Director of the Employment Law Unit

City of New York • Long Island City, NY

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About The Position

The Office of General Counsel (OGC) provides legal advice and assistance to the entire agency. Specifically, OGC works to ensure that the innovative programs and initiatives of the NYC Health Department are supported by a dedicated legal team. The OGC is comprised of team members who work in a variety of areas including legal affairs (legal and policy analysis; health code enforcement; records access), contracts, privacy, and employment law. OGC also houses the Institutional Review Board and attorneys working in the Assisted Outpatient Treatment program. The Employment Law Unit (ELU) is a vital program situated within OGC. With jurisdiction over the 7,000 employees in the agency and the 800 employees in the Office of Chief Medical Examiner ELU investigates, mediates, and prosecutes matters relating to, but not limited to, employee misconduct and fitness for duty. ELU also provides legal assistance to the OGC regarding varied assignments and participates in mandatory Agency-wide activities for emergency preparedness. Job Description The OGC seeks to hire a Director of ELU to provide sound recommendations and counsel to Agency managers regarding complex legal matters and zealously advocate in the best interests of the Agency. The Director of ELU will manage the administration of disciplinary cases exercising wide discretion in determining the appropriate investigation; strategize with managers about the appropriate course of disciplinary action; negotiate with Unions and private attorneys; and oversee all phases of necessary litigation, from drafting disciplinary charges through appeals at OLR, OATH, OCB arbitrations, and Civil Service Commission. The Director will supervise a sizeable caseload handled by a small staff of skilled litigators, investigatory staff, and administrative staff. Additionally, the ELU Director will support Agency-wide compliance with the conflicts of interest law; and lead the Agency liaison to COIB regarding their evaluation and response to inquiries concerning the conflicts of interest law and requests for advice and support of waivers from COIB.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Hold a JD from an accredited law school, member in good standing of the New York State Bar.
• Have a minimum of 10 years of legal experience, including 5 years in government or administrative law.
• Have a minimum of 5 years of litigation experience.
• Have a minimum of 5 years of municipal or government conflicts of interest or codes of ethics legal experience.
• Be experienced in providing legal counsel in a government organization.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing health equity and supporting racial justice.
• Possess clear writing ability for extensive internal and external communications.
• Excellent communication skills, including emotional intelligence and connections building with external stakeholders.
• High-level proficiency in conflict management techniques such as negotiation, mediation, and compromise.
• Knowledge of Employment Law, including New York State Civil Service Laws, New York City Conflicts of Interest Law, and relevant disciplinary rules affecting New York City employees.

Responsibilities

• Manage the administration of disciplinary cases exercising wide discretion in determining the appropriate investigation
• Strategize with managers about the appropriate course of disciplinary action
• Negotiate with Unions and private attorneys
• Oversee all phases of necessary litigation, from drafting disciplinary charges through appeals at OLR, OATH, OCB arbitrations, and Civil Service Commission
• Supervise a sizeable caseload handled by a small staff of skilled litigators, investigatory staff, and administrative staff
• Support Agency-wide compliance with the conflicts of interest law
• Lead the Agency liaison to COIB regarding their evaluation and response to inquiries concerning the conflicts of interest law and requests for advice and support of waivers from COIB

Benefits

• Benefits: City employees are entitled to unmatched benefits such as: o a premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment. o additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund. o a public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement. o a tax-deferred savings program and o a robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers.
• Work From Home Policy: Depending on your position, you may be able to work up to two days during the week from home.
• Job Security - you could enjoy more job security compared to private sector employment and be able to contribute to making NYC a healthy place to live and work.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees