Review Vacancy
AgencyIndigent Legal Services, Office of
TitleAssistant Counsel (working title: Director of Quality Enhancement for Parental Representation)
Occupational CategoryNo Preference
Bargaining UnitM/C - Management / Confidential (Unrepresented)
Salary RangeFrom $101403 to $115000 Annually
Minimum Qualifications JD degree; admission to, or willingness to seek admission to, the New York State Bar; and five years of experience in the practice of law subsequent to admission to the Bar.
The ideal candidate will have 10 or more years’ experience in representing low-income parents in Family Court matters; a demonstrated commitment to improving the quality of constitutionally and statutorily mandated representation; and a collegial and collaborative approach to project management. Experience supervising others is also desirable.
Duties Description The Director of Quality Enhancement for Parental Representation is responsible for fulfilling the Office’s responsibility to “make efforts to improve the quality of services provided pursuant to article 18-B of the county law” with respect to the representation of indigent parents in Family Court proceedings. The incumbent of this position reports to the Director of the Office of Indigent Legal Services (ILS) (“ILS Director”) and oversees a unit that includes a Parental Representation Attorney and a Family Court Program Associate.
Responsibilities include:
• Examines, evaluates, and monitors the legal services provided in each county and New York City to parents in Family Court proceedings pursuant to Article 18-B of the County Law.
• Supervises the Parental Representation Attorney, the Family Court Program Associate, and any additional staff hired by ILS to work towards improving the quality of legal representation provided to indigent parents in Family Court matters.
• Coordinates with the ILS Director of Research and the Family Court Senior Research Associate on the collection and analysis of data concerning the representation of indigent parents in Family Court matters.
• Encourages and supports innovative and cost-effective solutions that enhance the provision of quality indigent legal services, including collaborative efforts serving multiple counties.
• Makes recommendations to the ILS Director on steps to improve the quality of representation provided to indigent parents in Family Court matter, including but not limited to, establishing standards, criteria, and a process for such representation.
• Serves as the ILS liaison on various initiatives external to ILS regarding Family Court matters as a means of influencing systems that impact the quality of representation.
• Coordinates with counties and New York City on the joint initiative with the NYS Office of Children and Family Services to obtain federal Title IV-E funding; assists counties and New York City in developing the Quality Enhancement Plans necessary to access this funding; and tracks utilization of this funding opportunity.
• Works with the ILS Director, Counsel, and Assistant Counsel on identifying how best to secure State funding for improved quality representation, and how to most effectively use the funding available, including assistance in developing grant award opportunities.
• Undertakes such other activities as may be requested by the ILS Director in furtherance of the Office’s overall responsibility to make efforts to improve the quality of indigent legal services representation.
All case-related information and knowledge obtained in the performance of these duties will be treated as confidential information.
Additional Comments The mission of Indigent Legal Services (ILS) is to improve the representation provided to New Yorkers facing criminal charges or family litigation who cannot afford counsel. Our agency’s work is transforming criminal defense and parental representation, while helping people in crisis achieve greater justice in criminal cases and maintain family integrity. Join us to help shape policy and practice statewide and to have a profound impact on justice statewide. Become part of a team of dedicated professionals who share your commitment to a more fair and just society.
ILS is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace. These values not only guide our work; we believe they are essential to fulfilling our mission to improve mandated representation in New York State. ILS staff share responsibility for creating a more inclusive workplace. Diverse voices and perspectives only strengthen our ability to create transformational change. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
ILS welcomes candidates regardless of age, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, military or veteran status, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital or family status, domestic violence victim status, or arrest record or criminal conviction history.
We offer a comprehensive New York State benefits package, including:
• Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision Care Benefits
• Life Insurance
• Paid Personal Leave, Vacation, Sick Leave, and Holidays
• Paid Family Leave
• Health Care Spending Account
• Dependent Care Advantage Account
• Membership in the New York State and Local Employees’ Retirement System
• Voluntary Defined Contribution Plan
• Deferred Compensation Plan
ILS employees are eligible to apply to telecommute part-time and/or adjust work hours in accordance with ILS’s policies, subject to supervisor approval.
The Capital Region is a great place to live with a low cost-of living in neighborhoods ranging from urban to rural within a short commute. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or an arts aficionado, there is something for everyone. From the beautiful mountains that surround the city to the historic churches and museums and pre-Revolutionary War architecture. With a 300-year history, there’s much to enjoy and explore.
Employees may be able to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). For more information on PSLF, please visit www.studentaid.gov/publicservice.
The State of New York is committed to assuring equal opportunity for persons with disabilities. Requests for reasonable accommodations should be submitted to the Designee for Reasonable Accommodations (DRA) and Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator at DEEO@OGS.NY.Gov.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Email Address HRresumes@ogs.ny.gov
Address
Street NYS Office of General Services
HRM 31st Floor Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza
Notes on ApplyingPlease submit cover letter along with a clear and concise resume detailing how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position as listed in Specifics and indicate the Position Title & Vacancy ID number for which you are applying.