Job Description

Assistant General Counsel - AOT, Office of General Counsel

Department: DEPT OF HEALTH/MENTAL HYGIENE (NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene)

Location: Queens

Posted On: 12/09/2025 | Posted until 02/06/2026

Salary Range: $83,000.00 – $95,450.00

Job ID: 760727

Job Description

The Office of General Counsel (OGC) provides legal advice and assistance to the entire agency. OGC works to ensure that the innovative programs and initiatives of the DOHMH are supported by a dedicated legal team. The OGC team is comprised of attorneys who work in a variety of areas including legal affairs (legal and policy analysis; health code enforcement; records access), contracts, privacy, and employment law. OGC also houses the Institutional Review Board and attorneys working in the Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) program. The New York State (NYS) Legislature passed Kendra’s law as an amendment to the Mental Hygiene Law to allow for outpatient civil commitment of individuals with histories of serious mental illness. Additionally, the AOT program is responsible for the management and oversight of the Citywide Assistance Team (CAT). The CAT staff coordinates the involuntary transport of court‑mandated individuals who do not adhere to their mental health treatment plans.

Responsibilities

• Draft petitions for court‑ordered treatment for psychiatric patients and represent the Health Department at corresponding hearings and jury trials.
• Draft motions and appeals as needed.
• Litigate complex and significant cases at OATH, as needed.
• Conduct legal research and draft written analyses on a time‑sensitive basis.
• Provide legal guidance to the AOT program and assist in monitoring the workflow.
• Work with and/or collaborate with outside governmental agencies as needed, including the New York State Office of Mental Health, Mental Hygiene Legal Service and the Office of Court Administration.
• Collaborate with hospitals located in New York City to facilitate patient referrals to the AOT Program and assist them in completing AOT petitions.
• Travel to courts, various Health Department offices and hospitals/clinics within New York City.
• Maintain sensitive and confidential information.
• Manage and distribute information accurately and appropriately.
• Monitor the workflow, ensuring compliance with deadlines, and preparing reports and summaries.
• Establish positive working relationships with co‑workers and programs.
• Possess excellent research and writing skills.
• Attend to other ad hoc projects and tasks, as needed or assigned.

Preferred Skills

• Highly detail‑oriented with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects.
• Ability to use online legal research platforms such as Westlaw, CLEAR, and Lexis Nexis.
• Current working knowledge of Health Department procedures, policies and practices is a plus.
• Current experience in or knowledge and interest in mental health and other public health matters is a plus.

Benefits

• City employees are entitled to unmatched benefits such as: a premium‑free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10,000 annually, per a 2024 assessment.
• Additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund.
• A public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
• A tax‑deferred savings program.
• A robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers.

Work From Home Policy: Depending on your position, you may be able to work up to two days during the week from home.

Job Security – you could enjoy more job security compared to private sector employment and be able to contribute to making NYC a healthy place to live and work.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Admission to the New York State Bar; and either option 2 or option 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 Intern (30086).
4. Incumbents must remain members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of employment.

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.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

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.

Residency Requirement

New York City Residency is not required for this position.

Equal Opportunity

The NYC Health Department is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation to all individuals. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Sye‑Eun Ahn, Director of the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, at sahn1@health.nyc.gov or 347‑396‑6549.

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.

Agency Attorney – 30087

Job Title: Assistant General Counsel - AOT, Office Of General Counsel

Title Classification: Non‑Competitive‑5

Business Title: Assistant General Counsel - AOT, Office of General Counsel

Experience Level: Experienced (Non‑Manager)

Job Level: 02

Number of Positions: 1

Work Location: 42‑09 28th Street, Queens

Category: Legal Affairs

About the NYC Health Department

Established in 1805, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department) is the oldest and largest health department in the U.S., dedicated to protecting and improving the health of NYC. Our mission is to safeguard the health of every resident and cultivate a city where everyone, regardless of age, background, or location, can achieve their optimal health. We provide a wide array of programs and services focused on food and nutrition, anti‑tobacco support, chronic disease prevention, HIV/AIDS treatment, family and child health, environmental health, mental health, and social justice initiatives. As the primary population health strategist and policy authority for NYC, we serve as a global leader in public health innovation and expertise.

Come join us and help to continue our efforts in making a difference in the lives of all New Yorkers!

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