Review Vacancy
AgencyState Comptroller, Office of the
TitleLegal Assistant 2, SG-17(NYHELPS)Item# 06708
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $63361 to $80655 Annually
Duties Description Assist with the processing of Damage Claims
• Assists the Associate Attorney with the processing of complex third-party damage claims.
• Acts as point person controlling the Fund’s administrative process by ensuring that deadlines that require Associate Attorney or Director involvement are met.
• Coordinates with the DEC or AG and OSC Legal Services as necessary.
• Handles inquiries from the public, elected officials, attorneys and other stakeholders regarding spills that may result in possible claims filed against the Fund.
• Directs less complex matters down and brings more complex or sensitive matters to the attention of the Associate Attorney or Director.
• Reviews initial preparatory work on claims done by legal assistant 1 and then conducts more extensive review to determine if claims are viable before forwarding to the Associate Attorney.
• Analyzes applicable environmental and other DEC reports related to the claims.
• Drafts recommendation memos, notices and denial letters as directed by the Associate Attorney.
Legal Document Review and Legal Research
• Assists with legal document review including affidavits prepared by the Attorney General, drafting of correspondence, tracking legislation, analysis and research of court decisions and orders.
• Conducts legal research in areas without settled precedent as directed by the Associate Attorney.
Litigation Referral and Collection Support
• Assists the Associate Attorney in preparing litigation discovery document responses to Oil Spill litigation cases brought by the Attorney General.
• Reviews FOIL responses for privilege issues.
• Reviews judgment cases for possible abandoned property and processes any related claims.
• Acts as backup to the Associate Attorney in coordinating responses to requests from the Attorney General’s Office.
Environmental Lien Processing
• Assist the Associate Attorney in the processing and filing of liens including reviewing deeds and other title work to ensure proper parties and lots are being liened, drafting liens and release documents, following up with Attorney General’s office, OSC counsel’s office and county clerks’ offices as necessary.
Minimum Qualifications Do you want a career with a purpose that provides work/life balance? Apply today to join the Office of the New York State Comptroller.
No exam required under the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide (NY HELPS) Program:
Non-Competitive Qualifications for appointment under the NY HELPS Program:
For appointment to a Legal Assistant 2 (SG-17), you must have:
• Three years of full-time experience as a Paralegal/Legal Assistant*
OR
• An associate degree (or higher) in paralegal/legal assistant/legal studies program or a certificate in a paralegal/legal assistant/legal studies 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*
*Definition: A Paralegal/ Legal Assistant is 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.
Competitive Minimum Qualifications:
You must be currently reachable on the appropriate eligible list for this title or eligible to transfer to this title under Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law.
For 70.1 transfer to a Legal Assistant 2, salary grade (SG)-17, you must have one year of permanent competitive, or 55-b/55-c service in an approved title for transfer allocated to an SG-15 or above.
To determine if your current Civil Service title is eligible for transfer to this title, visit the Career Mobility GOT-IT website: Career Mobility Office » GOT-IT (ny.gov)
Appointments via transfer must not result in a second, consecutive transfer with an advancement of more than two S-grades or one M-grade.
Non-Competitive promotion (NCP) qualifications:
You must be a qualified employee of the Office of the New York State Comptroller and have had one year of permanent competitive or 55-b/55-c service as a Legal Assistant 1.
NCP notes:
If the number of interested candidates who meet the promotional qualifications is three or less, the agency; at its discretion, may nominate one or more of the candidates for a noncompetitive promotion without further examination under the provisions of Section 52.7 of the Civil Service Law.
Additional Comments Knowledge, skills, and abilities:
• Associates Degree in paralegal studies supplemented by a four year degree preferred.
• Experience with litigation or real property or collection law desired.
• Proficient in excel and access applications.
• Experience dealing with the public in any field.
Telecommuting: The Office of the New York State Comptroller (OSC) supports telecommuting where it is reasonable to do so based upon the agency’s mission and operational needs. Generally, employees new to OSC will be restricted from telecommuting for at least 8 calendar weeks. After the initial 8 calendar week restriction, if an employee’s primary residence location, duties, and work performance are aligned with telecommuting and operational needs they may be allowed to do so. Generally, OSC employees may telecommute up to 5 days per pay period but may be approved to telecommute less.
Reasonable Accommodation: The NYS Office of the State Comptroller provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Division of Human Resources at (518) 474-1924.
Equal Opportunity Employment: The Office of the NYS Comptroller values a workforce with a broad, diverse range of backgrounds and perspectives. All employees are expected to contribute to a professional environment focused on self-evaluation and improvement, as well as acceptance and support of coworkers.
The Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) does not participate in E-Verify and does not sponsor visa applications.
OSC offers competitive salaries and benefits, and opportunities for advancement, continuing education, and professional development. We provide a professional environment where employees are encouraged to push themselves while maintaining work-life balance. Our generous benefits package includes:
• A state pension with vesting after five years’ service
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance available to all employees and their dependents
• Flexible spending accounts for dependent and health care
• Productivity Enhancement Program (PEP), allowing eligible employees to exchange previously accrued leave in return for a credit to be applied toward their health insurance
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• NYS Deferred Compensation plan
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds
• Holiday and paid time off
• Shift and geographic pay differentials
• A committed continuous learning environment
• Informational Brown Bag sessions
• Wellness at Work Programs to promote employee health and wellness
• OSC Mentoring Program to network, contribute, and provide an opportunity to strengthen competencies in a variety of areas
• And much more
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Address
Street Office of the New York State Comptroller, Division of Human Resources
110 State Street, 12th Floor
Notes on ApplyingSubmit a clear, concise cover letter and resume stating how you meet the above minimum qualifications to https://www.osc.ny.gov/jobs/openings/legal-assistant-2/052541. Reference Item #06708-JCF on your cover letter for proper routing.
Unofficial transcripts and/or templates will be required for certain positions. To access this job vacancy, copy the link above and paste it into your web browser. Documents must be sent as unlocked and accessible attachments.
If you have questions about this vacancy, please contact this Division representative:
Division Contact: Debbie Hilson
Email Address: dhilson@osc.ny.gov