Claim Specialist, Level II - Property Damage (4 positions)

New York City, NY - Manhattan, NY

Manhattan, NY

Justice, Public Order, and Safety Activities

About the position

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. 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university; or
• 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
• 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
• A satisfactory combination of education and/or experience that is equivalent to '1', '2' or '3' above.

Nice-to-haves

• 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.

Benefits

• Eligibility for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs.
• New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment.