DRIE Ombudsperson

City of New York • New York, NY

8d • $62,868 - $93,574 • Hybrid

About The Position

The NYC Department of Finance (DOF) is responsible for administering the city's tax laws efficiently and transparently. The Office of the Taxpayer Advocate (OTA) is an independent office within DOF that assists customers who cannot resolve tax issues through normal channels and makes recommendations for policy improvements. The OTA handles matters related to NYC property, business, and certain excise taxes. This role is for a motivated individual to serve as the DRIE Ombudsperson, focusing on the Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) program, which is part of the NYC Rent Freeze Program. The Rent Freeze Program assists low-income, disabled, and senior tenants by freezing their rent and exempting them from certain increases, while landlords receive tax abatements. The DRIE Ombudsperson will investigate and respond to complaints about the program and individual cases, requiring strong communication skills to interact with diverse individuals, businesses, and potentially elected officials.

Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or
• High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or
• Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in "1" above.

Nice To Haves

• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to interact with many different people and businesses
• May also interact with NYC councilmembers or other elected officials on matters they may refer to the office.

Responsibilities

• Address inquiries and investigate complaints, received pursuant to a notice of denial or a denial of an appeal, termination or revocation of benefits, denial of benefit takeovers, and any other matters deemed appropriate.
• Suggest ideas and or improvements that will enhance the effectiveness of the Rent Freeze Program overall.
• Resolving applicant issues for applicants or beneficiaries; this includes providing information on DRIE and SCRIE matters, offering alternative solutions to their current issues with the program, or ensuring that necessary changes are made. This process Involves a high degree of customer service to both program participants and their representatives.
• Assist with developing an outreach plan with Ombudspersons within communities and advocacy groups in order to develop lasting relationships with these organizations for the goal of providing better assistance to the target populations under the Rent Freeze Program.
• Input and maintain the case management system, regarding cases and inquires.
• Assisting the Taxpayer Advocate with any annual or periodic reports required by statue or otherwise.
• Submitting annual reports to the City Council.
• Assisting with special projects and research.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• This position may be eligible for remote work up to 2 days per week, pursuant to the Remote Work Pilot Program agreed between the City and the Collective Bargaining Unit representing employees serving in the civil service title.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level