Associate Counsel

The duties that the incumbent of the vacancy will be expected to perform. Duties Description The incumbent will work as counsel for the Office of Disaster Recovery Programs to include Public Assistance, Hazard Mitigation, and Individual Assistance Programs. Duties include but are not limited to: • Render advice and legal opinions concerning all programs administered by Disaster Recovery Services.• Track, review, and prepare memoranda for Deputy Counsel and Program staff related to changes in federal laws, rules, regulations, and policies affecting disaster recovery. • Handle appeals and arbitrations related to Federal Emergency Management Agency program determinations.• Engage in legal research and draft memoranda and legal recommendations for Counsel, Executive, and management teams within the agency.• Develop, review, and approve internal program rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.• Draft and ensure loan agreements comply with state and federal legal requirements and contain appropriate protections.• Review and approve loan applications and agreements.• Review grant guidance and requirements to assist program with implementation of federal recovery grant programs.• Assist with grant contract drafting, review, and approval.• Coordinate with Deputy Counsel to prepare legal documents related to disasters, emergencies, and other incidents.• Assist with audit and compliance of program rules and regulations.• Consult with Disaster Recovery executive team regarding proposed legislation and changes in State laws, rules, and regulations.• Develop, review, and recommend to the General Counsel and Disaster Recovery executive staff changes to existing legislation; draft and recommend the creation of new statues, rules, regulations, and/or policies.• Coordinate with county and local municipal attorneys on all matters related to the program.• Advise counsel and program on FOIL requests and Ethics inquiries and outside employment requests as necessary. • Perform other duties and special projects as required.• Ability to work in a team/collaborative environment and on a 24/7 basis when required.• Strong/effective communication skillsNOTE: • Travel will be required. Possession and maintenance of a valid Driver’s License issued by the NYS Department of Motor Vehicle is required, or otherwise demonstrate the capacity to meet the transportation needs of the job.• May be required to work at remote locations.• Other duties as assigned.

The minimum qualifications required for this vacancy. Minimum Qualifications Candidates must have been admitted to the New York State Bar and must have had four years of experience in the practice of law subsequent to admission to the Bar.Preferred qualifications: - Experience with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Stafford Act, 44 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), and 2 CFR Part 200.- Working knowledge of federal grant programs.

Additional comments regarding the vacancy. Additional Comments Please note that your continued employment is dependent upon your sustained registration to practice law in New York State. NOTE: Support of operations during times of emergency and disaster from State Emergency Operations Center (EOC), state field offices and/or local deployments may be required, which would result in a change and/or increase in working hours, locations and/or duties.NOTE ON TELECOMMUTING: Employees are required to apply and obtain approval through management to telecommute according to the agency’s Telecommuting Program Guidelines.

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