<p>Please note: State agencies that contact job applicants do not usually request personal or financial information via text message or over the phone in connection with your response to a job posting. If you are contacted for such information by these methods, or any other method, please verify the identity of the individual before transmitting such information to that person.</p> <p>Note: For questions about the job posting, please contact the agency that posted this position by using the contact information provided on the "Contact" tab for the position.</p> <p>Review Vacancy</p> <p>Date Posted 06/02/25</p> <p>Applications Due06/17/25</p> <p>Vacancy ID189157</p> <ul> <li>Basics </li><li>Schedule </li><li>Location </li><li>Job Specifics </li><li>How to Apply </li></ul> <p>NY HELPNo</p> <p>AgencyChildren & Family Services, Office of</p> <p>TitleDeputy Counsel</p> <p>Occupational CategoryLegal</p> <p>Salary GradeNS</p> <p>Bargaining UnitM/C - Managerial/Confidential (Unrepresented)</p> <p>Salary RangeFrom $137457 to $173664 Annually</p> <p>Employment Type Full-Time</p> <p>Appointment Type Permanent</p> <p>Jurisdictional Class Exempt Class</p> <p>Travel Percentage 0%</p> <p>Workweek Mon-Fri</p> <p>Hours Per Week 37.5</p> <p>Workday</p> <p>From 9 AM</p> <p>To 5 PM</p> <p>Flextime allowed? No</p> <p>Mandatory overtime? No</p> <p>Compressed workweek allowed? No</p> <p>Telecommuting allowed? Yes</p> <p>County Rensselaer</p> <p>Street Address Capital View Office Park - Legal</p> <p>52 Washington Street</p> <p>City Rensselaer</p> <p>StateNY</p> <p>Zip Code12144</p> <p>Duties Description The 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.</p> <p>This position will be responsible for oversight of all legal matters as it pertains to the Division of Child Welfare and Community Services, while also managing the Division's Freedom of Information (FOIL) Unit. The position is essential in day-to-day operations of the Legal Division and works directly with the agency's General Counsel. The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:</p> <ul> <li>Planning, organizing and directing the work of the assigned legal bureaus; </li><li>Developing and implementing policies and procedures that affect the agency and its Legal Division; </li><li>Recommending, researching, drafting and negotiating proposed legislation that will impact OCFS; </li><li>Assisting with the development of the Legal Division's annual budget; </li><li>Advising and guiding the Counsel and Deputy Commissioners on legal issues and matters of risk mitigation; </li><li>Serving as the agency's Counsel in her absence; </li><li>Conducting legal research and drafting legal memoranda; </li><li>Collaborating with OCFS managers and the New York State Attorney General's Office on agency-related litigation; </li><li>Working with agency staff to manage and respond to Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests and audits; </li><li>Managing and overseeing several legal units within the Division of Legal Affairs that provide legal support and advice to all agency program areas; and </li><li>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. </li></ul> <p>Additional duties will be discussed in detail during the interview.</p> <p>Minimum Qualifications Law 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.</p> <p>Admission to the New York State Bar and current registration to practice law in New York State is required for continued employment.</p> <p>Strong analytical, written, and interpersonal communication skills.</p> <p>Additional Comments Free parking available.</p> <p>Background Investigation Requirements:</p> <p>1) All prospective employees will be investigated through a Criminal Background Check (CBC), which includes State and federal Criminal History Record Checks. All convictions must be reported; conviction of a felony or misdemeanor, or any falsified or omitted information on the prospective appointee's employment application, may bar appointment or result in removal after appointment. Each case will be determined on its own merits, consistent with the applicable provisions of State and federal laws, rules, and regulations. Prospective employees will be fingerprinted in order to obtain a record of their criminal history information, and may be required to pay any necessary fees.</p> <p>2) All prospective employees will be screened against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR). Prospective employees will be required to pay any necessary fees.</p> <p>3) For Division of Juvenile Justice and Opportunities for Youth (DJJOY) prospective appointees will be checked against the Staff Exclusion List (SEL) maintained by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. Prospective employees whose names appear on the SEL as having been found responsible for serious or repeated acts of abuse or neglect will be barred from appointment and may have their names removed from the eligible list(s) for the title(s) if applicable.</p> <p>The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) is an equal opportunity employer. OCFS does not discriminate based upon age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status, sex, disability (including pregnancy-related conditions), predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status, or status as a victim of domestic violence, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We devote special attention to dismantling racial injustice and recognize that diversity in our workforce is critical to fulfilling our mission. We are committed to the diversity of our staff and encourage applicants from marginalized communities to apply. In furtherance of Executive Order 31 and OCFS's mission to have a diverse workforce, all people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. All applicants must be dedicated to working in and sustaining an environment of inclusion that affirms and celebrates the backgrounds, learned, and lived expertise, whole identities, and individual perspectives of our staff. Applicants of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.</p> <p>Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.</p> <p>Name New York State Office of Children and Family Services</p> <p>Telephone 518-473-7936</p> <p>Fax 518-473-6122</p> <p>Email Address eoajobpostings@ocfs.ny.gov</p> <p>Address</p> <p>Street Bureau of Personnel - MAA</p> <p>52 Washington Street, 231 North</p> <p>City Rensselaer</p> <p>State NY</p> <p>Zip Code 12144</p> <p>Notes on ApplyingQualified candidates should e-mail their resume and letter of interest to eoajobpostings@ocfs.ny.gov You MUST include the Vacancy number of the position in the subject line of your email and/or cover letter to ensure receipt of your application. In order to qualify you for the position when you have current or prior New York State employment, you may be contacted by OCFS Personnel for your social security number to confirm your employment history.</p>