FHEPS UNIT SUPERVISOR

YOU MUST BE PERMANENT IN THE BENEFITS OPPORTUNITY SPECIALIST (BOS) TITLE FOR AT LEAST ONE YEAR OR PERMANENT IN THE ASSOCIATE BENEFITS OPPORTUNITY SPECIALIST (ABOS) TITLE OR IF HIRED PROVISIONALLY, YOU MUST TAKE AND PASS EXAM WHEN IT 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.

The Family Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement (FHEPS) housing subsidy program assists families with children, and survivors of domestic violence at risk of entering or remaining in the shelter system, to maintain and/or secure permanent housing by issuing them a rental supplement in addition to their Cash Assistance (CA) shelter allowance.

Fheps

Centralized Determination Unit (FDCU) will perform eligibility determinations for all FHEPS applications referred by contracted or Legal Aid/Services, HRA’s Benefits Access Center (BAC), Department of Homeless Services (FHEPS moves from shelter), HRA’s Office of Domestic Violence Services (FHEPS moves from shelter) and finally Homebase for moves/transfers in the community.

The Homelessness Prevention Administration (HPA)/FHEPS Centralized Determination Unit (FCDU) is recruiting for one (1) Associate Benefits Opportunity Specialist I, to function as a FHEPS Supervisor, who will:

• Supervise FCDU staff that is responsible for the review and assessment of applications for the FHEPS housing subsidy, including in some cases payment of rent arrears and/or new apartment expenses, sent to FCDU by assigned community-based organizations (CBOs).
• Supervise and approve the processing of FHEPS applications including the authorization of payment of clients’ rent arrears and/or new apartment expenses in a timely manner.
• Liaise with Benefits Access Centers (BACs) to ensure case actions are barriers or prevent the unit from approving FHEPS application are completed.
• Monitor the progress of work assignments to ensure timely delivery of services to client to prevent their eviction.
• Prepare, distribute, and maintain a control system for subordinate staff work assignments.
• Responsible for time and leave for subordinate staff.
• Possess a strong understanding of various databases, including the Paperless Office System (POS), HRA One Viewer, Welfare Management System (WMS), NYCWAY, and Cash Assistance eligibility to include budgeting.

Hours/Shift: 10am-6pm

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.
• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college; plus eighteen months of full[1]time satisfactory experience working as a Benefits Opportunity Specialist; or
• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college; plus eighteen months of full[1]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.

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.