CPRU SUPERVISOR

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.

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.

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

• Review and analyze Fair Hearing Request 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). Communicate 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

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college; or
• A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent, and two years of fulltime satisfactory experience in social/human services, call centers, customer service or a related setting performing the following: a) Interviewing, determining eligibility for, and/or providing client benefits and services; or b) Interviewing, determining eligibility for, and/or providing employment planning and counseling services including job development, skill assessment, and employment placement or other economic opportunity programming. c) College credit from an accredited college may be substituted for this experience, on the basis pf 30 semester credits for 6 months of work experience.

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.

Residency Requirement

New York City Residency is not required for this position

Additional Information

The Human Resources Administration/Department of Social Services offers competitive salaries and the following benefits: Generous Pension Plans (The New York Employees' Retirement System); 401(k) and Roth 457 Retirement Savings Programs; U.S. Savings Bonds Flexible Spending Program; Health Benefits, Dental, Vision Coverage, Prescription Drug Program; Training and Professional Development; Opportunity for Scholarship; College Savings Program; Paid Holidays and Generous Annual Leave.