The Department of Social Services' Office of Legal Affairs provides legal guidance, litigation support, and direct representation in state and federal courts and administrative agencies to the Department of Social Services and all DSS program areas to ensure the delivery of social services consistent with federal, state and local laws and regulations.

The Office of the General Counsel / Office of Legal Affairs is recruiting for four (4) Agency Attorney Internes, in the Homeless Litigation and Program Counseling Unit (HLPCU) to function as Attorney Internes, who will work towards defend the agency in cases enforcing client responsibility and discontinuing temporary housing assistance.

The Attorney Interne will:

- Represent the interests of the Commissioner of the Department of Social Services/Department of Homeless Services in NYS Fair Hearings and NYS Court proceedings to discontinue temporary housing assistance for clients that failed to comply with statutory public assistance requirements, Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance and Department of Homeless Services policies and procedures.

- Provide legal counsel and review with regard to negotiated settlements, monitor compliance with administrative and court decisions.

- Perform legal research on social services and administrative law subject matter and drafting standard Fair Hearing responses, Article 78 motions and responsive pleadings.

- Draft legal documents and provide legal assistance to DHS 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.

- Maintain case files and update notes into Office of Legal Affairs case management system records on case status.

- Review and prepare witnesses, evidence and opine on matters of legal strategy.

- Must travel and may be re-assigned to other boroughs within New York City, as needed.


Work Location:
4 World Trade Center

Hours/Schedule:
Monday through Friday 9am – 5 pm with flex

Graduation from an accredited United States law school as defined in the Rules of the New York Court of Appeals (Sections 520.3 or 520.5) or admission to the New York State Bar.

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.