Social Services Attorney

SOCIAL SERVICES ATTORNEY

Distinguishing Features of the Class :

The work involves responsibility for the performance of professional legal work dealing with all aspects of the Social Services program. The work is carried out in accordance with established strict legal procedures and involves the gathering and assessing of background information on the resources and other aspects of recipients' activities, the making of conclusions, and the appearance in court on behalf of the County in matters involving the Social Services program. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Senior DSS Attorney with wide leeway allowed for the exercise of independent judgment in determining what actions are to be taken in specific cases and the manner in which legal matters are to be undertaken and carried out to the conclusions. Does related work as required.

Typical Work Activities :

• Investigates questionable aspects of DSS recipients' activities and resources by means of conferences and questionnaires;
• Determines the most appropriate manner of dealing with the disposition of cases involving fraud or undeclared, concealed, or unknown resources;
• Advises the activities of Social Services personnel engaged in investigations and the preparation of legal documents, where necessary;
• Prepares cases involving violations of Social Services laws and appears in court to prosecute cases;
• Prepares legal documents and Court orders in Family Court and other court matters.
• Investigates and advises Social Services personnel on the legal aspects of adoption matters, child support, delinquency, neglect, and other child welfare matters; and
• Other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned.

Full Performance, Knowledges, Skills, Abilities and Personal Characteristics :

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of common law and of county, state, and federal laws as they apply to social services in New York State; Thorough knowledge of civil and criminal court procedures and the rules of evidence; Working knowledge of the County Law in New York State; Good knowledge of the general functions and administrative activities of the County Department of Social Services; Ability to analyze, appraise, and apply legal principles, facts, and precedents to legal problems; Ability to prepare legal briefs and documents; Ability to express thoughts and legal arguments clearly by means of both the written and spoken word; Ability to perform legal research and investigative tasks; Ability to get along with others; Good address; Good command of language; Sound professional judgment; Tact and courtesy; Initiative and resourcefulness.

Minimum Qualifications :

Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State certified law school.

Special Requirements :

Admission to the Bar of the State of New York is required at the time of appointment.

Civil Service Jurisdictional Classification : Exempt

This description is a representative summary of the major responsibilities and accountabilities performed by incumbents in this job title. The incumbent may not perform all of the specified duties nor are the listed examples exhaustive. Incumbents may be requested to perform related tasks other than those stated herein. 

To apply, please submit your civil service application, resume, cover letter, references, and a copy of your attorney's license to Allegany County Human Resources & Civil Service, 7 Court Street, Room 216, Belmont, NY 14813. Please visit our website  ( for the complete job description and the civil service application.