Social Services Attorney

Otsego County•Cooperstown, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The work involves responsibility for providing professional legal services for the Social Services program. The work is performed under the general supervision of the Commissioner of Social Services and/or a Supervising Social Services Attorney in consultation with the County Attorney. Direct supervision may be exercised over the work of support staff; does related work as required.

Requirements

Duly licensed to practice law in the State of New York.
Proof of eligibility for admission to practice as an attorney and counselor at law before the courts of the State of New York at the time of application for appointment.
Admission to the Bar of the State of New York, a certificate of good standing, and proof of registration is required at time of appointment.
A valid New York State driver’s license and acceptable driving record is required at time of appointment.
Thorough knowledge of the Family Court Act, Social Services Law, rules and regulations.
Good knowledge of the procedures, laws and rules governing the administration of public assistance.
Good knowledge of family law as it pertains to issues of support, neglect, abuse, foster care, Juvenile Delinquency proceedings and Persons in Need of Supervision proceedings.
Working knowledge of County law and rules.
Working knowledge of wills and future interests and other aspects of general legal work.
Ability to efficiently gather facts by interview and investigation.
Ability to perform close, detail work involving considerable visual effort and strain.
Ability to work well with others.
Integrity.
Excellent judgment.

Responsibilities

Prosecuting petitions filed in Family Court by the Department of Social Services, including child abuse and neglect cases, custody/visitation and family offense (domestic violence) cases.
Representing the Adult Protective Services unit in Supreme Court for guardianship petitions.
Representing the Department at Fair Hearings for the Services Unit and Income Maintenance Unit.
Representing the Department in resource recovery efforts to recover Public Assistance and Medicaid from estates of past recipients or from past recipients who obtain income/property.
Presenting child and spousal support petitions for reimbursement of Public Assistance and/or Medicaid from legally responsible relatives.
Prosecuting Juvenile Delinquency and Person in need of Supervision cases.
Handling Freedom of Information Law requests.
Processing of bankruptcy paperwork.
Reviewing HIPAA rules and regulations.
Reviewing contracts.