Assistant Counsel, Box OEP-129/00182

The duties that the incumbent of the vacancy will be expected to perform. Duties Description The New York State Education Department's (NYSED) Office of Education Policy is seeking candidates for an Assistant Counsel position in the Office of School Personnel Review & Accountability (OSPRA). This Office is responsible for preparing and prosecuting cases against teachers and school administrators who lack the moral character to hold such a credential pursuant to Education Law. OSPRA is also responsible for making determinations concerning whether employment clearances for school district employees should be issued based upon fingerprint supported criminal history background checks. Duties of this positions include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Supervise the OSPRA legal unit and provide necessary supervisory support including but not limited to advice, guidance, and review of attorney work product;
• Provide legal support to OSPRA staff regarding policy, regulations and programmatic decisions related to OSPRA;
• Provide legal support to OSPRA attorneys on case investigations, evidentiary issues, and administrative hearings and appeals;
• Provide legal support to OSPRA investigators on investigations and evidentiary issues;
• Liaise with Office of Counsel on preparation of Board of Regents items;
• Participate in the management of office operations including policy, personnel decisions, staffing, supervision, customer service, correspondence, IT issues, planning, and decision-making;
• Assist the director with special projects, including appeals, vendor contracts, requests from internal and external customers as well as other Federal and State agencies, and ensuring OSPRA's compliance with Federal and State laws and regulations;
• Assist the Director and Investigative Specialist 4 with preparing for and responding to audits by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Division of Criminal Justice Services, and others; and
• Assist the Director with reviewing, preparing, and responding to litigation and various requests for information and records from customers including and related to 3020-a, Freedom of Information Law, civil and grand jury subpoenas, and members of the National Clearinghouse.

The minimum qualifications required for this vacancy. Minimum Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must be admitted to the New York State Bar AND have six years of relevant, post-graduate experience, including significant trial work or administrative hearing experience, demonstrating progressively responsible experience in such areas, in addition to significant supervisor experience. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Preference may be given to candidates who have significant trial work experience handling criminal prosecutions and grand jury investigations, or significant involvement handling adversarial administrative hearings involving employment or licensure, and significant experience working on criminal or administrative investigations in a supervisory capacity. It is essential that candidates clearly and concisely indicate exactly how they meet the above minimum qualifications in their resume. Failure to show how you meet the minimum qualifications above may result in disqualification and removal from consideration.

Additional comments regarding the vacancy. Additional Comments CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: This will be a temporary appointment. This position is in the exempt class and the incumbent will serve at the discretion of the Commissioner of Education. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. Promotions and transfers may change appointees' negotiating unit. Candidates should be aware that changes in negotiating units may affect their salary, insurance, and other benefits. Verification of admission to the New York State Bar will be required at the time of interview for all candidates. Candidates are required to possess of admission to the New York State Bar at the time of hire. Continued employment as an Assistant Counsel is dependent upon maintaining admission to the New York State Bar, including adhering to all relevant professional development and training requirements as specified by the Office of the Professions. Failure to maintain admission to the New York State Bar and current registration will result in removal from employment. This position allows for the opportunity to telecommute up to 30% each bi-weekly pay period and is granted at the discretion of the supervisor and the appointing office. This position will require 2% in-state/Statewide travel. Fingerprinting through the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Division of Criminal Justice Services is required for employment. Fees associated with this process are at the Department's expense. Filling of this position is contingent upon Division of the Budget approval.This position leads to a maximum salary of $145,682 based on annual performance advances. For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts.APPLICATION: Qualified candidates should send a resume and letter of interest by January to (email submissions are preferred). Your resume must clearly indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. You must include the Box number (OEP-129/00182) of the position in the subject line of your email and cover letter to ensure receipt of your application. Links to application materials will not be accepted (i.e., Google Docs). Your social security number may be required to confirm your eligibility.New York State Education Department (NYSED) is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. NYS Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination because of age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, domestic violence victim status, gender identity, prior conviction records, prior arrests, youthful offender adjudications, or sealed records. Interested in a job with New York State, but don't know where to start? Visit these links for information on working for New York State:
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• benefits of working for New York State, including, but not limited to, the following: Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Thirteen (13) paid holidays annually.
• Thirteen (13) days of paid vacation leave in year one, increasing to 20+ days with additional years of service.
• Five (5) days of paid personal leave annually.
• Thirteen (13) days of paid sick leave annually for PEF/CSEA/NYSCOPBA and eight (8) days paid sick leave annually for M/C.
• Annual professional leave and educational leave opportunities for eligible staff.Health Care Benefits
• Eligible employees and dependents can choose from a variety of affordable and generous health insurance programs.
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost.Additional Benefits
• Enrollment in the New York State pension system which has earned the distinction of being one of the best-managed and best-funded plans in the nation OR Optional Retirement Defined Contribution Plan with 8% salary match (eligibility requirements apply).
• NYS Deferred Compensation and an exclusive 403(b) Optional Retirement Savings Plan.
• Paid Parental Leave for all employees and Paid Family Leave (M/C Only).
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
• Opportunities for telecommuting.
• Eligibility for various life insurance options.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.