Deputy Director of the Employment Law Unit, Office of General Counsel
About The Position
The Office of General Counsel (OGC) provides legal advice and assistance to the entire agency, ensuring that the innovative programs and initiatives of DOHMH are supported by a dedicated legal team. The OGC team works in various areas including legal affairs, contracts, privacy, and employment law. The Employment Law Unit (ELU) specifically oversees all non-managerial employees at the NYC Health Department, handling employee disciplinary matters and fitness for duty cases. ELU also acts as the NYC Health Department’s liaison to the Conflicts of Interest Board, providing advice on conflicts of interest matters. The ELU is seeking an experienced and senior attorney to serve as the Deputy Director and be an integral part of the legal team.
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.
- 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
- 5-10 years of professional experience as an attorney after admission to the NYS bar.
- Highly detail-oriented with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects.
- Ability to use online legal research platforms such as Westlaw, CLEAR, and Lexis Nexis.
- Administrative law or employment law litigation experience.
Responsibilities
- Assist the Director of ELU in the handling of disciplinary cases, including advising managers on strategy and determining appropriate disciplinary action and investigation.
- Assist the Director of ELU with the administration of disciplinary cases, including drafting charges and litigating them through the appeal process (informal conference, Step II, Step III, OATH trials, OCB arbitrations, and Civil Service Commission hearings).
- Assist the Director of ELU with the preparation and adjudication of NYS Civil Service Law Sections 71, 72, and 73 cases, including analyzing statements, evidence, meeting with supervisors, interviewing witnesses, and drafting pleadings.
- Litigate Section 72 cases before OATH.
- Evaluate and respond to inquiries concerning the conflicts of interest law, interpret and advise on potential conflicts of interest issues, evaluate and respond to requests for support of waivers from COIB, and draft waiver requests to COIB from the Commissioner.
- Train new ELU attorneys on the application of Chapter 68 to DOHMH employees.
- Provide training to supervisory staff on progressive discipline and its importance in the administrative disciplinary process.
- Assist the General Counsel's office with varied assignments such as revising Agency Policies.
- Assist the Director of ELU in the supervision and training of new ELU Attorneys.
- Participate in mandatory Agency-wide activities for emergency preparedness and respond promptly.
- Maintain sensitive and confidential information.
- Manage and distribute information accurately and appropriately.
- Monitor the workflow, ensuring compliance with deadlines, and preparing reports and summaries.
- Establish positive working relationships with co-workers and programs.
- Possess excellent research and writing skills.
- Attend to other ad hoc projects and tasks, as needed or assigned.
Benefits
- Federal/state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs.
- Premium-free health insurance plan.
- Additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund.
- Public sector defined benefit pension plan.
- Tax-deferred savings program.
- Robust Worksite Wellness Program.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
