Deputy Counsel

Duties DescriptionThe Deputy Counsel will be located within the Division of Legal Affairs. This position will report directly to the General Counsel of OCFS and provide legal support to the General Counsel.

This position is necessary to advise on the Governor’s priority statewide expansion of child care availability, including extensive grantmaking activities to providers, workforce recruitment and retention efforts, employer tax credits, expanded access to child care subsidy for eligible families, and other efforts. The Deputy Counsel will be responsible for developing legal strategies to advance the policy priorities identified by the Governor in light of the various federal requirements governing child care funding.

In addition to the above, the Deputy Counsel will oversee the Legal Day Care Enforcement Unit, providing advice and counsel to the agency on matters related to day care licensing and any areas pertaining to the child care developmental Block grant. Due to the rapid expansion of the agency’s childcare portfolio and the critical nature of the role, this position is necessary to fulfill the mission of the agency and respond to the priorities advanced by the Governor. This position will work closely with Executive Chamber, state agencies, local social services districts, the Attorney General, and other governing bodies. This position will be responsible for the following duties:

• Planning, organizing and directing the work of the assigned legal bureaus;

• Developing and implementing policies and procedures that affect the agency and its Legal Division;

• Recommending, researching, drafting and negotiating proposed legislation that will impact OCFS;

• Assisting with the development of the Legal Division’s annual budget;

• Advising and guiding the Counsel and Deputy Commissioners on legal issues and matters of risk mitigation;

• Serving as the agency’s Counsel in her absence;

• Conducting legal research and drafting legal memoranda;

• Collaborating with OCFS managers and the New York State Attorney General’s Office on agency-related litigation;

• Working with agency staff to manage and respond to Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests and audits;

• Managing and overseeing several legal units within the Division of Legal Affairs that provide legal support and advice to all agency program areas; and

• Representing the Commissioner and the Legal Division at meetings with entities outside the agency, conferences, and other events, as requested by the Commissioner or Counsel.

Additional duties will be discussed in detail during the interview.

Minimum QualificationsLaw degree from an accredited law school; admission to, and member in good standing of, the New York State Bar; and seven years of relevant post-bar experience.

Admission to the New York State Bar and current registration to practice law in New York State is required for continued employment.

Strong analytical, written, and interpersonal communication skills.