Deputy Counsel
: Job Details :

Duties Description

The Deputy Counsel will be located within the Division of Legal Affairs. This position will report directly to the General Counsel of OCFS and provide legal support to the General Counsel.

This position will be responsible for oversight of all legal matters as it pertains to the Division of Child Welfare and Community Services, while also managing the Division's Freedom of Information (FOIL) Unit. The position is essential in day-to-day operations of the Legal Division and works directly with the agency's General Counsel. The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

• Planning, organizing and directing the work of the assigned legal bureaus;

• Developing and implementing policies and procedures that affect the agency and its Legal Division;

• Recommending, researching, drafting and negotiating proposed legislation that will impact OCFS;

• Assisting with the development of the Legal Division's annual budget;

• Advising and guiding the Counsel and Deputy Commissioners on legal issues and matters of risk mitigation;

• Serving as the agency's Counsel in her absence;

• Conducting legal research and drafting legal memoranda;

• Collaborating with OCFS managers and the New York State Attorney General's Office on agency-related litigation;

• Working with agency staff to manage and respond to Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests and audits;

• Managing and overseeing several legal units within the Division of Legal Affairs that provide legal support and advice to all agency program areas; and

• Representing the Commissioner and the Legal Division at meetings with entities outside the agency, conferences, and other events, as requested by the Commissioner or Counsel.

Additional duties will be discussed in detail during the interview.

Minimum Qualifications

Law degree from an accredited law school; admission to, and member in good standing of, the New York State Bar; and seven years of relevant post-bar experience.

Admission to the New York State Bar and current registration to practice law in New York State is required for continued employment.

Strong analytical, written, and interpersonal communication skills.