Fair Hearing Representative

City of New York•Brooklyn, NY

About The Position

The Fair Hearing Representative works within the Department of Social Services’ Division of Fair Hearing and represents the Family Independence Administration at New York State Fair Hearings. Under general supervision, the representative reviews documents and prepares evidence packets to defend the Agency’s position and resolve disputes involving Cash Assistance, SNAP, IREA, and Medicaid case actions. The role supports moving participants toward economic independence and requires independent judgment and initiative. This Associate Benefits Opportunity Specialist, Level II position also provides supervision, expertise, and day-to-day assistance to Associate Job Opportunity Specialist I staff. The representative monitors work quality and productivity, ensures reviews and evaluations are accurate and adequately documented, corrects errors within prescribed deadlines, and helps ensure program guidelines and objectives are met. The role includes presenting and testifying on Agency cases, coordinating with staff and external parties, supporting training and staff meetings, and preparing regular reports. The stated schedule is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with flex.

Requirements

A four-year high school diploma or equivalent and three years of full-time satisfactory experience working directly in social or human services or a related setting, providing client services or employment planning/counseling involving job development, skills assessment, employment placement, or other economic opportunity programming; or
A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and 18 months of full-time satisfactory experience working as a Benefits Opportunity Specialist; or
A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and 18 months of full-time satisfactory experience in the specified social or human services work.
College credit from an accredited college may substitute for the described work experience at 60 semester credits for nine months of experience; however, candidates must have at least 18 months of full-time satisfactory experience as a Benefits Opportunity Specialist or in the specified social or human services work.
If hired provisionally, must take and pass the civil service exam when it becomes available to be eligible for continued employment.

Responsibilities

Provide supervision, expertise, and assistance to Associate Job Opportunity Specialist I staff; monitor their activities and work against quality, quantity, and milestone standards.
Review Fair Hearing case files and evidence packets, hold conferences, and ensure agency guidelines are followed.
Prepare, present, and testify on the Agency’s cases in official hearings and proceedings before City or State courts, hearing officials, and administrative law judges.
Review records, documents, and evidence; answer questions; recount interviews and admissions; question people at conferences or hearings; clarify issues; attest to evidence; and provide recommendations.
Ensure evaluations and reviews are thorough, accurate, timely, and adequately documented.
Identify and correct inappropriate actions and errors within prescribed deadlines, coordinate corrective action, and help prevent future errors.
Establish positive working relationships with subordinates and liaise with community groups, contract vendors, and external agencies through field visits and investigations.
Communicate and interpret agency policies, procedures, and regulations to facilitate cooperation, coordinate activities, and resolve outstanding issues.
Ensure presentations are clear, appropriate, and informative; route received information appropriately for case action and follow up completely.
Maintain adequate staff coverage.
Participate in staff meetings by facilitating agendas, encouraging relevant discussion, and ensuring attendance.
Keep staff informed of agency and unit goals and policy or procedure changes.
Assist in developing training curricula when unit processes are upgraded or modified.
Monitor subordinate productivity and efficiency; prepare daily, weekly, and monthly reports.
Train subordinates through individual and unit meetings.