The Public Advocate, an independently elected public official, serves as a direct link between city government and residents, acting as a “watchdog” for New Yorkers. The Public Advocate is a non-voting member of the New York City Council, an ex officio member of all Council committees, and introduces and co-sponsors legislation. The Public Advocate serves on various City committees and appoints members to several boards and commissions. The Office of the Public Advocate reviews and investigates residents’ complaints about City services and administrative actions, assists people having difficulty receiving City services, assesses whether City agencies are responsive to the public, and recommends legislative or policy proposals to address identified service deficiencies.

Under the supervision of the Office Manager, the facilities associate will perform a wide range of office maintenance, light repairs, and operational support functions. This role requires hands-on handyman experience and active participation in the setup and breakdown of meetings, public events, and agency functions. The facilities associate ensures that office and event/meeting spaces are safe, operational, and properly configured to support both internal operations and external engagements. This is an active, hands-on role requiring frequent movement. May require early mornings, evenings, or occasional weekend support for events.

Facilities Operations
-Set up and break down conference rooms, meeting spaces, and multipurpose areas
-Arrange furniture, equipment, and materials based on operational or event needs.
-Supports office moves, reconfigurations, and workspace adjustments
-Manage and monitor all office shared spaces to ensure cleanliness, organization, and readiness
-Discard office items deemed broken or trash, facilitate disposal with DCAS in accordance with citywide procedures
-Handle maintenance requests via service tickets and liaise with DCAS building services
-Receive, unload, and stock all incoming office supplies and deliveries
-Maintain the office storage closets and keep an organized inventory
-Complete confidential office deliveries and pickups to and from external agencies and vendors as needed.
-Prepare office/ cubicle spaces upon employee onboarding and departure
-Prepare annual inventory report

Special Events Setup & Breakdown
-Assist with the full cycles of office events, including room set-up, coordination with event layout, and logistics
-Ensure spaces are prepared in accordance with event plans and safety standards.
-Provide on-site support during events as needed
-Break down and restore spaces promptly following events.
-Transport, set up, and store event-related material and equipment.
-Support off-site or satellite events when required.
-Occasional evening and weekend work is required.

OFFICE ASSISTANT (PUBLIC ADVOC - 94507

Minimum Qualifications

-New York State Driver’s license
-2-4 years of facilities, maintenance, or handyman experience preferred.
-Demonstrated experience with basic tools, repairs, and building maintenance.
-Ability to lift, move, and assemble furniture and equipment (up to 50 lbs).
-Basic knowledge of safety procedures and building systems.
-Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
-Ability to work independently and with a team
-Strong written and verbal communication skills
-Demonstrated knowledge and experience with federal, state, local EEOC, and anti-harassment laws.

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 generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

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.