ATTORNEY INTERNE

The Department of Social Services' (DSS) Office of Legal Affairs provides legal guidance, litigation support, and direct representation in state and federal courts and administrative agencies to the Department of Social Services and all DSS program areas to ensure the delivery of social services consistent with federal, state and local laws and regulations.

The APS/LPCU provides litigation support and counseling to HRA’s Adult Protective Services Program (APS). On behalf of the city’s most vulnerable at-risk, impaired adult population, the APS program makes referrals to APS/LPCU for legal review of proceedings for stays of eviction and appointments of Guardians ad litem in the Civil Court, or for Mental Hygiene Law (MHL) Article 81 guardianship in the Supreme Court. The unit’s attorneys review such referrals for legal sufficiency and where the legal standard is met will draft pleadings and adjudicate such proceedings. Failure to provide these legal services to APS could expose HRA to State imposed sanctions for failure to comply with APS statutes and regulations, as well as, placing a frail and vulnerable population at risk.

The Office of General Counsel/ Office of Legal Affairs is requesting to recruit for an Agency Attorney Interne to function as Attorney Interne for their Adult Protective Services Litigation and Program Counseling Unit (APS/LPCU), who will:

• Provide counsel to the APS LPCU program areas on a variety of social service matters, including those related to APS.
• Draft legal memoranda and guidance on policy questions; Render litigation support in proceedings such as Mental Hygiene Law Article 81 guardianship, Civil and Housing Court matters and administrative fair hearings.
• Review and redact agency case records and documents in response to subpoenas or other requests ensuring compliance with Federal and State laws.
• Represent the Commissioner within motions before the courts, hearings, petitions, etc. to pursue or avert further litigation.
• Research applicable statutes, case law or other material to resolve legal questions or problems, interpreting the intent and legal ramifications of laws, rules and regulations related to the delivery of services.
• May determine the advisability of presenting witnesses, admissibility if types of evidence and matters of legal strategy.
• Perform other related tasks.

Hours/Schedule: Monday-Friday 9 am – 5 pm, with flex time

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited United States law school as defined in the Rules of the New York Court of Appeals (Sections 520.3 or 520.5) or admission to the New York State Bar.

Preferred Skills

• Litigation.
• Oral argument.
• Strong research and writing skills.

Residency Requirement

New York City Residency is not required for this position

Additional Information

The Human Resources Administration/Department of Social Services/Department of Homeless Services offers competitive salaries and the following benefits: Generous Pension Plans (The New York Employees' Retirement System).

401(k) and Roth 457 Retirement Savings Programs.

U.S. Savings Bonds Flexible Spending Program.

Health Benefits, Dental, Vision Coverage, Prescription Drug Program.

Training and Professional Development.

Opportunity for Scholarship; College Savings Program.

Paid Holidays and Generous Annual Leave.