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NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene · 1 month ago

Assistant General Counsel - AOT, Office of General Counsel

Queens, NY

Full-time

Hybrid

Mid, Senior Level

1+ years exp

The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is dedicated to protecting and improving the health of NYC. The Assistant General Counsel will provide legal support for the Assisted Outpatient Treatment program, including drafting legal documents, conducting research, and collaborating with various agencies.

Health Care

Responsibilities

Draft petitions for court-ordered treatment for psychiatric patients and represent the Health Department at the corresponding hearings and jury trials

Draft motions and appeals as needed

Litigate complex and significant cases at OATH, as needed

Conduct legal research and draft written analyses as needed, often on time-sensitive basis

Provide legal guidance to the AOT program, as needed, and assist in monitoring the workflow

Work with and/or collaborate with outside governmental agencies as needed including, but not limited to, the New York State Office of Mental Health, Mental Hygiene Legal Service and the Office of Court Administration

Collaborate with hospitals located in New York City to help them facilitate patient referrals to the AOT Program and assist them in completing AOT petitions

Travel to courts, various health department offices and hospitals/clinics within New York City

Maintain sensitive and confidential information

Manage and distribute information accurately and appropriately

Monitor the workflow, ensuring compliance with deadlines, and preparing reports and summaries

Establish positive working relationships with co-workers and programs

Possess excellent research and writing skills

Attend to other ad hoc projects and tasks, as needed or assigned

Qualification

New York State Bar AdmissionLegal ResearchLitigation ExperienceMental Health Law KnowledgeContract LawWriting SkillsDetail-OrientedProject ManagementCollaboration SkillsConfidentiality Management

Required

Admission to the New York State Bar

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

Preferred

Highly detail-oriented with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects

Ability to use online legal research platforms such as Westlaw, CLEAR, and Lexis Nexis

Current working knowledge of Health Department procedures, policies and practices is a plus

Current experience in or knowledge and interest in mental health and other public health matters is a plus

Benefits

A premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment.

Additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund.

A public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.

A tax-deferred savings program

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.