The Office of Chief Medical Examiner investigates cases of persons who die within New York City from criminal violence, by accident, by suicide, suddenly when in apparent health, when unattended by a physician, in a correctional facility or in any suspicious or unusual manner or where an application is made pursuant to law for a permit to cremate a body of a person.
Our core purpose is to protect public health and serve impartial justice through forensic science and medicine. We exist to provide answers in support of families and communities during times of profound need.
The core values of CARES guide our work for communities and inform our behavior toward each other and all those we serve.
- Commitment: Dedicated to the mission at all times
- Accountability: Responsible to each other and the community
- Resilience: Adapt in the face of adversity
- Excellence: Achieve and maintain the highest quality
- Service: Innovate to meet evolving needs The New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) seeks an attorney to serve as the agency’s Assistant Chief Integrity and Standards Officer, supporting the newly established Integrity and Standards Office (ISO).
The ISO serves as OCME’s independent investigative and accountability body, responsible for identifying, investigating and addressing fraud, waste, abuse, misconduct and other integrity related concerns across the agency’s 24/7 operations. The office is designed to strengthen organizational integrity, promote accountability and ethical conduct, identify systemic risk and vulnerabilities and reinforce public trust and confidence in the agency’s mission and operations. Additionally, the ISO works closely with the Department of Investigation (DOI) to help maintain the integrity of the Agency.
The Assistant Chief Integrity and Standards Officer will work under direct supervision of the Chief Integrity and Standards Officer and support the day-to-day operations of the ISO. The role requires robust investigative, analytical, and writing skills complemented by sound judgment, strong communication and interpersonal abilities. The successful candidate must be capable of handling sensitive and confidential matters with integrity, professionalism and impartiality. A genuine interest in helping build and advance an ethics, integrity, and compliance program that fosters a culture of accountability and trust in alignment with OCME’s CARES values is essential.
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Act on behalf of the Chief Integrity & Standards Officer, as delegated or in their absence, including overseeing operations, investigative staff and their work product, and representing the office internally and externally.
- Assist in the day-to-day administrative management of the ISO, including staff time and leave management, training and development, scheduling, resources, workflow and operational needs.
- Manage a caseload of integrity investigations involving allegations of misconduct or other alleged integrity related infractions by OCME employees or affiliates. Conduct complaint intake and triage, interview witnesses; gather and analyze evidence; draft investigative memoranda and findings and make referrals to appropriate internal or external entities as warranted.
- Review concerns and/or inquiries received by ISO; assess jurisdiction; conduct intake and triage; and investigate or refer matters to the appropriate internal or external entity, as appropriate.
- Analyze and interpret applicable rules, regulations, codes, and agency policies. Draft, develop and implement ISO policies, standards operating procedures, protocols and guidance documents to support the Office’s integrity, investigative and compliance functions.
- Assist in the facilitation, implementation, and continuous monitoring of Policy and Procedure recommendations arising from external reviews, to strengthen compliance, accountability and operational effectiveness across OCME.
- Participate in the development and execution of audits and internal controls to detect and prevent instances of unethical or improper conduct.
- Assist in the development and delivery of integrity training for all OCME employees tailored to various roles and delivered through multiple platforms, including in-person and video-based instruction while fostering understanding and engagement.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on relevant matters involving OCME; coordinate with DOI, district attorney offices, NYPD, and other law enforcement or prosecutorial agencies on investigations as needed.
- Coordinate and collaborate closely with the Employee Law Unit of NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), OCME’s parent agency, OCME Human Resources and General Counsel on internal disciplinary matters, related investigations, findings, recommendations and outcomes.
- As needed, draft disciplinary charges and represent the agency in administrative tribunals, working closely with DOHMH to ensure compliance and effective case management.
- Develop and monitor key performance metrics to enhance the effectiveness of investigations and case management.
- Conduct unannounced field inspections of OCME staff and facilities in Manhattan and outer boroughs on varying days/hours on a recurring basis to assess compliance with agency policies and operational practices, identify potential integrity or compliance concerns, and document inspection findings, observations and corrective recommendations. Discuss corrective actions with relevant stakeholders.
- Draft investigative reports, memoranda, and formal findings with recommended disciplinary actions, corrective measures, or procedural reforms; track trends and recurring issues, and present data-driven summaries and briefings to Chief Integrity & Standards Officer to inform strategic decision-making around ethics, compliance, and risk mitigation.
- Serve as a witness in disciplinary proceedings and legal forums as needed.
- Perform confidential assignments and high-impact special projects as directed by the Chief Integrity & Standards Officer.
- Remain on-call and available 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to respond to operational needs and large-scale fatality events.
- Operate a motor vehicle as required for investigative fieldwork and site inspections.
Minimum Qualifications
- Admission to the New York State Bar; and either "2" or "3" below.
- One year of satisfactory United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar; or
- 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.
Preferred Skills
- Valid driver’s license and ability to conduct field work across all the City and OCME locations is required.
- Admission to the New York State Bar; and four years of recent full-time responsible, relevant, satisfactory legal experience subsequent to admission to any bar, eighteen months of which must have been in the supervision of other attorneys, in an administrative, managerial or executive capacity, or performing highly complex and significant legal work. Incumbents must remain Members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.
- Demonstrated knowledge of employment law, labor relations, and disciplinary procedures, with the ability to apply legal standards to investigations involving workplace misconduct, retaliation, and policy violations.
- Comfortable responding to death scenes and operating within mortuary environments, including exposure to decedents and sensitive forensic conditions, while maintaining professionalism and composure.
- Direct experience overseeing or conducting investigations involving employee misconduct, corruption, or fraud.
- Familiarity with New York City government operations, interagency protocols, and coordination with oversight bodies such as DOI.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to brief executive leadership, prepare investigative reports, and present complex findings clearly and concisely.
- Proficiency in reviewing policies and procedures for legal, ethical, and operational compliance.
- High level of discretion, sound judgment, and ability to manage confidential and politically sensitive matters.
- Unwavering commitment to public service, ethical leadership, and integrity in upholding OCME’s mission and responsibilities.
Residency Requirement
New York City Residency is not required for this position
Additional Information
EXTRA COMPENSATION & BENEFITS – WHY JOIN OCME? Working with the City of New York doesn't just offer a competitive salary — it opens the door to unique benefits that reward your service and support your future!
- Student Loan Forgiveness: As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and New York State student loan repayment assistance programs. Learn more at: https://studentaid.gov/pslf/
- Comprehensive health insurance benefits for you and your family.
- Membership in the New York City Employees’ Retirement System (NYCERS) pension plan.
- Access to a wide range of union benefits, including prescription plans, dental and optical care coverage.
Come for the mission, stay for the benefits — and grow in a career that makes a difference every day.
Special Note:
- Selected candidates will be required to provide a DNA sample by swabbing.
- In case of an emergency, your position may be designated as essential staff.
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.