City of New York

Job Description

IF YOU ARE HIRED PROVISIONALLY IN THIS TITLE, YOU MUST TAKE AND PASS THE CIVIL SERVICE EXAM, WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE, TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT.

The EFT/LMU was created at the behest of the Commissioner and the EFT Executive steering committee after analysis determined that HRA sends over 100,000 paper checks to landlords each month. In an effort to provide enhanced customer service to landlords, to increase efficiency and reduce agency cost, a phased implementation has been planned to enroll the majority of HRA landlords to be paid via EFT in lieu of paper checks.

The unit is principally responsible for the accuracy and timeliness of these payments as well as coordination with all program areas and FIA to troubleshoot payment processing issues, facilitate resolution as well as landlord communication and customer service. This unit is also responsible for the integrity of HRA’s data on landlords, payees, property managers, properties, and units across all HRA programs issuing rent.

The Homelessness Prevention Administration (HPA)/Housing & Homeless Services Initiatives (HHSI)/Homelessness Diversion Program is recruiting one (1) Caseworker f to function as an Early Intervention Outreach Team (EIOT) Worker.

Under general direction, with some latitude for independent judgment, the Current NYC Liaison is responsible for providing referral services to tenants who may be facing eviction and helping ensure the accuracy of the new Current NYC system and making the necessary updates based on information provided by HRA clients.

The EIOT Worker will:

• Review and assess referrals made to LMU from existing landlords related to rental/payment issues and conducts outreach, as necessary, to tenants in receipt of rental assistance, in order to investigate and remedy the issues. Refer clients to eviction prevention services, including emergency housing grants, HomeBase services, and financial management. Provides supportive counseling and refers clients to a legal services provider when determined necessary.
• Utilize agency computer data systems (i.e., NYCWAY and HRA OneViewer) to investigate failed payment and other associated issues, make collateral contacts to HRA clients in order to make them aware of lapses in benefits and to determine whether a need for rental assistance is necessary.
• Review new CurrentNYC accounts created by landlords and review and approve tenant linkages by verifying information provided by landlords with information in agency records/systems. Report changes in payment account, ownership, payee and verify tenancy changes. Provide landlords with customer service and payment resolution as appropriate. This may include communication and coordination with Finance to request that checks be cancelled or stopped; communication with HRA clients to ensure information provided is accurate and to resolve non-payment issues; and communication and coordination with other stakeholders to resolve inquiries related to client eligibility.
• Respond to outreach calls from HRA clients to determine the need for emergency rental assistance and provides guidance on any social services benefits available to assist with preventing eviction caused by non-payment of rent. Determines whether any other relevant housing information or other resources can be provided to prevent shelter entry.
• Provide additional support with responding to calls from the SOTA hotline; respond to and resolve complaints regarding tenant housing and apartment conditions and early moves; Makes recommendations for referrals for social services and/or other agencies as appropriate.
• Provide additional support with reviewing and approving incoming records from POS, when needed; to ensure data quality (Legal landlord name, geocoded address) and that no duplicate records are created. This may entail contacting clients to verify information received is accurate and up to date.

Hours:

9am-5pm

Work Location:

109 East 16th street NYC 10th floor

CASEWORKER - 52304

Qualifications

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university accredited by regional, national, professional, or specialized agencies recognized as accrediting bodies by the U.S. Secretary of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Additional Information: Section 424-a of the New York State Social Services Law requires an authorized agency to inquire whether a candidate for employment with child-care responsibilities is or has been the subject of an indicated child abuse and maltreatment report on file with the State Central Register for child abuse and maltreatment. State Central Register screening will be conducted prior to considering a candidate for employment as a Caseworker. Candidates who have been the subject of an indicated child abuse and maltreatment report will not be assigned to any position which requires child-care responsibilities. Employees who have been the subject of such a report may be reassigned or terminated from employment from their positions as Caseworker.

Additional Information

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.