Job Description

The Department of Social Services' (DSS) Office of Legal Affairs provides legal guidance, litigation support, and direct representation in state and federal courts and administrative agencies to the Department of Social Services and all DSS program areas to ensure the delivery of social services consistent with federal, state and local laws and regulations.

The APS/LPCU provides litigation support and counseling to HRA’s Adult Protective Services Program (APS). On behalf of the city’s most vulnerable at-risk, impaired adult population, the APS program makes referrals to APS/LPCU for legal review of proceedings for stays of eviction and appointments of Guardians ad litem in the Civil Court, or for Mental Hygiene Law (MHL) Article 81 guardianship in the Supreme Court. The unit’s attorneys review such referrals for legal sufficiency and where the legal standard is met will draft pleadings and adjudicate such proceedings. Failure to provide these legal se...