Closing Date: 18th April, 2026
Description:
Job Description:The Office of the General Counsel provides legal counsel to the Commissioners and Administrators of both the Human Resources Administration (HRA) and the Department of Homeless Services (DHS), and to senior Agency officials. This office provides strategic guidance on legal matters that may have a significant programmatic or fiscal impact upon the Department of Social Services (DSS/HRA/DHS).
The General Counsel is responsible for the administration of the Office of Legal Affairs, the Fair Hearing Administration, the Office of Policy, Procedures and Training and oversees the Office of Contracts and Office of Advocacy. The Office of the General Counsel provides legal advisement, litigation, and contract services to DSS, HRA, and DHS's administrative and program areas to ensure the delivery of social services consistent with the federal, state and local laws and regulations.
The Office of General Counsel/Office of Legal Affairs is recruiting for one (1) Agency Attorney I to function as Attorney I within the General Counsel's Office who will:
- Assist the senior and supervising attorneys in the review and legal analysis of federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations regarding agency initiatives involving significant legal or financial implications for the administration of benefits in the City.
- Draft legal documents and assist in providing legal assistance by researching applicable statutes, case law or other material to resolve legal questions/problems, interpret the intent and legal ramifications of laws, rules/regulations related to the delivery of social services.
- Draft legal opinions in response to requests for legal guidance, interpret laws and regulations, and analyze the impact of proposed amendments to federal, state and local laws and regulations. Under supervision, drafts litigation documents, such as affidavits, motion papers, memoranda of law and answers to pleadings.
- Represent the Agency in Supreme and Civil Courts and in certain administrative hearings. Court matters may include Article 78 proceedings, small claims and other civil actions and responses to subpoenas.
- May assist senior attorneys in liaising with the NYC Law Department to support the Agency's defense of federal class actions, and other major litigation and appeals.
- Perform other related tasks.
Hours/Schedule: 9am – 5pm
Agency Attorney - 30087
Minimum Qualifications:
- Admission to the New York State Bar; and either "2" or "3" below.
- One year of satisfactory United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar; or
- Six months of satisfactory service as an Agency Attorney Interne (30086).
In addition to meeting the minimum Qualification Requirements:
To be assigned to Assignment Level (AL) II, candidates must have one year of experience at Assignment Level I or two years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment. To be assigned to AL III candidates must have two years of experience in Assignment Levels I and/or II or three years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment.
Preferred Skills:
Experience in NYC Housing Court preferred - Excellent writing, analytical, and research skills. - Excellent communication and inter-personal skills. - Excellent problem-solving and organization skills. - Ability to multi-task. - Legal experience in public interest law or government.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.
Residency Requirement:
New York City Residency is not required for this position
Additional Information:
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.
Residency Requirement:
New York City Residency is not required for this position
Additional Information:
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
