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SPU Agency Attorney

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Job Description

THE SELECTED CANDIDATE WILL BE OFFERED A SALARY BETWEEN $80,387 - $92,446.

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 childcare 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 the Administration for Children's Services. 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, Raise the Age, Child Victims Act, and Gender Motivated Violence Act. The unit also acts as liaison with the Law Department regarding employees; requests for representation, land use questions, and for records production and updates on litigation brought against 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 and objectives.
- Interpreting laws and regulations governing the provision of juvenile justice, child welfare and early care and education in New York City.
- Provide legal advice and technical assistance to agency programs/departments by reviewing legal issues and documents, to assist management in resolving more complex legal questions.
- Act as a liaison with subject matter specialists, technical experts, counsel for litigants, by obtaining and conveying information, providing feedback, to facilitate cooperation and maintaining legal data on new initiatives being worked on.
- Assist in the managing and production of agency records, affidavits/affirmations, and witnesses in conjunction with the New York City Law Department and or/outside counsel in defending lawsuits and numerous other significant litigations 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 # 708831.

No phone calls, faxes or personal inquiries permitted.

Note: Only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

AGENCY ATTORNEY - 30087

Qualifications

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.

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.

Average salary estimate

$86416.5 / YEARLY (est.)

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$80387K

$92446K

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What You Should Know About SPU Agency Attorney, City of New York

If you're a legal professional looking to make a meaningful impact, consider the role of SPU Agency Attorney with the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) in New York City! In this dynamic position, you’ll play a crucial part in promoting the safety and well-being of children and families by providing legal advice and support to ACS initiatives. Your responsibilities will include drafting important legal documents and interpreting laws related to juvenile justice and child welfare, ensuring that ACS meets its compliance obligations. You’ll collaborate closely with agency programs, offering technical assistance and legal insight to resolve complex legal questions. This role also allows you to work alongside subject matter experts and legal counsel, making it both collaborative and intellectually rewarding. As part of the Office of the General Counsel, you’ll contribute to significant litigations defending ACS’s systemic practices, ensuring that every move is made with precision and care. If you're an NYS Bar member with either one year of legal experience or have recently completed an Agency Attorney internship, this is an excellent opportunity to advance your career while helping to make a difference in the lives of children and families in need. Join us and be part of a dedicated team committed to ethical legal practices and community support. Your expertise can help shape the future of child welfare services right here in New York City!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for SPU Agency Attorney Role at City of New York

What are the responsibilities of an SPU Agency Attorney at the Administration for Children’s Services?

As an SPU Agency Attorney at the Administration for Children’s Services, your responsibilities include drafting legal documents like agency affirmations and affidavits, interpreting laws governing juvenile justice and child welfare, and providing legal advice to agency programs. You will also manage records production for litigation and act as a liaison with various stakeholders to ensure compliance with legal standards.