Veterans Support Services Attorney

Job Posting

The mission of the Department of Veterans' Services is to connect, mobilize, and empower New York City's Veteran Community in order to foster purpose-driven lives for New York City Service Members – past and present – in addition to their caregivers, survivors, and families. DVS fulfills this mission by providing New York City's approximately 200,000 Veterans with essential services and programs focused on pivotal areas such as economic empowerment, housing security, benefits, health and wellness, and culture.

DVS' Veterans Support Services Attorney will assist the Claims Team and the Legal Unit. Legal Assistance with Claims Team The Veterans Support Services Attorney will support the Claims team comprised of Veterans Support Specialists who are primarily responsible for determining the eligibility of veterans and their family members for federal, state, and local veterans' benefits. Veteran Specialists assist clients in assembling claims that are submitted to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); engage with the veteran and military communities in the City of New York, including key veteran stakeholders and organizations to increase access to veteran resources, services and opportunities including, but not limited to VA disability compensation, VA pension, VA health care, and VA survivor's benefits. The Veterans Support Services Attorney will provide legal advice to those veterans in need of representation for appeals regarding VA benefits. The role involves navigating complex laws, regulations, and procedures related to VA benefits, as well as advocating for veterans' rights.

General Responsibilities:

• Claim Assistance: Helping veterans file initial claims for disability, education, healthcare, and other benefits.
• Appeals: Providing legal advice and coordinating referrals of clients to legal service providers for veterans seeking representation in appeals of denied claims, including preparing legal arguments and appearing at hearings.
• Legal Advice: Providing legal guidance on VA benefits laws and regulations.
• Advocacy: Working to ensure veterans receive the full range of benefits they are entitled to.
• Case Management: Managing case files, gathering evidence, and preparing legal documents.

Key Skills and Qualifications:

• Knowledge of VA Laws and Regulations: Understanding of Title 38 of the U.S. Code and relevant regulations.
• Communication and Advocacy: Ability to effectively communicate with clients and the VA.
• VA Accreditation: Will be provided training to attain VA accreditation.

Legal Assistance for Legal Unit The Veterans Support Services Attorney will support the General Counsel on a wide range of matters pertaining to employee relations, EEO, litigation, contract drafting, policy review, and compliance with laws and regulations. The attorney will oversee the following functions: assisting other City agencies in identifying whether City employees who are called on military orders are entitled to continued benefits under the Extended Military Benefits Program (EMBP); the Final Honors Program which coordinates burials with honors of unclaimed and indigent deceased veterans; and Conflict of Interest Board (COIB) matters including but not limited to employees seeking dual employment; receiving gifts of tickets and travel, and researching other COIB matters as they arise.

General Responsibilities:

• Legal Research and Analysis: Conduct legal research and analyze laws, regulations, and court decisions relevant to the agency's operations.
• Litigation Support: Assist in the preparation and handling of litigation, including liaising with NYC Law Department for discovery and motion practice.
• Compliance: Ensure the agency's compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
• Contracts and Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) Management: Review and draft contracts, and other agreements/MOUs.
• Policy Development: Assist in the development of agency policies and procedures.
• Advice and Counsel: Provide legal advice and guidance to agency staff and management on various legal issues.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Admission to the New York State Bar; and either "2" or "3" below. 2. One year of satisfactory United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar; or 3. 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.

Preferred Skills:

• Legal Experience: Experience in relevant areas of law, such as litigation, contract law, or administrative law is preferred.
• Specific Skills: Proficiency in legal research tools like Lexis/Nexis, Microsoft Office Suite, and strong writing and communication skills.

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website.

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.