Review Vacancy
AgencyMotor Vehicles, Department of
TitleLegal Assistant 1 (NYS HELPS)
Bargaining UnitASU - Administrative Services Unit (CSEA)
Salary RangeFrom $54860 to $66634 Annually
Duties Description Counsel’s Office handles as variety of legal matters including lawsuits and contracts, and responds to inquiries from the public, lawyers, and the judiciary. The selected candidate will work in a supportive, team-oriented environment under the direct training and supervision of the Legal Assistant 2. The Legal Assistant 1 will assist attorney-managers and Assistant Counsels by entering cases and other legal matters into a tracking system, will gather and review files for attorneys, will monitor the progression and deadline of cases, correspondence, and other legal matters, and will format, submit and track regulations and legislation.
Responsibilities also include responding to telephone calls and other correspondence from various sources, from both within the Agency and from outside of the Agency. The Legal Assistant 1 will perform and assist with the overall operation of the office, including onboarding and offboarding and ordering supplies and equipment, and will ensure that all technical devices are adequate and in working order.
Minimum Qualifications To be eligible for the Legal Assistant 1, G-14 position you must meet one of the following conditions as detailed below:
NY HELPS*: Two years of full-time experience as a Paralegal/Legal Assistant**
• Substitution: An associate degree (or higher) in paralegal/legal assistant/legal studies program or a certificate in a paralegal/legal assistant program where the degree was granted from a regionally accredited college or university, or one approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) AND one year of experience as a Paralegal/Legal Assistant OR an associate degree in any field where the degree was granted from a regionally accredited college or university, or one approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) AND two years of experience as a Paralegal/Legal Assistant OR graduation from an accredited (ABA approved) law school with a degree required for NYS Bar will be accepted AND two years of full-time experience as a Paralegal/Legal Assistant.
Transfer:
One year of permanent, contingent-permanent, or 55b/c service allocated to a G-12 or higher eligible for transfer under Section 52.6 or Section 70.1 of Civil Service Law or currently serving in the title and eligible for reassignment.
Reinstatement:
If you previously served in this title or in a title otherwise transferable to this title, you may be considered for reinstatement pursuant to Civil Service Law, if it is in the best interest of the agency. If you left state service more than one year ago, the reinstatement must also be approved by the Civil Service Commission. All reinstatements must serve a mandatory 52-week probation period.
55b/c Appointment:
This position is eligible for 55b/c designation and candidates with 55b/c eligibility are encouraged to apply. Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications stated above and must submit their current 55b/c eligibility letter along with their application.
*This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means NO EXAMINATION IS REQUIRED, but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.
At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, WITHOUT HAVING TO TAKE A CIVIL SERVICE TEST. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.
** A Paralegal/Legal Assistant is defined as someone who applies knowledge of the law and legal procedures in rendering direct assistance to lawyers, clients, and courts; prepares and interprets legal documents and forms; researches, compiles, and uses information from legal materials to provide both written and verbal comments on their findings; and analyzes and handles routine procedural problems independently with minimal attorney oversight. Examples of non-qualifying experience: receptionist, records clerk, bookkeeper, office manager.
Additional Comments Hours of the position will be discussed at the time of interview, including questions regarding Flextime, AWS/Compressed work week and Telecommuting.
There are many benefits to working for the DMV! Including:
o Paid Leave
o Paid Holidays
o Pension
o Health Insurance
o Dental & Vision Coverage
o Flex Spending
o Voluntary 457B Retirement Saving Program
o Health Care Spending Account
o Tuition Assistance Programs
o Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
o Transportation Savings Program
o Employee Assistance Programs
For additional information about the benefits of being a state employee, visit the Office of Employee Relations website at https://oer.ny.gov/employee-benefit-programs.
DMV is committed to being a model employer for people with disabilities. DMV’s commitment includes ensuring that the recruitment, application, interviewing and hiring processes are accessible to all job applicants. If you are a job applicant who may need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact DMV’s Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility at diversityandinclusion@dmv.ny.gov.
The Department of Motor Vehicles is committed to diversity and equal opportunity, and to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace, and we encourage all qualified individuals to apply, including people with disabilities or any other protected category under the law. Our goal as an employer is to reflect the diverse identities, experiences and geographies of the communities and customers we serve.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Email Address Emily.Kobello@dmv.ny.gov
Address
Room 321
Notes on ApplyingSend a cover letter, referencing the Vacancy ID noted at the top of this posting, along with your clear and concise resume stating your current Civil Service title, if applicable, and indicating how you believe you meet the qualifications for appointment.
Please note: Candidates applying from outside DMV may be asked for their Social Security number to verify NYS employment history and transfer eligibility.