Impartial Hearing Office Legal Advisor, OGC (L3)

Job Title Impartial Hearing Office Legal Advisor, OGC (L3) – 25638 Job Details Level: L3 Division/Office: Office of the General Counsel Borough: Brooklyn Posting End Date: 12/31/2026 Description Position Summary : Under the direction of the Senior Director of the Impartial Hearing Office, this role supports all activities related to the docketing and administration of special education due process hearings pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The officer serves as an advisor on policy decisions, manages pre‑ and post‑hearing activities, and maintains confidentiality of all filings and proceedings to ensure NYCPS compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Reporting Reports to: Senior Director, IHO Direct Reports: N/A Key Relationships Supports the Senior Director in liaison roles with NYSED’s P–12 Due Process Unit, the NYS Unified Court System’s Alternative Community Dispute Resolution Centers (CDRCs), NYC Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings Special Education Hearings Division (OATH SEHD), City Hall, and the Corporation Counsel of the City of New York. The officer collaborates with counsel on legal matters, maintains interagency relationships with various OGC offices, and works closely with committees on special education, school leadership units, parents, attorneys, advocates, and community groups. Responsibilities Advise the Senior Director in formulating policy related to due process and education of children with disabilities. Oversee docketing, data collection, file management, and hearing administration for approximately 220,000 students with disabilities. Provide guidance and support for the Mediation Liaison and submit policy recommendations to NYCPS offices and NYSED. Maintain knowledge of current federal and NYS regulations relevant to special education due process. Serve as a resource for IHO’s Agency Attorneys, Legal Coordinators, Paralegal Consultants, and Impartial Hearing Officers regarding changes in applicable laws and regulations. Provide information and materials to hearing officers during hearings. Review regulations and procedures, propose legislative changes, and advise on impact. Co‑coordinate with NYCPS leadership, Mediation Attorney, families, and community organizations to support mediation services. Communicate clearly with families about their legal rights to due process and mediation. Prepare and coordinate notices and documentation to ensure full due process rights. Assist in service delivery for orders from hearing officers, State Review Officers, or courts, and review students’ status related to due process. Expedite conflict resolution for parents and refer them to appropriate NYCPS personnel when possible. Support NYSED reporting related to NYCPS’s Special Education Compliance Assurance Plan and Accelerated Review. Assist in developing public‑facing analyses and reports for officials, media, families, and communities. Conduct training for NYCPS staff and families on due process hearings and mediation. Support the Impartial Hearing Office in the replacement of the Impartial Hearing System, including training guides and staff assistance. Qualifications Minimum Admission to the New York State Bar. One year of satisfactory United States legal experience after admission to any state bar, or six months of satisfactory service as an Agency Attorney Intern (30086). For AL III candidates: two years of experience in Assignment Levels I and/or II or three years of comparable legal experience in the specified areas. Selected candidates must remain members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of employment. Preferred Minimum three years litigation experience. Experience in Special Education Due Process. Knowledge of IDEA, New York State Education Law, NYS Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, and NYCPS Chancellor’s Regulations. Rapid understanding of applicable law and regulations. Proficient analytical and problem‑solving skills. Clear, concise writing abilities. Efficient legal research skills. Application Instructions Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. Note that filling all positions is subject to budget availability and/or grant funding. New York City residency is not required, but we encourage applicants from the New York City tri‑state area to apply. EEO Statement DOE is an inclusive equal‑opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce. The Department of Education of the City of New York offers a work environment free from discrimination and harassment based on any legally protected status or characteristic. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Prospective employees may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance. Visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at for more information. #J-18808-Ljbffr New York City Department of Education