Deputy Borough Chief

As a Deputy Borough Chief at the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS), your primary responsibilities include managing the borough's legal office, supervising attorneys, screening case intakes, and providing legal counsel for ACS program areas. You will also represent the agency in Family Court, participate in training for staff, and maintain a caseload that includes both pre-trial and post-trial cases. Your role is crucial in ensuring that ACS upholds its mission in protecting the well-being of children and families.

To qualify for the Deputy Borough Chief role at the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS), candidates must have admission to the New York State Bar and a minimum of four years of relevant legal experience following bar admission. Specifically, candidates should have at least eighteen months of experience in a supervisory role over other attorneys or have performed complex legal work in an administrative or managerial capacity. Additionally, maintaining good standing with the New York State Bar is required throughout employment.

The Deputy Borough Chief plays a significant role at the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) by ensuring that legal services are aligned with the agency's mission to protect children and support families. By supervising attorneys and providing guidance on complex legal matters, the Deputy Borough Chief helps the agency effectively navigate child welfare cases. This includes representing ACS in Family Court, providing legal insights that benefit the agency's initiatives, and ensuring all court orders are properly adhered to, thereby actively contributing to the safety and well-being of children.

The work environment for the Deputy Borough Chief at the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) is dynamic and supportive. You will work closely with a passionate team of attorneys and case planners in a collaborative atmosphere. The role often involves intense litigation in Family Court, alongside mentorship and training opportunities, necessitating a high level of dedication and professionalism. Additionally, the agency values diversity and inclusivity, providing a respectful work environment where everyone's contributions are recognized.

As a Deputy Borough Chief at the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS), you will have numerous opportunities for professional growth. You will gain substantial litigation experience, enhance your supervisory skills, and have access to ongoing training and development programs. Moreover, working with a diverse team of legal professionals and engaging directly with the community will further bolster your expertise in child welfare law, paving the way for potential advancement within the agency or the wider legal field.

When answering this question, highlight your relevant legal experience in child welfare cases, detailing specific instances where you represented the interests of children and families in a legal context. Discuss any significant cases you’ve worked on, emphasizing your understanding of the legal framework governing child welfare, and how your expertise could benefit the Administration for Children’s Services in fulfilling its mission.

In response to this question, discuss your methodology for supervision, which may include regular check-ins, feedback sessions, and collaboration on case strategies. Emphasize the importance of mentorship in nurturing the skills of junior attorneys and how you would promote a positive team environment while ensuring that all legal work meets the high standards expected by the Administration for Children’s Services.

When addressing this question, it’s vital to elaborate on your litigation strategy, including preparation, collaboration with stakeholders, and communication with the court. Highlight your ability to remain calm under pressure and your commitment to advocating effectively for clients in emotional and complex scenarios, which is essential in the Deputy Borough Chief position at the Administration for Children’s Services.

Here, share a specific case that presented challenges, outlining the key issues involved and your approach to resolving them. Discuss how your legal knowledge and experience guided your strategy, and focus on the outcome, ensuring that you highlight positive impacts on the children and families involved, showcasing your dedication to the mission of the Administration for Children’s Services.

In your answer, emphasize the importance of collaboration among legal teams, Child Protective Specialists, and other stakeholders in child welfare cases. Discuss how your collaborative approach fosters better outcomes by ensuring comprehensive representation and advocating for the best interests of the children and families served by the Administration for Children’s Services.

When discussing how to ensure compliance, articulate the processes you put in place to monitor and enforce court orders, including regular check-ins with case planners and attorneys. Highlight any systems or strategies you've implemented to track compliance, ensuring that you effectively uphold the directives of the Family Court while facilitating the mission of the Administration for Children’s Services.

In answering this question, focus on the importance of continuous training, open communication, and providing constructive feedback. Discuss how you would implement a mentorship program that cultivates strong legal acumen and ethical practices among attorneys in the Administration for Children’s Services, ensuring a high-quality legal team capable of effectively representing the agency.

When responding to this question, express your passion for child welfare and the pivotal role you see yourself playing in advocating for vulnerable populations. Discuss how your experiences align with the values and mission of the Administration for Children’s Services, underscoring your commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families in New York City.

In your response, illustrate your conflict resolution skills by outlining a structured approach to addressing disagreements. Emphasize the importance of communication, active listening, and mediating discussions to reach consensus while maintaining a respectful and results-driven work environment at the Administration for Children’s Services.

In answering this question, convey your awareness of the complexities surrounding child welfare, such as resource limitations, policy changes, and societal attitudes. Share your insights on potential solutions or strategies you believe could enhance the effectiveness of the Administration for Children’s Services in navigating these challenges, demonstrating your engagement with current trends and issues in the field.