DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:  This is professional legal work of a complex nature involving the responsibility for representing the County in court cases and in the performance of other legal work.  General supervision is received from the County Attorney. Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only).

• 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;
• Reviews all contracts for completeness, accuracy and compliance;
• 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.

Typical Work Activities are intended only as illustrations of possible types of work that might be appropriately assigned to an incumbent of this title. Work activities that do not appear above are not excluded as appropriate work assignments, as long as they can be reasonably understood to be within the logical limits of the job.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: 

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of law, particularly as concerned with the organization and operation of County departments and agencies; ability to act for and in place of the County Attorney; ability to analyze, appraise, and apply legal principles, facts and precedents to legal problems; ability to express arguments of the law by written and spoken words; ability to prepare and draft legal instruments; ability to organize material; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships; ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing to groups and individuals; ability to deal effectively with people; ethical conduct in the practice of the law; sound professional judgment; tact; confidentiality.

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.

PREFERRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 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.

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.

INTERN NOTE: A candidate lacking possession of a license and current registration to practice law in New York State may be appointed as an INTERN, with the requirement that such license and registration must be obtained within one (1) year of appointment. Such candidate must meet the education requirement as stated above at the time of appointment. A Deputy County Attorney INTERN may perform any and all typical Deputy County Attorney duties excepting any duties which require licensure, such as representing the County at hearings or in court.

12/81; 9/97; 3/00; 11/02; 9/08; 5/23

Exempt Class