Putnam County, New York is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Deputy County Attorney (Social Services). This position works in the Department of Law, assigned legal tasks related to the Department of Social Services.

The Putnam County Department of Law is responsible for representing Putnam County in all civil legal proceedings. This includes litigation, administrative hearings, negotiating and preparing contracts, local laws, resolutions, and issuing legal opinions for the Putnam County Legislature and all departments of the County.

Applicants must reside in Putnam County or a contiguous county within the State of New York and be admitted to practice law in New York State. In addition, the Public Officers Law requires that attorneys in the Office be citizens of the United States. Experience in municipal law preferred.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

• Researches the law and renders opinions to the County Executive, County Legislature and departmental authorities as directed by the County Attorney;
• Prepares a variety of legal documents required to carry on the work of County government;
• Prepares pleadings, appeals, resolutions, notices, contracts and other legal papers and documents;
• Examines legal papers served on or filed with County departments and officials;
• Makes reports and answers correspondence;
• Appears in Court or at hearings to represent the County;
• Performs a variety of related activities as required.

WHEN ASSIGNED TO SERVE THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES:

• Represents the Department in Family Court matters involving child abuse and neglect, foster care, adoption, other child welfare proceedings, and child support matter;
• Represents the Department at administrative fair hearings;
• Represents the Department and consults with Social Services staff and the County Attorney’s Office in matters involving Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS) and Juvenile Delinquency (JD) proceedings for youth placed in the care and custody of the Department;
• Researches and advises Social Service staff on the legal aspects of the Department’s operation, including cases preparation and testifying;
• Assists all units with legal considerations associated with any Department of Social Services related issue;
• Utilizes legal remedies to ensure compliance with New York State Social Services Law (NYSSSL) and/or related laws and regulations;
• Provides in‑service training for all staff relative to interpretation and application of New York State Social Services Law (NYSSSL) and/or related laws and regulations;
• Works closely with State and Federal agencies in establishing, interpreting and administering agency regulations;
• May interview legally responsible relatives of clients;
• Performs a variety of related activities as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Graduation from a school of law with an LL.B. or J.D. degree.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

Possession of a license to practice law in New York State.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: This position is considered to be a public officer. Pursuant to Article 3 of the NYS Public Officers law, the holder of this position must be a United States citizen and a resident of Putnam County or a contiguous county within the State of New York (Dutchess, Orange, Rockland, Westchester).

PREFERRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATION WHEN ASSIGNED TO DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES RESPONSIBILITIES:

Graduation from a school of law with an LL.B. or J.D. degree and two (2) years of paid, full-time experience in the practice of public welfare aspects of municipal law, including: child support, foster care, adoption, child guardianship, and child abuse and neglect proceedings.

PLEASE NOTE: Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education.

NOTE: As consultation and advisory responsibilities in the Child Support division will entail access to protected Federal Tax Information, all prospective appointees to this title must pass a criminal history background check.

SALARY RANGE: $92,000-$100,000, commensurate with experience.

SCHEDULE: Full-Time, Monday-Friday

BENEFITS: 

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

PUTNAM COUNTY – AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER