Legal Counsel (NY HELPS)

LOCATION

Central Administration - 900 Watervliet-Shaker Road

BASIC FUNCTION:

The Legal Counsel (BOCES) is responsible for providing professional and comprehensive legal services and labor relations services for both Capital Region BOCES and its participating school districts. The employee is responsible for acting as an advisor on any and all legal matters involving Capital Region BOCES or the school districts participating in the service.

The Legal Counsel (BOCES) represents the administration of Capital Region BOCES and/or the participating school districts in a variety of legal and labor relations areas and it is incumbent upon the employee to afford the most appropriate and researched legal responses in all matters.

The Legal Counsel (BOCES) will also serve on behalf of Capital Region BOCES and/or participating school districts as Chief Negotiator in contract negotiations, contract administration, policy development and implementation, and the administration of discipline and grievance procedures. Does related work as required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Acts as legal advisor to both Capital Region BOCES and participating school districts in matters concerned with its operations;
• Prepares and approves legal documents presented for their action;
• Prepares applications, petitions and affidavits in connection with various hearings and proceedings, as required;
• Represents Capital Region BOCES and/or participating school districts before regulatory and legislative bodies, as assigned;
• Participates in contract negotiations for Capital Region BOCES and/or participating school districts in areas of municipal and education law;
• Participates in the settlement and negotiations of various litigated matters;
• Represents Capital Region BOCES and/or participating school districts in matters of litigation in courts of law;
• Reviews and approves contracts as presented;
• Participates in or conducts bargaining unit negotiations on behalf of Capital Region BOCES and/or participating school districts, as assigned;
• May serve as hearing officer in student and employee disciplinary matters, as assigned;
• Continuously monitors multiple sources of information to remain abreast of legal developments affecting school districts.
• Thorough knowledge of municipal and education law as it relates to the operation of a school district or BOCES;
• Thorough knowledge of collective bargaining agreements covering employees in school districts;
• Ability to present logical and clear arguments of law both verbally and in writing;
• Ability to organize materials for hearings and trials;
• Ability to comprehend and carry out complex and difficult assignments in a timely manner;
• Ability to analyze information gathered for the purposes of developing recommendations and/or making decisions;
• Ability to get along and work well with others;
• Ethical conduct in the practice of law in the State of New York.

Job Qualifications

• Eight (8) years of experience in the practice of law within New York State public sector agencies related to public employment, human services or child welfare services; OR,
• Eight (8) years of experience in the practice of law where at least six (6) years of such experience was in the practice of law within or for public schools in the State of New York.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

• Candidates must be admitted to practice before the bar of the State of New York at the time of appointment and continuously throughout employment.
• The selected applicant will be subject to a fingerprint-supported criminal history background check in accordance with SAVE Legislation effective July 1, 2001.
• Candidates will not have to take an exam for this title.
• This is a NY HELPS (Hiring Emergency Limited Placement Statewide) Program designated title.
• NY HELPS is a temporary program designed to help local government employers address current staffing issues.
• Traditionally, the titles filled under the NY HELPS Program required job candidates to compete in a competitive exam to be considered for employment.
• For the duration of the program, this title will be classified as non-competitive and categorized as a HELPS Program position.
• At the close of the program, this position will revert to competitive class status.
• Employees occupying positions filled through the HELPS Program will be granted competitive class status without the need to participate in a competitive exam.

Civil Service Title

Legal Counsel (BOCES)

Job Number: 2027-149