Putnam County, New York is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Deputy County Attorney (Social Services). This position works in the Department of Law, assigned legal tasks related to the Department of Social Services. This position is in the Exempt jurisdictional class under New York State Civil Service Law.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: This is professional legal work of a complex nature involving the responsibility for representing the County in court cases and in the performance of other legal work. General supervision is received from the County Attorney. Performs related work as required.

WHEN ASSIGNED TO SERVE THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES:

• Represents the Department in Family Court matters involving child abuse and neglect, foster care, adoption, other child welfare proceedings, and child support matter;
• Represents the Department at administrative fair hearings;
• Represents the Department and consults with Social Services staff and the County Attorney’s Office in matters involving Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS) and Juvenile Delinquency (JD) proceedings for youth placed in the care and custody of the Department;
• Researches and advises Social Service staff on the legal aspects of the Department’s operation, including cases preparation and testifying;
• Assists all units with legal considerations associated with any Department of Social Services related issue;
• Utilizes legal remedies to ensure compliance with New York State Social Services Law (NYSSSL) and/or related laws and regulations;
• Provides in‑service training for all staff relative to interpretation and application of New York State Social Services Law (NYSSSL) and/or related laws and regulations;
• Works closely with State and Federal agencies in establishing, interpreting and administering agency regulations;
• May interview legally responsible relatives of clients;
• Performs a variety of related activities as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Graduation from a school of law with an LL.B. or J.D. degree.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

Possession of a license and current registration to practice law in the State of New York.

PREFERRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS WHEN ASSIGNED TO DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES RESPONSIBILITIES: Graduation from a school of law with an LL.B. or J.D. degree and two (2) years of paid, full-time experience in the practice of public welfare aspects of municipal law, including: child support, foster care, adoption, child guardianship, and child abuse and neglect proceedings.

NOTE: Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education.

NOTE:As consultation and advisory responsibilities in the Child Support division will entail access to protected Federal Tax Information, all prospective appointees to this title must pass a criminal history background check.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT*: This position is considered to be a public officer. The holder of this position must be a United States citizen and a resident of Putnam County or a contiguous County, and maintain residency for the duration of employment.

*Pursuant to Public Officers Law Article 2, Section 3, 55

SCHEDULE: Full-Time, Monday-Friday

STARTING SALARY: $120,000

BENEFITS:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

APPLICATION: 

Applications and resumes may be submitted to the Putnam County Personnel Department by mail or email:

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Putnam County Personnel Department

110 Old Route 6, Bldg 3

Carmel NY, 10512