveness information

Job summary

New York City Comptroller’s Office is seeking a Claim Specialist Level II to investigate and evaluate claims against the City and to negotiate settlements when appropriate. You will manage claim files, review agency reports and medical records, and deliver objective assessments to support decisions.

The role requires strong negotiation, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate clearly with multiple stakeholders. Residency requirements apply and the 55a Program may be available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required per Civil Service standards.
• Strong investigative and evaluation skills for personal injury or property claims.

Responsibilities

• Complete a full investigation of claims against the City, reviewing agency reports and medical records, analyzing liability and damages, and preparing an objective evaluation.
• Maintain accurate claim files, prepare abstracts detailing investigation outcomes, and document events and conversations.
• Use available databases and sources to gather information relevant to investigations and support settlement recommendations.
• Negotiate and settle claims within delegated monetary authority when appropriate.
• Identify fraudulent claims and provide risk management recommendations to the Division Chief.

Skills

Claims investigation

Negotiation

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Claims process knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree

Associate degree + 2 years experience

High school diploma + 4 years experience

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

All applicants must be current City of New York employees serving in a permanent (not provisional) Civil Service title of Claim Specialist. To be considered for this position, PLEASE CLEARLY INDICATE YOUR CURRENT PERMANENT CIVIL SERVICE TITLE on your resume and cover letter. 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 (BLA) is responsible for investigating and adjusting claims filed against the City of New York. The Correction Division investigates and resolves pre‑litigation claims involving the Department of Correction. The Correction Division is within BLA’s Litigation Unit and works closely with the Office of the Corporation Counsel and the Department of Correction to resolve claims pre‑litigation. The Claim Specialist Level II works under the general supervision of the Division Chief, Correction Claims, with latitude for the exercise of independent analysis, judgment and initiative.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Complete a full investigation of claims against the City, which includes obtaining and reviewing agency reports and medical records, analyzing liability and assessing damages, and preparing an objective, concise, and accurate evaluation of the claim;
• Maintain accurate and complete claim files, prepare claim abstracts detailing the relevant information about the investigation and evaluation of liability and damages, document any events or conversations in claim notes, and upload documents upon receipt;
• Use available databases, media outlets, and other available sources to gather information relevant to the investigation of the claim;
• Offer sound, well‑reasoned recommendations about whether a claim should be settled, disallowed, or litigated;
• When appropriate, negotiate and settle claims within delegated monetary authority level;
• Investigate, identify, and report fraudulent claims, utilize statistical data to identify claims that pose potential risks, and provide risk management recommendations to the Division Chief;
• Maintain control over claim backlog, timely follow‑up on requests made to agencies, and close out claims that are beyond the statutory time frame to bring a lawsuit;
• Communicate effectively and professionally with other Comptroller staff, City agency employees, pro se claimants, and attorneys when investigating a claim or negotiating a settlement; and,
• Perform other related assignments and special projects as required.

CLAIM SPECIALIST - 30726

Minimum Qualifications

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.

Preferred Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of claims, including the investigation, adjustment and disposition of claims
• Basic understanding of the process/relationship between the NYC Comptroller’s Office, the New York City Department of Finance, and the New York City Law Department with respect to lawsuits
• Candidate must have proven strong negotiation skills
• Candidate must display outstanding attention to detail, organizational skills and the ability to multi‑task and manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision
• Candidate must possess excellent interpersonal skills, communications skills, accounting skills, and the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing (includes Microsoft Office Suite proficiency).

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 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. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

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.