Specifications include, but are not limited to: requesting a third-party agency (TPA) to manage the district’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) claims process. BPS processes approximately 300- 600 claims annually. A third party can help prevent unnecessary overpayment of benefits and will minimize unemployment costs and risks. The TPA will be proactive by anticipating filing deadlines for paperwork, saving the district time and money. There is also a potential opportunity for the TPA to advocate that the district’s unemployment tax rate be lowered. The TPA will have unique experience with the UI process and have the internal resources to handle unemployment claims effectively. • Advise the Buffalo Public School (BPS) district of any changes in regulations, or other information on unemployment insurance matters which would impact the district’s program. Analyze effects of any pending or any unemployment insurance legislation on the BPS and advise the BPS accordingly. • Administer all claims filed, including the protest of contestable determinations made by the New York State Unemployment Insurance division and any improper charges made against the BPS. • Agree to meet in person, when necessary, with BPS Administration regarding urgent or precedent-setting issues. • Resolve administrative issues, discrepancies from start to finish, and advise on day-today issues that may arise between the BPS and the New York State Unemployment Insurance Division, including but not limited to matters pertaining to penalty assessments, improper allocation of charges to location codes, questions of eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits, etc. • Provide BPS’s liaison to NYS Unemployment Insurance Division to communicate, promulgate and maintain individual claimant charge records and program statistical reports regarding the weekly experience rating charges. This includes providing quarterly reports and reconciliation of these reports with the quarterly bills from the New York State Unemployment Insurance Division. Quarterly reports must include the following pieces of information on each claimant: Social Security number (Masked/Last 4 digits) Name Job Title Reason for separation Status of the claim New or continuing claim Quarterly charge amount Explanatory comments, where necessary; additional information as appropriate • Design quarterly reports for the BPS which will provide the number of claims filed, the number of claims protested and the number of hearings and results for payment charges. • Represent the BPS district at all unemployment insurance hearings, with no cap and at no additional charge, including adjournments and appeals. Obtain and coordinate with BPS staff the necessary documentation and attendance of appropriate witnesses at hearing. • Provide cost estimates for annual budgeting. • Provide reconciliation and audit of billing. • Provide specialized reports as reasonably requested by the Director of Employment Services or their designee. • Provide template for “Reasonable Assurance” letters to district employees as needed. • Provide any service required with changes in NYS law.