Deputy Commissioner and General Counsel

New York State

  • Albany, NY
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 2 days ago
  • Apply easily
Duties Description The New York State Department of Health is one of the nation's leading health agencies, having overseen the health, safety, and wellbeing of New Yorkers since 1901. Today, the Department has approximately 5,000 employees across the state with a mission of protecting and promoting health and well-being for all. The Department strives to create a healthy community of thriving individuals and families across the State.The Department administers New York State's public health insurance programs, which cover approximately five million New Yorkers. The Department also regulates the health care delivery system, which includes hospitals, diagnostic and treatment centers, nursing homes, adult care facilities and other types of providers; regulates clinical laboratories; conducts research in its biomedical laboratory; and supports public health through numerous programs, initiatives and means of authority. Within these broad functions, the Department's responsibilities involve hundreds of highly specialized areas, including the regulation of water supplies, funeral directing, emergency medical services, administration of vital records (e.g. birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.), and many other areas.Reporting to the Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner and General Counsel will serve as the chief legal officer for the Department. The position is also responsible for the efficiency and effectiveness of all operations and functions of the Division of Legal Affairs, which provides legal advice and counsel to agency managers and executive staff, including the Commissioner of Health, on the legal implications of agency policies and programs. The Division of Legal Affairs includes the following units:
  • Bureau of Litigation
  • Bureau of Program Counsel
  • Bureau of Adjudication
  • Bureau of Administrative Hearings
  • Bureau of Investigations
  • Bureau of Professional Medical Conduct
  • Records Access Office
  • Ethics Office
  • Office of Marketplace Counsel
  • Criminal History Record Check Bureau
Specific Duties include:
  • Direct the overall operation and supervision of the Division of Legal Affairs
  • Provide legal counsel, services, and representation to the Department; and in matters of significant importance and sensitivity, personally represent the Department and its leadership at legislative and other public hearings.
  • Serve as liaison with the Governor's Counsel on matters of legal significance relating to the Department's activities.
  • Review proposed and established federal, State, and local legislation affecting the agency and make recommendations for appropriate action.
  • Develop and coordinate the Department's legislative program, consulting with executive staff and managers to determine the need for new and revised legislation.
  • Direct the preparation and promulgation of Department rules and regulations
  • Review agency's application of law; and render formal opinions to appropriate audiences.
  • Work with the Attorney General's Office to develop responses to all matters in litigation; and provide legal counsel to the agency head and executive staff on issues under litigation.
  • Present testimony in court and other adjudicatory setting.
  • Advise the Commissioner on laws, rules, and regulations governing the operations of the agency and duties and responsibilities as a member of special committees.
  • Supervise the drafting of Department agreements and contracts and ensure they contain appropriate safeguards.
  • Conduct special studies or participate in special assignments as directed by the Commissioner.
  • Provide legal and strategic counsel and support to ensure the development and implementation of lawful employment policies and procedures, including compliance with relevant federal, state, and local laws, and obligations related to collective bargaining and civil service guidelines.
  • Supervise the Department's Records Access Office and Ethics Officer.
Minimum Qualifications Law degree from an accredited law school; admission to, and member in good standing of, the New York State Bar; and ten years of relevant post-bar experience.Preferred Qualifications
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Prior experience and expertise in matters of public health and/or health care.
  • Ability to respectfully represent the interests of the Department with competency, credibility, and confidence when interacting with others outside the Department.
  • The ability to appropriate set priorities, work under pressure, and meet tight deadlines while maintaining productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Deep-seated curiosity about the business of the agency and its operations, and commitment to excellence in governance, procedure and legal matters.
  • Demonstrated experience in managing a team of approximately 120 employees across multiple units in a legal setting, as well as the ability and willingness to recruit, motivate and train staff members.
  • The ability to work strategically and collaboratively with intra-agency business units and to maintain and handle confidential documents and information.
Additional Comments Salary is commensurate with experience.Position requires 60% in-office presence in Albany, NYTravel throughout New York State including overnights to areas not served by public transportation may be required.The NYS Department of Health offers a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:
  • Holiday & Paid Time Off
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
  • Pension from New York State Employees' Retirement System
  • Shift & Geographic pay differentials
  • Affordable Health Care options
  • Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
  • NYS Deferred Compensation plan
  • Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds
  • And many more...
The NYS Department of Health is committed to making New York a safer, healthier, and more equitable place to live. Understanding health equity, social determinants of health and health disparities is critical to accomplish our goal of eliminating health disparities. For more information on the NYS Department of Health's Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Plan, please visit: https://health.ny.gov/commissioner/index.htmSome positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

New York State