DRIE Ombudsperson

Company Description

Job Description

NYC Department of Finance (DOF) is responsible for administering the tax revenue laws of the city fairly, efficiently, and transparently to instill public confidence and encourage compliance while providing exceptional customer service.

DOF’s Office of the Taxpayer Advocate (OTA) is an independent office within the Department of Finance which assists customers who have been unable to resolve their tax issues through normal Department of Finance channels. In addition, the Office of the Taxpayer Advocate makes systemic recommendations to improve DOF policies and procedures. OTA’s base matters consist of NYC property, business, and certain excise tax issues.

The Office of the Taxpayer Advocate has an excellent opportunity available for a motivated, thoughtful, and purpose-driven individual to serve as the DRIE Ombudsperson. The Disability Rent Increase Exemption ("DRIE") is under the NYC Rent Freeze Program. The rent freeze program helps low income, disabled, and senior citizen tenants stay in certain affordable housing by freezing their rent and providing exemptions from certain rent increases. In addition, the landlords receive tax abatements equal to the difference between the legal rents and the amount paid by the tenants.

The DRIE Ombudsperson will be responsible for investigating and responding to complaints about the program and individual cases. This role requires excellent communication skills and the ability to interact with many different people and businesses and may also interact with NYC councilmembers or other elected officials on matters they may refer to the office. Reporting directly to the Taxpayer and Parking Advocate, the selected candidate’s duties and responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

- 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.

Additional Information:

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

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.

COMMUNITY COORDINATOR - 56058

Qualifications

1. 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
2. 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
3. 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.

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.