Senior Attorney/Assistant Attorney 1/2/3 (NY HELPS) WCB Item #2265

About the Role

Under the general direction of an Associate Attorney and/or the Supervising Attorney, the Senior Attorney will assist in the Licensing and Full Board Review (FBR) process, both discretionary and mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Act as a legal resource regarding the Board's licensing of hearing representatives and qualifying officers.
• Participate in monthly licensing interviews, question interviewees on relevant law, and offer recommendations on license renewals.
• Perform legal research and writing to address issues raised by agency staff, Board Members, governmental entities, and external constituents.
• Review applications for Full Board Review under WCL23, draft proposed decisions, and articulate issues, facts, and legal resolutions.
• Review case files in the Board's electronic system (CIS) for Discretionary/Mandatory Full Board Review or Notices of Appeal, draft memoranda of law, and recommend modifications or denials.
• Prepare and defend legal opinions, memoranda, and briefs on Workers' Compensation Law for the Board, Chair, General Counsel, and external parties.
• Respond to complex legal inquiries via written correspondence or telephone from government agencies, claimants, attorneys, and the public.
• Prepare and deliver presentations and Continuing Legal Education lectures as assigned.
• Participate in special legal projects involving legislation, regulations, procedures, forms, and other assignments from General Counsel or supervisors.
• Serve as Senior Attorney in other legal functions within the Office of General Counsel or Adjudication as directed.

Qualifications

This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). For the duration of the program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment. Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications below. At a future date, non-competitive status may convert to competitive status without examination.

• Assistant Attorney 1: Law School graduation (or eligibility to take the NYS Bar Examination).
  • Hiring Rate: $66,951 (Schenectady), $70,951 (Brooklyn).
• Assistant Attorney 2: Admission to NYS Bar.
  • Hiring Rate: $74,193 (Schenectady), $78,193 (Brooklyn).
• Assistant Attorney 3: One year as Assistant Attorney 2 or admission to NYS Bar plus one year of subsequent professional legal experience.
  • Hiring Rate: $82,326 (Schenectady), $86,326 (Brooklyn).
• Senior Attorney: Admission to NYS Bar and two years of post-licensure professional legal experience.
  • Hiring Rate: $96,336 (Schenectady), $100,336 (Brooklyn).

Individuals certified under the 55b/c program (persons/veterans with disabilities) or those eligible for transfer under Civil Service Law (Sections 52.6, 70.1, or 70.4) may also qualify. 70.4 transfer candidates must have one year of competitive service in a SG-16+ position, a bachelor’s degree, and standing on the Legal Specialties exam list.

Benefits

• Holiday & Paid Time Off:
  • 13 paid holidays annually.
  • 13 days paid vacation in year one, increasing with service.
  • 5 days paid personal leave annually.
  • 13 days paid sick leave (PEF/CSEA) or 8 days (M/C) annually.
  • Annual professional and educational leave opportunities.
• Health Care:
  • Affordable health insurance for employees and dependents.
  • Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost.
• Additional Benefits:
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
  • Enrollment in the NYS pension system or Optional Retirement Defined Contribution Plan with 8% salary match.
  • NYS Deferred Compensation and 403(b) Optional Retirement Savings Plan.
  • Paid Parental Leave (all employees) and Paid Family Leave (M/C only).
  • Life insurance options.
  • NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Program.
  • Flexible Spending Program for health care and dependent care expenses.

Schedule

This position requires both in-office and remote work. A hybrid telecommuting schedule can be discussed with the hiring manager during the interview.