Fair Hearings Agency Attorney

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 Fair Hearings & Compliance Unit (FHCU) within the Office of the General Counsel is seeking an Agency attorney. Staff attorneys appearing before the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS)/Bureau of Special Hearings (BSH) primarily represent the Commissioner of the Administration for Children’s Services in administrative hearings and/or related Article 78 proceedings before New York State tribunal(s) (NYS Office of Children and Family Services/Bureau of Special Hearings) and/or Courts (generally NYS Supreme Court) concerning indicated reports of child neglect, adoption subsidy payments and kinship guardianship payments, foster care rates and services or other such issues as may be required. In providing such representation, the attorney shall engage in a wide variety of legal tasks as needed, including the effective preparation of witnesses, evidence, and other trial-related initiatives. Under close supervision, with some latitude for independent judgment action and decision, the attorney candidate will engage in difficult and complex legal work in the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) Fair Hearings & Compliance Unit to further the agency’s mission on behalf of children and families. Specific duties may include, but are not limited to the following: - Maintain a significant caseload of complex and/or sensitive cases - Prepare and maintain case files and documents in advance of court appearances. - Interview witnesses and other relevant parties, reviewing relevant agency and third-party records and determining strength and admissibility of evidence. - Liaise with other ACS programs including but not limited to adoption subsidy unit staff and executives. - Liaise with NYS OCFS representatives including but not limited to adoption subsidy staff. - Review and provide legal opinion and counsel to unit and other ACS program staff. - Draft legal documents, including pleadings, motions, and memoranda by following generally acceptable legal procedures, forms, and techniques in order to meet agency needs, goals, and objectives. - Conduct and/or assist with legal research and regularly reviewing relevant case law and regulations to support legal opinions.