Assistant Counsel

Duties

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:
•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;
•Input and review all relevant case information in the Justice Center’s Vulnerable Persons Central Registry (VPCR).
•Conduct training, legal research, and drafting of legal memos as required.
•Perform other duties as assigned.

Salary

• $97,874 - $123,715/year

Qualifications

Admission to the New York State Bar and a member in good standing with two (2) years post-admission legal experience. Commitment to public service and good research/writing skills essential.

Other Information

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/

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.

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

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.

The New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Our agency does not discriminate based upon age, race, creed/religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military or veteran status, sex, disability (including pregnancy-related conditions), predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status, status as a victim of domestic violence, prior arrest or conviction record, citizenship/immigration status, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. The Justice Center is committed to creating and sustaining a culture of inclusion while continuing to build a diverse workforce. Our agency seeks candidates dedicated to working in and contributing to an environment of inclusion that affirms and celebrates the backgrounds, learned and lived experiences, whole identities, and individual perspectives of our staff.

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 jc.sm.deeo@justicecenter.ny.gov

How to Apply

Please submit cover letter along with a clear and concise resume to jc.sm.hrresumes@justicecenter.ny.gov detailing how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position as listed in Specifics and indicate the Vacancy ID number for which you are applying.