Review Vacancy
AgencyCriminal Justice Services, Division of
TitleLegal Assistant 2 (NY HELPS)
Occupational CategoryOther Professional Careers
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $59724 to $76029 Annually
Minimum Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: NON-COMPETITIVE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
You must have either:
1: a bachelor's degree (or higher) in a paralegal/legal assistant program from a regionally accredited college or university, or college or university accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) or one approved by the American Bar Association (ABA); AND one year of subsequent full-time experience as a Paralegal/Legal Assistant;
Or 2: an associate's degree (or higher) in a paralegal/legal assistant program OR a certificate in a paralegal/legal assistant program where either the degree or certificate was granted from a regionally accredited college or university accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) or one approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) AND two years of subsequent full-time experience as a Paralegal/Legal Assistant.
NY HELPS: 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 maybe 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 this time, agencies may recruit and hire employees by making temporary appointments. In May 2024, if a temporary NY HELPS employee is satisfactorily performing in the position, the appointment will be changed from temporary pending Civil Service Commission Action to permanent non-competitive and the official probationary period will begin.
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 compete in an examination. 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.
COMPETITIVE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Permanent service in this title or one year of permanent competitive or 55-b/c service in a title SG-15 or higher and otherwise eligible for transfer under Civil Service Law.
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Preferred Qualifications:
• Prior knowledge of criminal law is helpful for this position, but not required.
• Solid organizational skills and tracking cases and attention to detail.
• Ability to proactively manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing needs and issues.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
Duties Description The Legal Assistant 2 (SG-17) will be assigned to the Board of Examiners of Sex Offenders (BOE) and will report directly to the Chairperson and the Board members, one of whom is also designated as the agency’s Records Access Officer. The incumbent will assist the Chairperson, who handles all of the litigation brought against the Board, and the Records Access Officer, who handles all public requests made to the Board under the Freedom of Information Law (“FOIL”). The bulk of the duties will focus on obtaining records and providing analysis for the registration for sex offenders from other jurisdictions. Duties will include but not be limited to:
When out of state offenders’ cases are referred to the Board:
• Request case records from other state’s agencies, such as prosecutor’s offices, courts, police agencies, and/or sex offender registries.
• Provide the Chairperson with the relevant state, federal, country, or military statute for the relevant sex offense.
• Draft initial standard notification letter to offenders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
When in litigation:
• Independently request legal representation pursuant to Public Officers
Law from the Office of the Attorney General and prepare related paperwork to be signed by Chairperson.
• Log and track litigation received.
• Prepare correspondence to sex offenders and other stakeholders.
• Draft various legal documents and assist in the preparation for litigation by completing a variety of activities.
• Draft responsive motions or answers, affidavits, affirmations, briefs, or other motion-related papers.
• Perform document review, including the use of electronic discovery.
• Review discovery demands and work closely with Chairperson to prepare responses, including organizing discovery materials.
• Organize, prepare, and draft and/or edit motions for summary judgment and/or motions to dismiss.
• Work with the Chairperson to edit motion papers or briefs as needed.
• Respond to subpoenas served on the Board.
• Analyze adversaries' responses for their sufficiency and evaluate any objections received.
• Draft responses to interrogatories, notices to admit, and requests for documents.
• Scan and digitally organize litigation files.
• Analyze and process interim and dispositive decisions and orders.
• Prepare final summaries/documents for file closing.
• Review and propose changes in legislation, including drafting language and making revisions, and manage related bill tracking activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
When in receipt of FOIL requests:
• Review administrative procedures, opinions of the Committee on Open Government, and assist in evaluating records to determine which records or portions of records are exempt from production under the Freedom of Information Act and why.
• Review and redact records to prepare them for release to the individual or corporation that has requested records under the Freedom of Information Law.
• Research and follow the development of policies, procedures and legislation that relate to the Freedom of Information Law.
• Assist in the development and/or updating of agency guidelines and procedures relevant to FOIL.
• Use and assist with maintaining and, where possible, improving the agency FOIL tracking and reporting system.
• Oversee the process of opening, closing, and maintaining FOIL matters.
• Obtain responsive documents in accordance with statutory time limits.
• Research caselaw on legal issues that may arise.
• Copy and prepare certification for Mental Hygiene Law Article 10 civil management records.
• Scan, send and track recommendations to courts for risk level hearings for sex offenders.
• Respond and oversee responses to inquiries from the public.
• Prepare memoranda as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Additional Comments Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. DCJS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: The NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Unit at DEI@dcjs.ny.gov or (518) 485-1704.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Email Address DCJSJobs@dcjs.ny.gov
Address
Alfred E. Smith Building
Notes on ApplyingPlease send a cover letter and resume to the email address above. Please reference posting # 154109 on your cover letter.
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