The Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) protects and promotes the safety and well-being of New York City’s children and families by providing child welfare, juvenile justice, and early care services. In child welfare, ACS contracts with private nonprofit organizations to support and stabilize families at risk of a crisis through preventive services and provides foster care services for children not able to safely remain at home. Each year, the agency’s Division of Child Protection responds to more than 50,000 reports of suspected child abuse or neglect. In juvenile justice, ACS manages and funds services including detention and placement, intensive community-based alternatives for youth, and support services for families. ACS is also a key part of NYCs early childhood and education continuum, providing child care assistance to thousands of child welfare involved and low-income children so they can access safe, affordable, quality care.
The Division of Family Court Legal Services (FCLS) is responsible for representing Children’s Services in child neglect and abuse cases, permanency hearings and other child welfare proceedings in the New York City Family Courts. FCLS Attorneys work collaboratively with caseworkers and other child welfare stakeholders to further the agency’s mission of helping children and families achieve safety, permanency and well-being.
Under direct and close supervision, specific duties will include:
• Work closely with Child Protective caseworkers to identify and analyze legal problems and issues.
• Draft legal documents, including pleadings, motions and memoranda of law and fact by following generally acceptable legal procedures, forms and techniques in order to meet agency needs, goals and objectives.
• Represent the agency in Family Court on all aspects of child protective proceedings and other judicial proceedings including juvenile delinquency and Close to Home matters.
• Interview witnesses and other relevant parties to the litigation to determine admissibility of various types of evidence.
• Prepare and maintain case files and documents in advance of court appearances.
• Conduct legal research and regularly review relevant case law and regulations to support legal opinions.
• Counsel Child Protective caseworkers and agency case planners on issues relating to permanency and well-being of children in foster care.
Minimum Qual Requirements
Graduation from an accredited United States law school as defined in the Rules of the New York Court of Appeals (Sections 520.3 or 520.5) or admission to the New York State Bar.
Preferred Skills
The preferred candidates should possess the following: excellent written and oral communication skills; and knowledge and understanding of New York State child welfare laws. May 2022 law school graduates must have passed the July 2022 UBE, the June 2022 NYLE and the August 2022 MPRE if candidate has not already passed the NYLE and MPRE during law school. All other applicants should be admitted to the NYS Bar or eligible for and awaiting admission to the NYS bar.
Additional Information
Section 424-A of the New York Social Services Law requires an authorized agency to inquire whether a
candidate for employment with child-caring responsibilities has been the subject of a child abuse and
maltreatment report.
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual’s sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at StudentAid.gov/PSLF
To Apply
APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY USING ONE OF THE OPTIONS BELOW:
For current city employees, go to Employee Self Service (ESS), Recruiting Activities, Careers and search for Job ID#562889
For all other applicants go to www.nyc.gov/careers and search for Job ID# 562889 and click on the “Apply” button.
If you do not have access to a computer, most public libraries have computers available for use.
Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Work Location
150 William Street, New York NY
151-20 Jamaica Avenue, Queens, NY
900 Sheridan Avenue, Bronx, NY
330 Jay Street, Brooklyn, NY
350 St. Mark’s Place, Staten Island, NY
Residency Requirement
New York City residency is not required for this position.
POSTING DATE
07/05/2023
POST UNTIL
09/03/2023
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual’s sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.