Senior Assistant County Attorney (DCFS Legal Bureau)

Dutchess County Attorney’s Office, located in Poughkeepsie, seeks a Senior Assistant County Attorney (“SACA”) for the Department of Community and Family Services (“DCFS”) Legal Bureau. The incumbent must possess the ability to perform the duties of the office with a high degree of competence and commitment and must have proven an ability to provide legal counsel and advice independent of the need for direct supervision. The position may provide general direction to Assistant County Attorneys, Law Assistants, and clerical personnel.

The ideal candidate will be detail oriented, highly organized, and able to work independently. We seek a creative problem-solver who is eager to learn, and who possesses excellent written and oral communication skills.

SACAs represent DCFS in child welfare and child support cases in Family Court, adult welfare cases in Supreme Court and fair hearings conducted by administrative law judges. SACAs participate in all aspects of investigations, including working directly with law enforcement, DCFS case workers, assigned attorneys and DCFS staff as necessary. They draft and/or review petitions, applications, motions and orders, respond to motions, prepare for fact-finding hearings, evaluate cases, negotiate settlements where appropriate, prepare, review, and/or argue pre and post-judgment motions and appeals as necessary and attend meetings and court as required.

Travel in the course of a workday may be required and assignments outside of normal working hours may be given.

RECOMMENDED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Admission to the New York State Bar and a member in good standing.

• Two years of experience in child welfare and child support proceedings is preferred but not required.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

Candidate must possess a valid New York State driver’s license at the time of employment and to maintain the position.

FINGERPRINTING: A fingerprint supported background investigation is required before an appointment is made to some positions. Pursuant to New York State Executive Law, the Division of Criminal Justice Services requires that a fee accompany each such request for a search. It is due once a job offer is made and accepted by the applicant.

NOTE: This is a union position under the Dutchess Staff Association and includes a comprehensive benefit package (health insurance, NYS retirement system, Deferred Compensation Plan, comprehensive benefit time package, paid continuing legal education, paid attorney registration fee and more).

Submit a cover letter and resume to:

E-mail: rjwhispell@dutchessny.gov

OR

Dutchess County Attorney’s Office

ATTN: Rachel J. Whispell, Confidential Legal Secretary

22 Market Street, 5th Floor

Poughkeepsie, New York 12601

An EEO/AA Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $99,118.00 - $121,542.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person