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;
• Conduct statewide training with Justice Center and SOA staff;
• 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;
• Input and review all relevant case information in the Justice Center’s Vulnerable Persons Central Registry (VPCR).

Salary

• $90,931 - $114,940/year

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.

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/

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 jc.sm.deeo@justicecenter.ny.gov

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.

How to Apply

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