NOTE: This position is open only to current City of New York employees serving in a permanent civil service title of Claim Specialist.

The Bureau of Law & Adjustment (BLA) is responsible for investigating and adjusting claims filed against the City of New York. The Premises Liability Claims Division investigates and resolves personal injury pre-litigation claims involving the Department of Education, Department of Parks and Recreation, City-owned buildings and property, health facilities, and uniformed employees. The Premises Liability Claims Division consults with BLA’s Litigation Unit, and works closely with the Office of the Corporation Counsel and other City agencies to resolve claims pre-litigation.

Under the direction of the Division Chief, Personal Injury Liability Claims, with latitude for independent analysis, judgment, and initiative, the duties and responsibilities for the Claims Specialist - Level II, Premises Liability Claims position include, but are not limited to, the following:

- Complete a full investigation of personal injury claims brought by pro-se claimants and represented claimants against the City, which includes obtaining and reviewing agency reports and medical records, analyzing liability and damages, and preparing an objective evaluation of the claim;

- Maintain a complete claims file – 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 information 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 or present claims to Division Chief to request increased settlement authority;

- Maintain control over claim backlog, timely follow-up on requests made to City agencies, and close out claims that are beyond the statutory time frame to bring a lawsuit;

- Recommend third-party actions or tender insurance takeovers, when appropriate;

- Communicate effectively and professionally with City agency employees, pro se claimants, attorneys, and insurance carriers when investigating a claim or negotiating a settlement;

- Work collaboratively with Comptroller’s Office staff, including the Bureau of Fiscal Services and the Central Imaging Facility; and, perform other related assignments and special projects as may be required.

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.

- Demonstrated strong analytical skills - Strong negotiation skills strongly preferred - Attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to multi-task and manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision - Basic understanding of the process/relationship between the Comptroller’s office and the New York City Law Department with respect to lawsuits - Excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing (includes Microsoft Office Suite proficiency) with all claimants and agency personnel.

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.

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/

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.

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.