FHCU Agency Attorney

THE SELECTED CANDIDATE WILL BE OFFERED A SALARY BETWEEN $79,620 - $91,563.

The Administration for Childrens Services (ACS) protects and promotes the safety and well-being of New York Citys children and families by providing child welfare, juvenile justice, and early care services. In child welfare, ACS contracts with private nonprofit organizations to support and stabilize families at risk of a crisis through preventive services and provides foster care services for children not able to safely remain at home. Each year, the agencys Division of Child Protection responds to more than 50,000 reports of suspected child abuse or neglect. In juvenile justice, ACS manages and funds services including detention and placement, intensive community-based alternatives for youth, and support services for families. ACS is also a key part of NYCs early childhood and education continuum, providing childcare assistance to thousands of child welfare involved and low-income children so they can access safe, affordable, quality care.

The Fair Hearings & Compliance Unit (FHCU) is a litigation and compliance unit reporting to the ACS General Counsel. FHCU represents ACS before the NYS Office of Children and Family Services/Bureau of Special Hearings (OCFS/BSH) in the following types of administrative hearings and Reviews: expungements, adoption subsidy and kinship guardianship Under general supervision, with some latitude for independent judgment and un-reviewed action and decision, engages in difficult and complex legal work in the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) to further the agencys mission on behalf of children and families. The Attorney will represent the Commissioner of the Administration for Childrens Services in administrative hearings and/or related Article 78 proceedings before both the NYS Office of Children and Family Services, and the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, and other New York State tribunal(s) and/or Courts concerning adoption subsidy payments, kinship guardianship payments, foster care rates and services, preventative services, reports of child neglect, or other such issues as may be required. In providing such representation, the attorney shall engage in a variety of legal tasks, including the effective preparation of witnesses, evidence, and other trial-related initiatives.

Specific duties may include but are not limited to the following:
- Maintain a significant caseload of complex and/or sensitive cases
- Prepare and maintain case files and documents in advance of court appearances
- Interview witnesses and other relevant parties, reviewing relevant agency and third-party records and determining strength and admissibility of evidence
- Liaise with other ACS programs including but not limited to adoption subsidy unit staff and executives.
- Liaise with NYS OCFS representatives including but not limited to adoption subsidy staff.
- Review and provide legal opinion and counsel to unit and other ACS program staff.
- Draft legal documents, including pleadings, motions, and memoranda by following generally acceptable legal procedures, forms, and techniques in order to meet agency needs, goals, and objectives.
- Conduct and/or assist with legal research and regularly reviewing relevant case law and regulations to support legal opinions

ADDITONAL INFO:
Section 424-A of the New York Social Services Law requires an authorized agency to inquire whether a
candidate for employment with child-caring responsibilities has been the subject of a child abuse and
maltreatment report.

TO APPLY:
APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY USING ONE OF THE OPTIONS BELOW:

For current city employees, go to Employee Self Service (ESS), Recruiting Activities, Careers and search for Job ID# 608780.
For all other applicants go to www.nyc.gov/careers and search for Job ID# 608780. Click on the "Apply" button.

If you do not have access to a computer, most public libraries have computers available for use.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

1. Admission to the New York State Bar; and either "2" or "3" below.
2. One year of satisfactory United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar; or
3. Six months of satisfactory service as an Agency Attorney Interne (30086).
Incumbents must remain Members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.
In addition to meeting the minimum Qualification Requirements:
To be assigned to Assignment Level (AL) II, candidates must have one year of experience at Assignment Level I or two years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment. To be assigned to AL III candidates must have two years of experience in Assignment Levels I and/or II or three years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment.

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.