CPRU TEAM LEADER

HRA/DEPT OF SOCIAL SERVICES; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

HRA/DEPT OF SOCIAL SERVICES in New York City seeks an Associate Benefits Opportunity Specialist III to lead the Central Packet Review Unit (CPRU). You will supervise staff, ensure accurate evidence packets for Fair Hearings, and coordinate with multiple agency units to optimize FH outcomes.

The role requires strong supervision, process improvement, and familiarity with FH systems; salary is aligned to NYC civil service scales and benefits packages in a public sector environment.

Qualifications

• A four-year high school diploma or educational equivalent with three years of full-time experience in social/human services or related setting.
• Bachelor's degree plus eighteen months of full-time experience as Benefits Opportunity Specialist or similar.
• Bachelor's degree plus eighteen months of full-time experience as described above.
• College credits substituting 60 semester credits for 9 months of work experience is allowed, with 18 months of related experience required overall.

Responsibilities

• Supervise CPRU operations for packet preparation covering all BAC centers for cash and SNAP fair hearings.
• Ensure timely and accurate evidence packages and set priorities for assignments.
• Monitor and control use of systems (FHEMS, NYCWAY, WMS, Web Coins) and coordinate with FH Representation as needed.
• Provide trends, issues, and performance feedback to FH outcomes and processes.
• Coordinate with FIA Operations and other units to implement FH processes and ensure quality and deadlines.
• Train subordinates and review FH decisions; adjust evidence packet checklists accordingly.
• Participate in meetings with FIA Operations to discuss trends and improve FH processes.

Skills

Excellent communication

Writing skills

Analytical skills

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

FHEMS

WMS

POS

NYCWAY

SEAMS

Job description

APPLICANTS MUST BE PERMANENT IN THE ASSOCIATE BENEFITS OPPORTUNITY SPECIALIST 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.

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

Under general supervision, with great latitude for independent judgment and initiative, supervises the units CPRU/PART staff responsible for preparing documentation for evidence packages in defense of the Agency position at New York State Fair Hearings.

• Supervise the day-to-day operations of the CPRU that is responsible for packet preparation covering all BAC centers for both cash and SNAP assistance Fair hearing requests for pre-scheduling/FH. Ensure all evidence packages are prepared timely and accurately and establishes priorities for the completion of assignments. Supervises and monitors controls on subordinate activities related to use of systems (i.e., Fair Hearing Evidence Management System (FHEMS), NYCWAY, Welfare Management Systems (WMS), and Web Coins) used in packet preparation and requests information from FH Representation when necessary.
• Provide staff with information on trends and issues relevant to FH outcomes and processes to enhance performance and maintain quality and integrity of the FH Evidence packets. Informs FIA Operations of needs and requirements related to evidence packets. Consults with the Assistant Director on packet preparation coverage and reassignment of packet preparation when required, as well as ensuring outreach (where necessary) is completed. May meet with Agency Representatives to review FH trends, hearing room activity and other factors impacting the FH process. Examines and reviews FH decisions, updating the Evidence Packet Checklist, where appropriate.
• Liaise between the Fair Hearing Representation Unit, FH Conference and Resolution Unit, and other administrative offices to ensure the FH processes are implemented properly.
• Monitor and review assignments of FH CPRU Group Supervisors by reviewing fair hearing statistical and narrative data reports and correspondence; compares work completed to meet program objectives. Ensure that resolutions are completed accurately and within prescribed deadlines.
• Train subordinates in performance of duties by holding regular individual and group information meetings. Provide examples of proper procedures to improve Fair Hearing Evidence packets. Monitor and maintain control for the program and ensures that such is in accordance with Agency regulations and standards.
• Participate in meetings with FIA operations (Job Center, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and other FIA Operations staff) most notably Job Stat, Job Stat Prep and FH Profile, where they provide information on and discuss trends/issues to enhance performance and maintain quality of decisions. Inform on what needs to be added or emphasized at a center level with relation to Fair Hearings.

Hours/Shift: 9am – 5 pm with flex

ASSOCIATE BENEFITS OPPORTUNITY - 56316

Minimum Qualifications

1. 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: a) client services. b) employment planning/counseling services which involves job development, skills assessment, and employment placement or other economic opportunity programming. 2. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college; plus eighteen months of full[1]time satisfactory experience working as a Benefits Opportunity Specialist; or 3. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college; plus eighteen months of full[1]time satisfactory experience as described in one (1) above. 4. 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.