Assistant counsel

Duties Description

As part of the Office of General Counsel, the Assistant Counsel will analyze, interpret, and apply laws related to the work of the NYS Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. Assistant Counsel duties include:

• Input and review all relevant case information in the Justice Center’s Vulnerable Persons Central Registry (VPCR).
• Review and assess testimonial, documentary, and audio/visual evidence gathered during investigations of allegations of abuse or neglect alleged to have occurred in facilities serving people with special needs;
• Analyze evidence to determine whether it meets statutory definitions of abuse or neglect;
• Draft legal determinations informing identified parties of the outcome of investigations;
• Consult with Justice Center investigators regarding allegations of abuse and neglect, and review associated evidence;
• Defend Justice Center determinations and legal positions in proceedings before Administrative Law Judges;
• Perform pre-hearing conferences and recommend proposed settlement terms to supervisor;
• Prepare documentary evidence and witnesses for testimony at administrative proceedings;
• Draft motions, opening/closing arguments, memoranda of law and briefs in support of agency determinations;
• Defend Justice Center determinations and legal positions in proceedings before Administrative Law Judges;
• Perform pre-hearing conferences and recommend proposed settlement terms to supervisor;
• Draft motions, opening/closing arguments, memoranda of law in support of agency determinations; prepare documentary evidence and witnesses for testimony at administrative proceedings;
• Consult with Justice Center investigators regarding allegations of abuse and neglect, and review associated evidence;
• Conduct statewide training with Justice Center and SOA staff

Minimum Qualifications

Admission to the New York State Bar and a member in good standing with two (2) years post-admission trial and/or hearing experience before either courts of record or in administrative proceedings. Commitment to public service and good research/writing skills essential.

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.

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.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System
• Affordable Health Care options
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
• NYS Deferred Compensation plan
• Access to NY 529 College Savings Program

Please note that specific benefits and programs may vary based on negotiating unit, current contract, and length of State service.

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 Center’s Telecommuting Program Guidelines.

This position is eligible for the $4,000 downstate adjustment.