Assistant Counsel (Assistant Special Prosecutor)

Minimum Qualifications Admission to the New York State Bar and a member in good standing with five (5) years post-bar admission experience. Commitment to public service and excellent research/writing skills are essential. NYS residency required.

*The preferred candidate will have at least three (3) years of experience as a criminal prosecutor, preferably with experience with victim-driven prosecutions.

Duties Description Serve as Assistant Special Prosecutor to the agency's Special Prosecutor/Inspector General and perform the following functions, including but not limited to:
o Review, analyze and conference cases of abuse and/or neglect with agency investigators that have potential elements of criminality for referral to the regional District Attorneys Offices
o Collaborate with partners in law enforcement throughout the state in discussions about cases that have potential for criminal charges
o Conduct legal research as needed on matters pertaining to criminal law, criminal procedure law, the social service law and the executive law
o Participate in forensic interviews in Child Advocacy Centers
o Participate in local and statewide task forces and organizations dealing with issues relating to the criminal investigations and prosecution of persons charged with abuse or neglect of vulnerable New Yorkers.
o Provide training on legal issues germane to the work of the agency to law enforcement, prosecutors and advocacy organizations.
o Provide training to internal agency staff on legal issues and procedures that overlap with the work in their units
o Potentially appear in court on cases in jurisdictions where the assistant special prosecutor may be cross designated or allow o appear in some other agreed upon construct
o Assist the local Assistant District Attorneys as needed on active prosecutions that stem from an incident occurring in a facility over which the Justice Center has jurisdiction
o Travel is required up to 20% of time

Additional Comments Established in 2013 by the Protection with Special Needs Act; The New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs (Justice Center) is charged with protecting over one million New Yorkers under the care or jurisdiction across six State Oversight Agencies. https://www.justicecenter.ny.gov/

The New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs (Justice Center) is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. NYS Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination because of age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status, or status as a victim of domestic violence.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: The New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs (Justice Center) provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Office of Human Resources via email at [email protected]

NOTE ON FINGERPRINTING: Please be advised that should you accept a job offer with this agency, you may be required to be fingerprinted and pay for the cost of the fingerprinting fee.

NOTE ON TELECOMMUTING: Employees are required to apply and obtain approval through management to telecommute according to the Justice Centers Telecommuting Program Guidelines.

Please note that your continued employment is dependent upon your sustained registration to practice law in New York State.

This position is eligible for $3,400 location pay.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.