THE SELECTED CANDIDATE WILL BE OFFERED A SALARY BETWEEN $210,000 - $225,000.
The Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) protects and promotes the safety and well-being of children and families through child welfare and juvenile justice services and community supports. ACS manages community-based supports and foster care services, and provides subsidized child care vouchers. ACS child protection staff respond to allegations of child maltreatment. In juvenile justice, ACS oversees detention, placement and programs for youth in the community.
The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) provides legal representation and advice to the Commissioner and all divisions at ACS. OGC identifies areas of legal vulnerability and coordinates with other Divisions to ensure compliance with court orders, consent decrees, and other legal and regulatory mandates. OGC also works closely with the NYC Law Department to minimize risk and avoid litigation and defend ACS in class action and individual lawsuits.
The Legal Counsel unit functions as in-house counsel, conducting legal research, interpreting laws and regulations governing the provision of child welfare and early care and education services in NYC, reviewing pending legislation and regulations, reviewing draft policies and procedures, and responding to conflict of interest matters and program inquiries. The unit also acts as liaison with the NYC Law Department and outside counsel in defending class action suits and numerous other significant litigation challenging ACS’ systemic practices.
The Associate General Counsel manages the overall functioning of Legal Counsel Unit and is the direct supervisor of the unit comprising of two Assistant General Counsels, three Agency Attorneys, and one Principal Administrative Associate. The Associate General Counsel develops and maintains unit business procedures and best practices. Under general direction, with wide latitude for the exercise of legal knowledge, judgment and experience responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Supervise the Legal Counsel Unit, the unit that functions as “in-house” counsel for ACS; interpreting laws and regulations governing the provisions of child welfare and child care services in NYC, reviewing pending legislation and regulations, and responding to conflict of interests and program inquiries, as well as acting as liaison with the Law Department and outside counsel in defending class action suits and other significant litigation challenging ACS' systemic practices.
- Use extensive background in social/child/family welfare, and knowledge of other areas of law, to advise ACS Executive Staff on questions of law, fact, and administrative policy.
- Advise the General Counsel and other staff of the Office of the General Counsel on legal issues, including issues relating to class action lawsuits and other significant litigation challenging ACS systemic practices, as well as making recommendations on issues of administrative policy.
- Interface with attorneys at the Law Department and at other city and state agencies concerning matters of law, fact, and administrative policy, including on matters of class action lawsuits and other significant litigation.
- Represent the Office of the General Counsel at meetings with other agency divisions as well as other city agencies and participates in the building of internal and external coalitions and partnerships.
ADDITIONAL INFO
Section 424-A of the New York Social Services Law requires an authorized agency to inquire whether a
candidate for employment with child-caring responsibilities has been the subject of a child abuse and
maltreatment report.
TO APPLY
Please go to www.cityjobs.nyc.gov or www.nyc.gov/ess for current NYC employees and search for Job ID # 777707.
No phone calls, faxes or personal inquiries permitted.
Note: Only candidates under consideration will be contacted.
EXECUTIVE AGENCY COUNSEL - 95005
Admission to the New York State Bar; and four years of recent full-time responsible, relevant, satisfactory legal experience subsequent to admission to any bar, eighteen months of which must have been in the supervision of other attorneys, in an administrative, managerial or executive capacity, or performing highly complex and significant legal work.
Incumbents must remain Members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.
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.
The City of New York is the most iconic and dynamic city on the planet. With a population of more than 8.4 million people, New York is not only the largest city in the United States — it is the academic, cultural, commercial, and financial capital of the world.
City government is filled with opportunities for talented individuals seeking to improve their communities and make a meaningful difference in the lives of their fellow New Yorkers. Every day, the City’s more than 300,000 employees improve infrastructure, provide vital social services, build technology, protect health and safety, and so much more. Join us today at: http://www1.nyc.gov/jobs
The City of New York offers its employees:
• A chance to build the future of this city. New York City government is at the crossroads of where policy, great ideas, city services, and smart urban planning meet the lives and needs of every day New Yorkers.
• Competitive salary and benefits. Hiring packages include a competitive salary, health benefits, various pension plans, employee assistance programs, and individual retirement accounts.
• Diverse career opportunities. As the largest local government in the United States with more than 40 agencies, the City of New York offers a broad spectrum of opportunities — from education, housing development, and public health to sustainability, economic growth, technology, and emergency management.
• Career Satisfaction. As a City employee, you will have the chance to shape the future of New York City and improve the quality of life for your family, neighbors, and fellow New Yorkers.
• Equal Opportunity and Inclusion. The City of New York is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits discriminatory action against City employees and applicants for employment based on their actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ethnicity alienage, citizenship status, gender, religion, creed and all other protected categories.
