Social Services Attorney; NY HELPS

Position: Social Services Attorney (NY HELPS)
Microsoft Word - 6820
SOCIAL SERVICES ATTORNEY

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:
This is a professional position involving

the responsibility for providing legal counsel and support for the Ulster County Department of

Social Services (DSS). An employee in this class is responsible for providing legal advice and

representation, as assigned, in matters before the Family Court and appellate courts, as well as

related client proceedings and situations affecting the operation of DSS. The work is performed

under the general direction of the Supervising Social Services Attorney of DSS, with wide

latitude for the exercise of independent judgment and applying legal knowledge to specific

problems and taking appropriate action. Supervision is not normally a function of this class

except over clerical support staff in the normal processing of legal documents and supporting

paperwork. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK

ACTIVITIES:

The typical work activities listed below, while providing

representative examples of the variety of work assignments in the title, do not describe any

individual position. Incumbents in this title may perform some or all of the following, as well as

other related activities not described.

Provides legal counsel and support to the Commissioner, Supervisors, Caseworkers and other

members of the DSS staff;

Prepares a variety of actions related to support issues, as provided for under Social Services

Law;

Provides legal representation for DSS before all courts and administrative bodies in all matters

affecting DSS actions;

Prepares a variety of legal documents in support of ongoing DSS actions;

Prepares briefs and other trial materials and represents the department in Family Court;

Performs a wide range of research projects relating to the department's legal caseload;

Prepares a variety of legal documents, claims and liens in support of DSS resource recovery

efforts;

Participates in legal department meetings;

Works with DSS Investigators and Caseworkers to gather evidentiary information in

preparation for court hearings;

Corresponds with financial institutions, governmental agencies and individuals when necessary

to elicit cooperation in ongoing DSS investigations;

May provide legal representation for DSS interests before all courts and administrative bodies

as required.

Social Services Attorney Page 2

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL

CHARACTERISTICS:
Good knowledge of County Law, Social Services Law and other laws of

the State of New York which have bearing upon the action of counties; good knowledge of State

and Federal regulations and administrative directives regarding social services issues; working

knowledge of insurance, real estate and business practices and procedures; working knowledge

of the array of support services available; ability to express legal arguments clearly written,

orally and before the bar; ability to maintain records and prepare narrative and statistical

reports of a written and verbal nature; ability to establish and maintain successful

relationships with people; ethical conduct in the practice of the law; honesty, courtesy, tact,

physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Graduation from a law school recognized by the University

of the State of New York.

Special Requirement:
In order for an application to be accepted, applicant must indicate

proof of admission to the Bar in New York State.

ULSTER COUNTY Revised:
April 16, 2001

6820 SS ATTY Revised:
July 31, 2003

Classification:
Competitive Revised:
April 5, 2007

6821 SS ATTY PT

Classification:
Non-Competitive

6822 SSATTY HLP

Classification:
Non-Competitive

Union: UCSA

MGT