THE SELECTED CANDIDATE WILL BE OFFERED A SALARY BETWEEN $69,090 - $79,454.

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. OGC is comprised of six legal units and two non-legal units.

The Special Projects Unit provides legal advice to the ACS Commissioner, General Counsel, and other ACS staff on both policy and program issues for current programs and new initiatives, including Close to Home Non-Secure Placement (NSP) and Limited Secure Placement (LSP), Detention, the NYS Justice Center, and Raise the Age. The unit also acts as liaison with the Law Department regarding employees; requests for representation, land use questions, and for updates on litigation brought on behalf of ACS. Under close supervision with some latitude for independent and reviewed action and decision, this Staff Attorney candidate will perform sophisticated legal work in the Special Projects Unit (SPU) within the Administration for Children’s Services’ (ACS) Office of the General Counsel.

Specific duties will include but are not limited to:
- Draft legal documents, such as agency affirmations and affidavits, using generally acceptable legal procedures, forms, techniques, to meet agency needs, goals, objectives.
- Interpreting laws and regulations governing the provision of child welfare and early care and education in New York City.
- Assist in the managing and production of agency records in conjunction with the New York City Law Department and or/outside counsel in defending lawsuits and numerous other significant litigation challenging ACS’ systemic practices.



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 # 636369.

No phone calls, faxes or personal inquiries permitted.

Note: Only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

1. Admission to the New York State Bar; and either "2" or "3" below.
2. One year of satisfactory United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar; or
3. Six months of satisfactory service as an Agency Attorney Interne (30086).
Incumbents must remain Members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.
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.

The preferred candidate should possess the following: One (1) year experience as an Agency Attorney Intern excellent research, written, and oral communication skills, and strong analytical abilities familiarity with NYC law, policy and procedures pertaining to child welfare, child protection, juvenile justice, and social services laws. Candidate must have strong inter-personal skills and able to exercise independent judgment.

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/.

New York City Residency is not required for this position

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.