Job Description
The Bureau of Mental Health's (BMH) mission is to improve mental health and wellness for people in New York City, and to eliminate racial and other long-standing societal disparities by providing services, resources, and opportunities to New Yorkers that are grounded in accurate, data-driven information that fosters community participation, thus reducing the stigma around mental health.
The Office of Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) is responsible for the management and oversight of the Assisted Outpatient Treatment Program in New York City. The New York State Legislature passed Kendra's law as an amendment to the Mental Hygiene Law to allow for outpatient civil commitment of individuals with histories of serious mental illness, difficulty engaging in rehabilitation, and who present high risk to themselves or the community. The program enables these individuals to live safely in the community, avoid repeated inpatient hospitalizations, and ensure they have access to comprehensive outpatient services.
Position Summary:
Represent the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on legal matters, primarily but not limited to cases that arise from MHY Law 9.60, otherwise known as Kendra's Law or Assisted Outpatient Treatment.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Senior Legal Counsel for AOT, the AOT Attorney will:
Draft petitions, motions, and appeals for court-ordered treatment for psychiatric patients and represent the Health Department at the corresponding hearings and jury trials.
Work collaboratively with the program staff and other attorneys to prepare for and litigate such matters.
Provide legal guidance to the AOT program on mental hygiene matters in general and AOT matters in particular and assist in monitoring the workflow.
Ensure compliance with deadlines, as well as provide counsel on legal and policy issues.
Work with and/or collaborate with outside governmental agencies as needed including, but not limited to, the New York State Office of Mental Health, Mental Hygiene Legal Service and the Office of Court Administration.
Collaborate with hospitals located in New York City to help them facilitate patient referrals to the AOT Program and assist them in completing AOT petitions.
Participate in meetings regarding AOT policy.
Travel to courts, various health department offices and hospitals/clinics within New York City.
Perform other duties, such as but not limited to, drafting agreements and conducting legal research within OGC as assigned by Executive Agency Counsel.
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Preferred Skills:
Experience or interest in public health is a plus.
Experience conducting legal research using online platforms such as Westlaw.
Why you should work for us:
Benefits: City employees are entitled to unmatched benefits such as:
o a premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment.
o additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position's associated union/benefit fund.
o a public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
o a tax-deferred savings program and
o a robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers.
Work From Home Policy: Depending on your position, you may be able to work up to two days during the week from home.
Job Security - you could enjoy more job security compared to private sector employment and be able to contribute to making NYC a healthy place to live and work.
Established in 1805, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department) is the oldest and largest health department in the U.S., dedicated to protecting and improving the health of NYC. Our mission is to safeguard the health of every resident and cultivate a city where everyone, regardless of age, background, or location, can achieve their optimal health. We provide a wide array of programs and services focused on food and nutrition, anti-tobacco support, chronic disease prevention, HIV/AIDS treatment, family and child health, environmental health, mental health, and social justice initiatives. As the primary population health strategist and policy authority for NYC, with a rich history of public health initiatives and scientific advancements, from addressing the 1822 yellow fever outbreak to the COVID-19 pandemic, we serve as a global leader in public health innovation and expertise.
Come join us and help to continue our efforts in making a difference in the lives of all New Yorkers!
The NYC Health Department is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation to all individuals. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Sye-Eun Ahn, Director of the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, at sahn1@health.nyc.gov or 347-396-6549.
AGENCY ATTORNEY - 30087
Qualifications
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).
Incumbents must remain Members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.
In addition to meeting the minimum Qualification Requirements:
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.
Additional Information
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
Salary Min: $ 83,000.00
Salary Max: $112,052.00
