Assistant Chief Integrity & Standards Officer (ATTORNEY)

City of New York•New York, NY

3d•$130,000 - $134,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) investigates deaths within New York City to protect public health and serve impartial justice through forensic science and medicine. The newly established Integrity and Standards Office (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 ISO aims to strengthen organizational integrity, promote accountability and ethical conduct, identify systemic risks and vulnerabilities, and reinforce public trust. The Assistant Chief Integrity and Standards Officer will support the day-to-day operations of the ISO under the supervision of the Chief Integrity and Standards Officer. This role requires strong investigative, analytical, and writing skills, sound judgment, and excellent communication and interpersonal abilities. The candidate must handle sensitive and confidential matters with integrity, professionalism, and impartiality, and have a genuine interest in building an ethics, integrity, and compliance program that fosters a culture of accountability and trust.

Requirements

Admission to the New York State Bar
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Robust investigative, analytical, and writing skills
Sound judgment
Strong communication and interpersonal abilities
Capability of handling sensitive and confidential matters with integrity, professionalism and impartiality
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

Responsibilities

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.