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.
Under the direction of the General Counsel, the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) provides legal counsel, litigation, contract and employment law 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 Special Investigations Division (SID) is recruiting (2) two Investigator Discipline II's to function as Senior Special Investigator who will:
- Conduct investigations involving interviews, computer analysis, file retrieval and evidence gathering of alleged employee misconduct such as suspicious and/or fraudulent documents submitted by employees, employee arrests, and proper utilization of leave to attend court proceedings.
- Prepare, review, evaluate and acts on all investigative reports and disciplinary recommendations submitted to Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) Employment Law Division (ELD) for administrative action.
- Organize investigative folders into categorized and chronological evidentiary packages to support disciplinary recommendations submitted to OLA.
- Testify at agency disciplinary hearings to explain evidence obtained through the course of the investigation; testifies as a representative of HRA/DSS at Conflict of Interest hearings to explain evidence presented and to substantiate actions taken by the Agency; and represents HRA/DSS at NYS Unemployment Insurance hearings to prevent the unwarranted issuance of benefits to employees terminated for egregiously violating the Agency’s Code of Conduct.
- Interview subjects of investigation to present evidence obtained, to question actions taken by said employee and to allow for an explanation to be given. Interview case complainants to determine the validity of the complaint and to obtain further details on the events being reported and interview witnesses to obtain testimony that could be used to substantiate an allegation or support a defense given by the subject of the investigation.
- Conduct covert motor vehicle surveillances of employee residences, agency work locations and/or other areas of suspected misconduct utilizing photographic and video equipment to document observations; conducts additional field work to interview staff and witnesses and to obtain photographic and/or written evidence.
- Work in close coordination with other city investigatory agencies, e.g. the Department of Investigation, NYPD, the District Attorney’s office to assist with obtaining crucial evidence to support a criminal referral. Present agency files, forensic analysis of agency databases and any other evidence obtained through the course of an investigation, i.e. photographs, video or witness statements. May also be called upon to testify at criminal proceedings.
INVESTIGATOR(DISCP)(ONLY FOR P - 06316
1. A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and four years of satisfactory full-time experience in one or more of the fields of accounting, auditing, correction administration, criminal justice administration and planning, forensic science, inspection, investigation, law enforcement, personnel administration, police science, and security, or in a major operational area of the agency in which the appointment is to be made; or
2. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college; or
3. Education and/or experience equivalent to "1" or "2" above.
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.
