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Greene County

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Assistant Social Services Attorney

Distinguishing Features of the Class:

This is a professional position requiring performance of legal work for the local district Department of Social Services. The work is performed in accordance with the provisions of Social Services Law, the Family Court Act, New York State General Regulations, and policies established by the Commissioner and the County Legislature. The position requires on going interpretation and implementation of the foregoing, legal research, exercising of independent informed judgment, and pursuing appropriate legal action. The attorney is on-call on a 24 hours/7 days a week basis for Supervisors any/all other legal personnel employed by the Agency.

Typical Work Activities:

  • Provide legal advice and consultation to any or all employees in any section of the agency such as Temporary Assistance, Resources, Children’s Family and Adult Services, and Child Support Enforcement.
  • Prepares all petitions filed by the Department on behalf of those it serves. Examples include, but are not limited to, abuse and neglect petitions, PINS and JD petitions, permanency hearings, petitions to terminate parental rights and to finalize adoptions.
  • Petitions under Article 81 of New York Mental Hygiene Law to afford guardianship by the Commissioner to incapacitated persons.
  • Prosecutes the foregoing in either Family, County or Surrogates Court.
  • Initiates and/or reviews claims against the estates of decedents for moneys expended by the Department on their behalf.
  • Replies to all verbal and written correspondence from counsel to the Department’s clients.
  • Prepare and submits orders for signatures as directed by the judges of the courts.
  • Meets with and effects strategies with the County Attorney and the District Attorney regarding issues of mutual responsibility and concerns.
  • Provides ongoing legal advice to the Commissioner and Agency staff. Initiates legal actions as directed by Commissioner.
  • Maintains an attorney/client relationship with the County.
  • Reports to the Senior Social Services Attorney and the Commissioner.

Full Performance, Knolwedge, Skills, Abilities and Personal Characteristics:

In-depth knowledge of the principles and practices of common law and of County, State and Federal laws as they apply to social services; good knowledge of civil court procedures and the rules of evidence; in-depth knowledge of the general functions and administrative activities of the County Department of Social Services; in-depth knowledge of the Family Court Act, Social Services Law, Mental Hygiene Law regarding guardianships, and the state and federal regulations applicable to such laws. General knowledge of Estate and Probate Law, Criminal Law, Freedom of Information Law, HIPAA and laws and regulations concerning Medicaid and other public assistance, ability to analyze and apply legal principles, facts and procedure to legal problems; good professional judgment.

Minimum Qualifications: Admission to New York State Bar and at least one (1) year experience practicing law with emphasis on Social Services Law.

Salary: Commensurate with experience.

Benefits: Health insurance, paid vacation, sick and personal leave, NYS Pension System.

Last modified: February 25, 2008
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