Minimum Qualifications Transfer: One year of permanent competitive or 55b/c service in this title or in a title eligible for 70.1 or 52.6 transfer.

Open to the Public: This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide program (NY HELPS). For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, if the candidate meets the below NY HELPS minimum qualifications.

NY HELPS Non-Competitive Minimum Qualifications:

Position may be filled at the Senior Attorney level or one of the Assistant Attorney traineeship appointment levels. Appointment title will be dependent upon qualifications of candidate selected.

Assistant Attorney 1 (Grade 18): Law school graduation and/or eligibility for NYS Bar Admission.

Assistant Attorney 2 (Grade 20): Admission to NYS Bar

Assistant Attorney 3 (Grade 22): 12 months as an Assistant Attorney 2, or Admission to the NYS Bar and 12 months of subsequent satisfactory legal experience

Senior Attorney (Grade 25): 12 months as an Assistant Attorney 3, or Admission to the NYS Bar and 24 months of subsequent satisfactory legal experience

NOTE: Admission to the New York State Bar and current registration to practice law in New York State is required for continued employment. Disbarment or loss of registration shall result in termination or suspension of employment.
This position may be designated 55 b/c and is subject to verification of applicant eligibility.

Duties Description Located within the New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB), the attorney will be responsible for:

• Negotiating, drafting, and reviewing contracts, Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs), and agreements with various state and federal agencies to assist in the enforcement of NYSCB’s Priority for Blind Vendors;
• Negotiating, drafting, and reviewing Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) with State Education Department, Empire State College/University regarding programs for the blind and funding;
• Conducting legal research re: Federal Randolph Shephard Act, Federal Law and Regulations, State Law and Regulations;
• Providing legal advice regarding the New York State Preferred Source Program;
• Reviewing document release requests and replying to subpoenas;
• Drafting and reviewing responses and Corrective Action Plans for state and federal audits.
• Drafting and reviewing legislative proposals; and
• Providing legal review of numerous annual reports, plans, and proposals.

Additional duties will be discussed in detail during the interview.

Additional Comments *For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non- competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply. At this time, agencies may recruit and hire employees by making temporary appointments. In May 2024, if a temporary NY HELPS employee is satisfactorily performing in the position, the appointment will be changed from temporary pending Civil Service Commission action to permanent non-competitive and the official probationary period will begin.

At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.
Candidates who took and passed the Legal Specialties Examination are encouraged to apply.
Please specify in your cover letter and/or resume how you meet the minimum qualifications (as described above) when responding to this posting. Vagueness will not be interpreted in your favor and may disqualify you from further consideration if the information you provide does not meet the minimum qualifications.

Background Investigation Requirements:

1) All prospective employees will be investigated through a Criminal Background Check (CBC), which includes State and federal Criminal History Record Checks. All convictions must be reported; conviction of a felony or misdemeanor, or any falsified or omitted information on the prospective appointee’s employment application, may bar appointment or result in removal after appointment. Each case will be determined on its own merits, consistent with the applicable provisions of State and federal laws, rules, and regulations. Prospective employees will be fingerprinted in order to obtain a record of their criminal history information, and may be required to pay any necessary fees.

2) All prospective employees will be screened against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR). Prospective employees will be required to pay any necessary fees.

3) For Division of Juvenile Justice and Opportunities for Youth (DJJOY) prospective appointees will be checked against the Staff Exclusion List (SEL) maintained by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. Prospective employees whose names appear on the SEL as having been found responsible for serious or repeated acts of abuse or neglect will be barred from appointment and may have their names removed from the eligible list(s) for the title(s) if applicable.

The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) is an equal opportunity employer. OCFS does not discriminate based upon age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status, sex, disability (including pregnancy-related conditions), predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status or status as a victim of domestic violence, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We devote special attention to dismantling racial injustice and recognize that diversity in our workforce is critical to fulfilling our mission. We are committed to the diversity of our staff, and encourage applicants from marginalized communities to apply. All applicants must be dedicated to working in and sustaining an environment of inclusion that affirms and celebrates the backgrounds, learned and lived expertise, whole identities, and individual perspectives of our staff. Applicants of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.