GROUP PROCESSING WORKER

NYC Department of Social Services; New York (NY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The NYC Department of Social Services is seeking an Eligibility Specialist responsible for confirming data accuracy and managing cash assistance cases. This role involves preparing eligibility forms and working with various databases to ensure compliance and integrity of social services.

Applicants should have a background in public assistance eligibility, strong communication skills, and knowledge of HRA systems. The position requires New York City residency within 90 days of appointment and offers federal loan forgiveness eligibility.

Qualifications

• Experience in interviewing, gathering information for public assistance eligibility.
• Background in bookkeeping or customer service roles related to social services.
• Familiarity with navigating housing, social, or financial problems.

Responsibilities

• Confirm accuracy of data match for cash assistance cases.
• Initiate actions to reduce cash assistance and recoup overpayments.
• Prepare eligibility forms after data matches and referrals.

Skills

Ability to review and critically assess case actions

Working knowledge of HRA/AO’s systems

Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Education

30 semester credits from an accredited college or university

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

APPLICANTS MUST BE PERMANENT IN THE ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST CIVIL SERVICE 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.

The DSS Accountability Office (DSS‑AO) is responsible for protecting the integrity of social services programs administered by the New York City Department of Social Services (DSS) and ensuring that DSS complies with all statutory, regulatory, and contractual standards.

The Division of Financial Review and Processing (DFRP) is responsible for the initiation of adverse actions on cash assistance cases after receiving data from State Wage Reporting, Department of Corrections, Unemployment Insurance and Child Support Greater than Cash Assistance Grant computer matches. The DFRP also sanctions individuals who fail to cooperate with child support requirements. They act on behalf of the Bureau of Fraud Investigation, Liens and Recovery, Claims and Collections and the Assistance Reimbursement Unit. Their staff review cases, calculate cash assistance and food stamp grants and enter recoupments, close cases and/or individual lines, and reduce budgets.

Responsibility

• Confirm accuracy of data match and referral information for cash assistance cases by cross referencing the Welfare Management System (WMS), New York City Work Accountability and You (NYCWAY), and other Division systems.
• Use databases to access information gathered from in‑person appointments made by DSS‑AO’s Investigative areas, the Family Independence Administration (FIA) and other governmental agencies.
• Assess the continuous eligibility for active cash assistance cases by computing the financial assistance needs of the household. Determine if there are any overpayments to ensure the budget’s accuracy.
• Initiate actions to reduce cash assistance, recoup any cash overpayment(s) and/or close any cases.
• Obtain collateral information / documentation as needed.
• Prepare electronic and paper eligibility forms after all data matches and referrals. Review work, confirm its accuracy and submit for supervisory authorization.
• Draft follow‑up referrals to AO’s investigative divisions(s) and/or HRA’s Job Centers for appropriate action.
• Complete daily activity reports annotating assignments that have been processed.
• Perform additional tasks as needed.

Hours/Schedule

Monday - Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Eligibility Specialist – 10104

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of 30 semester credits at an accredited college or university; or
• A four high school diploma or its educational equivalent and one year of full‑time satisfactory experience in one or more of the following areas; performing the work described below:
• Interviewing, gathering information and/or preparing necessary documentation for the purpose of making recommendations concerning eligibility for public assistance or unemployment, health benefits, social security, insurance, or participation in social services or community programs, and other similar benefits; or
• Performing bookkeeping, bank teller duties, housing office teller duties, purchasing agent, assistant store manager, sales representative responsible for accounts, or customer service duties or a job in which the duties include helping customers with questions or concerns; or
• Dealing with social service agencies, legal representatives, or aiding individuals in navigating housing, social, financial or health problems or application systems; or
• A satisfactory combination of education and/or experience equivalent to "1" or "2" above. College education may be substituted for the experience in "2" 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 at least a four year high school diploma or its educational equivalent.

Preferred Skills

• Ability to review and critically assess case actions and use evaluation techniques to implement corrective actions timely.
• Working knowledge of HRA/AO’s systems including WMS, HRA Viewer, POS, TALX and NYCWAY.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

55(a) 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.