Review Vacancy
AgencyState Comptroller, Office of the
TitleLegal Assistant 1, SG-14, Legal Assistant Trainee 2, (Equated to SG-13),Legal Assistant Trainee 1, (Equated to SG-11)(NY HELPS) Item #01200
Bargaining UnitASU - Administrative Services Unit (CSEA)
Salary RangeFrom $47695 to $68630 Annually
Appointment Type Contingent Permanent
Duties Description Analyze cases relating to overpaid retirement benefits and refer cases to OSC Division of Investigations
• Review records in overpayment cases and prepare written memorandum summarizing the relevant facts and next steps for handling
• Draft subpoenas and review related documents
• Prepare draft letters to the OAG for referral of recovery cases
• Track the processing of all civil recovery matters that are referred to Legal for review.
Summarize, track and draft correspondence
• Help to maintain our database which tracks the workflow of cases by inputting information about incoming correspondence and how it was handled
• Conduct legal research and draft response letters in miscellaneous cases
• Examine incoming NYS power of attorneys, guardianship, trust and other legal documents to determine if they are valid, limited, or invalid for Retirement System purposes; draft memos and letters explaining the determination for each document and forward to the appropriate business unit to send out
• Draft and send Chapter 7 Bankruptcy letters when initial proceeding notifications come in
• Handle incoming record requests by tracking correspondence and payment for request records; ordering folders or using Filenet to print off copies of appropriate materials to send to the requesting party
• Review documents, prepare records, and draft correspondence in response to subpoenas.
Miscellaneous administrative duties
• Prepare and send mailings for attorneys, which may include preparing subpoenas to be sent to an out-of-agency process server
• Cover phones for other support staff on the floor when needed
• Attend meetings on various Retirement-related topics on an alternating basis with other Retirement support staff.
Minimum Qualifications Do you want a career with a purpose that provides work/life balance? Apply today to join the Office of the New York State Comptroller.
No exam required under the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide (NY HELPS) Program.
For appointment to the Legal Assistant Trainee 1, equated to SG-11, you must have:
• High school or high school equivalency diploma AND one year of clerical, administrative, or paraprofessional experience.
For appointment to the Legal Assistant Trainee 2, equated to SG-16, you must have:
• This title is not eligible for appointment under the NY HELPS Program.
For appointment to the Legal Assistant 1, SG-14, you must have:
• Two years of full-time experience as a Paralegal/Legal Assistant (see “definition” below).
Definition: a Paralegal/Legal Assistant is someone who applies knowledge of the law and legal procedures in rendering direct assistance to lawyers, clients, and courts; prepares and interprets legal documents and forms; researches, compiles, and uses information from legal materials to provide both written and verbal comments on their findings; and analyzes and handles routine procedural problems independently with minimal attorney oversight.
An associate degree (or higher) in paralegal/legal assistant/legal studies program or a certificate in a paralegal/legal assistant/legal studies program where the degree was granted from a regionally accredited college or university, or one approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) OR an associate degree in any field where the degree was granted from a regionally accredited college or university, or one approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) AND one year of experience as a Paralegal/Legal Assistant (see definition in MQs) OR graduation from an accredited (ABA approved) law school with a degree required for NYS Bar will be accepted as meeting the educational and experience requirements for this title.
Examples of non-qualifying experience: receptionist, records clerk, bookkeeper, office manager.
Competitive Minimum Qualifications
You must be currently reachable on the appropriate eligible list for this title, eligible under the 55 b/c program, or eligible to transfer to this title under Section 52.6 and/or 70.1 of the Civil Service Law.
Transfer:
For 52.6 and/or 70.1 transfer to a Legal Assistant 1, salary grade (SG)-14, you must have one year of permanent competitive, or 55-b/55-c service in an approved title for transfer allocated to an SG-12 or above. SG-09 or above for a Trainee 1, SG-11 or above for a Trainee 2, depending on qualifications.
55b/55c Program appointment:
This position may be designated 55 b/c and is subject to verification of applicant eligibility. For more information on this program, please visit the NYS Department of Civil Service website, 55b/c Recruitment Resources Center (ny.gov)
Traineeship salary information:
The position may be filled at the Legal Assistant Trainee 1 equated to SG-11 ($47,695), Legal Assistant Trainee 2 equated to SG-13 ($53,413), or full performance Legal Assistant 1 SG-14 ($56,506) based on the candidate’s education, experience, and previous state service. Salary is nonnegotiable.
Candidates hired at the trainee level will be advanced to the full performance Legal Assistant 1 SG-14 following successful completion of the traineeship.
Additional Comments Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Ability to perform legal research on-line and through Westlaw/Lexis
• Knowledge of databases and team rooms
• Good writing skills
• Good organizational skills
• Prior legal assistant experience or education
• Ability to work independently and with deadlines
• Ability to be flexible and multitask
• Good time and attendance habits
Telecommuting:
The Office of the New York State Comptroller (OSC) supports telecommuting where it is reasonable to do so based upon the agency’s mission and operational needs. Generally, employees new to OSC will be restricted from telecommuting for at least 8 calendar weeks. After the initial 8 calendar week restriction, if an employee’s duties and work performance are aligned with telecommuting they may be allowed to do so. Upon approval to telecommute, OSC employees may telecommute up to 5 days per pay period.
Reasonable Accommodation:
The NYS Office of the State Comptroller provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Division of Human Resources at (518) 474-1924.
Equal Opportunity Employment:
The Office of the NYS Comptroller values a workforce with a broad, diverse range of backgrounds and perspectives. All employees are expected to contribute to a professional environment focused on self-evaluation and improvement, as well as acceptance and support of coworkers.
The Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) does not participate in E-Verify and does not sponsor visa applications.
OSC offers competitive salaries and benefits, and opportunities for advancement, continuing education, and professional development. We provide a professional environment where employees are encouraged to push themselves while maintaining work-life balance. Our generous benefits package includes:
• A state pension with vesting after five years’ service
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance available to all employees and their dependents
• Flexible spending accounts for dependent and health care
• Productivity Enhancement Program (PEP), allowing eligible employees to exchange previously accrued leave in return for a credit to be applied toward their health insurance
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• NYS Deferred Compensation plan
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds
• Holiday and paid time off
• Shift and geographic pay differentials
• A committed continuous learning environment
• Informational Brown Bag sessions
• Wellness at Work Programs to promote employee health and wellness
• OSC Mentoring Program to network, contribute, and provide an opportunity to strengthen competencies in a variety of areas
• And much more
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Address
Street Office of Human Resources
110 State Street, 12th Floor
Notes on ApplyingSubmit a clear, concise cover letter and resume stating how you meet the minimum qualifications for this title. To apply, copy and paste the following link into your browser:
https://www.osc.ny.gov/jobs/openings/legal-assistant-1-trainees/052524
Reference Item #01200-KAS on your cover letter for proper routing.
Unofficial transcripts and/or templates will be required for certain positions. Documents must be sent as unlocked and accessible attachments.
If you have questions about this vacancy, please contact this Division representative:
Division Contact: Kelli Bailey
Email Address: legaladmin@osc.ny.gov