The New York City Comptroller’s Office works to promote the financial health, integrity, and effectiveness of New York City government, in order to strengthen trust, secure a thriving future for all New Yorkers, and build a more just, equitable, and resilient city. Led by an independently elected citywide official, the comptroller’s office provides checks and balances needed to hold City government accountable for budgeting wisely, investing responsibly, operating efficiently, acting fairly, living up to its obligations and promises, and paying attention to the long-term challenges we face together.

Authorized by the New York City Charter, the Comptroller, through the Bureau of Law and Adjustment (BLA), negotiates and approves all monetary settlement of claims and lawsuits involving the City of New York. BLA investigates and, when in the best interest of the city, settles pre-litigation claims for and against the City of New York. In resolving claims before litigation is commenced, BLA protects the fiscal interest of the City while ensuring that pre-litigation claims are resolved in a fair and just manner, and in accordance with applicable laws. BLA furthers this goal in its review, evaluation, and authorization of requests to settle litigated cases involving the City and through diligent administration of disputes arising out of City contracts. BLA manages City risk by holding agencies accountable, rooting out fraud, and identifying trends, as well as, coordinating with the Law Department and other City agencies on issues that impact the public fiscal and public safety.

The Bureau of Law & Adjustment is responsible for investigating and adjusting claims filed for and against the City of New York. The Property Damage Division investigates and resolves tort claims including, but not limited to, automobile accidents, defective roadway/sidewalk, water main breaks, sewer overflows, and damage by City personnel. The Property Damage Division works closely with the New York City Law Department and various agencies and departments on a variety of matters.

Under the direction of the division supervisor, with latitude for independent judgment and initiative, the duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

- Completing a full investigation of property damage claims against the City of New York, which includes obtaining and reviewing agency reports, analyzing liability and damages, and preparing an objective evaluation of the claim;

- Preparing a claim abstract detailing the relevant information pertaining to the investigation and evaluation of damages;

- Making sound recommendations as to the settlement or disallowance of assigned claims, and negotiating and settling claims within authorized monetary level;

- Searching databases, media outlets or using other available sources to investigate and obtain information relevant to the claim;

- Maintaining control over claim caseload, following-up with requests to agencies, and closing out claims that are beyond the statutory time period to begin an action;

- When appropriate, preparing liens or recommending suits against third parties;

- Communicating effectively and professionally with all City agencies, pro se claimants, attorneys, and insurance carriers for the purpose of investigating, negotiating or settling claims;

- Working collaboratively with the Comptroller’s engineering and auditing staff, the Bureau of Fiscal Services, the Central Imaging Facility, the motor vehicle damage appraisal contractor, among others; and, performing related assignments and special projects as required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS: A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and three (3) or more years of experience investigating and/or settling claims for personal injury or property damage, or loss; or an associate degree or 60 semester credits from an accredited college or university and five (5) or more years of experience as described above; or, a four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and (7) or more years of experience as described above.

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.

- Candidate should have proven negotiation skills. - Candidate should have strong organizational skills, and the ability to multi-task and manage multiple priorities. - Proficiency Microsoft Office Suite. - Excellent interpersonal, communication, and analytical skills.

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.