Director of the Employment Law Unit

Job Description

The Office of General Counsel (OGC) provides legal advice and assistance to the entire agency. Specifically, OGC works to ensure that the innovative programs and initiatives of the NYC Health Department are supported by a dedicated legal team. The OGC is comprised of team members who work in a variety of areas including legal affairs (legal and policy analysis; health code enforcement; records access), contracts, privacy, and employment law. OGC also houses the Institutional Review Board and attorneys working in the Assisted Outpatient Treatment program.

The Employment Law Unit (ELU) is a vital program situated within OGC. With jurisdiction over the 7,000 employees in the agency and the 800 employees in the Office of Chief Medical Examiner ELU investigates, mediates, and prosecutes matters relating to, but not limited to, employee misconduct and fitness for duty. ELU also provides legal assistance to the OGC regarding varied assignments and participates in mandatory Agency-wide activities for emergency preparedness.

Job Description

The OGC seeks to hire a Director of ELU to provide sound recommendations and counsel to Agency managers regarding complex legal matters and zealously advocate in the best interests of the Agency.

The Director of ELU will manage the administration of disciplinary cases exercising wide discretion in determining the appropriate investigation; strategize with managers about the appropriate course of disciplinary action; negotiate with Unions and private attorneys; and oversee all phases of necessary litigation, from drafting disciplinary charges through appeals at OLR, OATH, OCB arbitrations, and Civil Service Commission.

The Director will supervise a sizeable caseload handled by a small staff of skilled litigators, investigatory staff, and administrative staff.

Additionally, the ELU Director will support Agency-wide compliance with the conflicts of interest law; and lead the Agency liaison to COIB regarding their evaluation and response to inquiries concerning the conflicts of interest law and requests for advice and support of waivers from COIB.

Preferred Skills

Hold a JD from an accredited law school, member in good standing of the New York State Bar.

Have a minimum of 10 years of legal experience, including 5 years in government or administrative law.

Have a minimum of 5 years of litigation experience.

Have a minimum of 5 years of municipal or government conflicts of interest or codes of ethics legal experience.

Be experienced in providing legal counsel in a government organization.

Demonstrated commitment to advancing health equity and supporting racial justice.

Possess clear writing ability for extensive internal and external communications.

Excellent communication skills, including emotional intelligence and connections building with external stakeholders.

High-level proficiency in conflict management techniques such as negotiation, mediation, and compromise.

Knowledge of Employment Law, including New York State Civil Service Laws, New York City Conflicts of Interest Law, and relevant disciplinary rules affecting New York City employees.

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