Assistant Counsel

Attorneys assigned to the Administrative Litigation Unit's De Novo Team perform the following functions, including but not limited to:

• Review appeals challenging substantiated reports of abuse or neglect to determine whether a preponderance of the evidence supports Justice Center determinations;
• Review evidence associated with case determinations and any defenses asserted in the RFA;
• Identify gaps in existing evidence and further evidence needed for determination review; collect relevant evidence, as appropriate, from investigators, State Oversight Agencies (SOAs), or providers to support the Justice Center's legal position;
• Draft File Memoranda in support of agency determinations and recommend proposed settlement terms;
• Draft File Memoranda recommending unsubstantiation of agency determinations and present same for review;
• Work collaboratively with other Unit team leaders and attorneys assigned to cases post De Novo review;
• Input and review all relevant case information in the Justice Center's Vulnerable Persons Central Registry (VPCR);
• Conduct statewide training with Justice Center and SOA staff on relevant administrative litigation practices;
• Represent the agency at meetings with external stakeholders; lead internal and external trainings/presentations;
• Participate in work groups or special project teams, as directed;
• Such other duties may be assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Admission to New York State Bar and a member in good standing.

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/

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

This position is eligible for $4,000 location pay.

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