Assistant Chief Integrity & Standards Officer (ATTORNEY)

About the role

The New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) seeks an attorney to serve as the agency’s Assistant Chief Integrity and Standards Officer, supporting the newly established Integrity and Standards Office (ISO).

Responsibilities

• Act on behalf of the Chief Integrity & Standards Officer, as delegated or in their absence, including overseeing operations, investigative staff and their work product, and representing the office internally and externally.
• Aid in the day-to-day administrative management of the ISO, including staff time and leave management, training and development, scheduling, resources, workflow and operational needs.
• Manage a caseload of integrity investigations involving allegations of misconduct or other alleged integrity related infractions by OCME employees or affiliates. Conduct complaint intake and triage, interview witnesses; gather and analyze evidence; draft investigative memoranda and findings and make referrals to appropriate internal or external entities as warranted.
• Analyze and interpret applicable rules, regulations, codes, and agency policies. Draft, develop and implement ISO policies, standards operating procedures, protocols and guidance documents to support the Office’s integrity, investigative and compliance functions.
• Assist in the facilitation, implementation, and continuous monitoring of Policy and Procedure recommendations arising from external reviews, to strengthen compliance, accountability and operational effectiveness across OCME.
• Participate in the development and execution of audits and internal controls to detect and prevent instances of unethical or improper conduct.
• Assist in the development and delivery of integrity training for all OCME employees tailored to various roles and delivered through multiple platforms, including in-person and video-based instruction while fostering understanding and engagement.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on relevant matters involving OCME; coordinate with DOI, district attorney offices, NYPD, and other law enforcement or prosecutorial agencies on investigations as needed.
• Coordinate and collaborate closely with the Employee Law Unit of NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), OCME’s parent agency, OCME Human Resources and General Counsel on internal disciplinary matters, related investigations, findings, recommendations and outcomes.
• Draft disciplinary charges and represent the agency in administrative tribunals, working closely with DOHMH to ensure compliance and effective case management.
• Develop and monitor key performance metrics to enhance the effectiveness of investigations and case management.
• Conduct unannounced field inspections of OCME staff and facilities in Manhattan and outer boroughs on varying days/hours on a recurring basis to assess compliance with agency policies and operational practices, identify potential integrity or compliance concerns, and document inspection findings, observations and corrective recommendations. Discuss corrective actions with relevant stakeholders.
• Draft investigative reports, memoranda, and formal findings with recommended disciplinary actions, corrective measures, or procedural reforms; track trends and recurring issues, and present data-driven summaries and briefings to Chief Integrity & Standards Officer to inform strategic decision-making around ethics, compliance, and risk mitigation.
• Serve as a witness in disciplinary proceedings and legal forums as needed.
• Perform confidential assignments and high-impact special projects as directed by the Chief Integrity & Standards Officer.
• Remain on-call and available 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to respond to operational needs and large-scale fatality events.
• Operate a motor vehicle as required for investigative fieldwork and site inspections.

Requirements

• Admission to the New York State Bar; and either "2" or "3" below.
• One year of satisfactory United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar; or
• Six months of satisfactory service as an Agency Attorney Interne (30086).

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: Admission to the New York State Bar; and either "2" or "3" below.
• To be assigned to Assignment Level (AL) II, candidates must have one year of experience at Assignment Level I or two years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment.
• To be assigned to AL III candidates must have two years of experience in Assignment Levels I and/or II or three years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment.

Preferred Skills

• Valid driver’s license and ability to conduct field work across all the City and OCME locations is required.
• Four years of recent full-time responsible, relevant, satisfactory legal experience subsequent to admission to any bar, eighteen months of which must have been in the supervision of other attorneys, in an administrative, managerial or executive capacity, or performing highly complex and significant legal work.
• Demonstrated knowledge of employment law, labor relations, and disciplinary procedures, with the ability to apply legal standards to investigations involving workplace misconduct, retaliation, and policy violations.
• Comfortable responding to death scenes and operating within mortuary environments, including exposure to decedents and sensitive forensic conditions, while maintaining professionalism and composure.
• Direct experience overseeing or conducting investigations involving employee misconduct, corruption, or fraud.
• Familiarity with New York City government operations, interagency protocols, and coordination with oversight bodies such as DOI.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to brief executive leadership, prepare investigative reports, and present complex findings clearly and concisely.
• Proficiency in reviewing policies and procedures for legal, ethical, and operational compliance.
• High level of discretion, sound judgment, and ability to manage confidential and politically sensitive matters.
• Unwavering commitment to public service, ethical leadership, and integrity in upholding OCME’s mission and responsibilities.