Investigative Specialist

City of New York • New York City, NY

1d

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Deputy Director of HR Civil Service, with some latitude for independent judgment and initiative, the Investigative Specialist performs human resources work of various levels of legal complexity and impact in support of the New York City Housing Authority’s talent acquisition and human resources functions. The incumbent provides subject matter expertise and critical analysis on employment-related matters of legal impact, including civil service compliance, candidate eligibility, and background review processes.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Review human resources workcases requiring investigation and research, provide legal analysis and advise regarding the requirements for compliance with Civil Service Law, NYC Personnel Rules and Regulations, and applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Review and assess candidate background information, including criminal history, in accordance with the criteria set forth in the Article 23-A of the New York State Correction Law and NYC Fair Chance Act, and the provisions of the City Commission on Human Rights and other applicable human rights laws, rules and regulations, and provides legally sound hiring recommendations. Prepare Article 23-A and Fair Chance Act written analyses and drafts or reviews Notices of Proposed Disqualification, where applicable; reviews appeals and drafts appropriate follow-up correspondence to appellants, including the drafting or review of final Notices of Disqualification.
• Conducts legal review of pre- and post-employment verification processes, including coordination with the NYC Department of Investigation (DOI).
• Advises HR staff on candidate eligibility, disqualifications, and appeals, ensuring consistency with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Liaises with the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), the NYCHA Law Department counsel, and other agencies on matters related to civil service law and policy interpretation.
• Assist in the preparation of memoranda, determinations, and responses related to candidate appeals, background findings, and employment decisions.
• Support HR in resolving complex or sensitive personnel matters with legal implications.
• Participate in special projects and initiatives related to HR compliance, policy development, and risk mitigation.
• Ensure candidates and employees comply with I-9 documentation. Advise concerning follow-up, terminations, or plans for potential returns.
• Reaches out where appropriate to previous employees approved for Personnel Board/DCAS Medical reinstatements to reinstate their positions at NYCHA under their former Civil Service title.
• May contact the beneficiary or next of kin for deceased cases. Coordinates with Payroll and OPA.
• May communicate with employees interested in the 55-a program. May serve as a liaison with DCAS.
• May review and updates beneficiary designations in HRdb and Workday systems, then upload the documents to Workday.

Benefits

• NYCHA provides benefits that include a choice of medical coverage plans, deferred compensation plans and a defined pension benefit plan as a member of the New York City Employees' Retirement System (NYCERS).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees