DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

The work involves responsibility for a variety of legal and non-legal administrative and managerial functions in the operation of the Onondaga County Department of Children and Family Services. Under general supervision of the Deputy Chief Human Services Attorney, an employee in this class is responsible for the effective administration, management and planning of activities in the areas of personnel management and general office management. The work also involves performing a variety of tasks related to the legal proceedings directly associated with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Under the supervision of the Deputy Chief Human Services Attorney, the incumbent acts as a liaison between DCFS and Family Court. Work is performed with considerable leeway for independent action and judgment, subject to regular conferences with the Deputy Chief Human Services Attorney and Deputy Commissioner. Direct supervision is exercised over the clerical staff. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Monitors status of files and compliance with the Adoptions and Safe Families Act (AFSA), which includes ensuring that necessary legal templates are provided to staff.

Liaison to Family Court Clerk’s Office.

Prepares and files various legal documents

Searches legal reference files and other sources for information and data required by the Family Court Unit’s attorney in conducting interviews and answering correspondence.

Assembles exhibits, affidavits, legal documents, etc. for the use of attorneys in the preparation of trial cases and collects any additional information that is needed.

Reviews cases scheduled for court and manages coverage.

Provides support and assistance to the Deputy Chief Human Services Attorney.

Designs and updates a database which tracks petition filings, trial dates & etc.

Provides personnel management of the non-legal staff by assigning and reassigning staff responsibilities, monitoring work progress and product, evaluating work performance, and handling personnel problems.

Manages all physical aspects of the office such as space allocations, phones, transportation, mail, security, equipment and related items by centralizing and routinizing these functions for orderly and effective office management.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of Adoption and Safe Families Act.

Thorough knowledge of Domestic Relations Law.

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of modern management, particularly in the areas of personnel and office management.

Working knowledge of NYS foster system.

Working knowledge of reporter system, law digests, legal journals and legal citations.

Working knowledge of the techniques normally employed in preparing legal memoranda, conducting legal research and analyzing legal problems.

Working knowledge of court trial and administrative hearing procedures.

Some knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision.

Some knowledge of County and departmental organizations, policies and procedures.

Ability to independently gather, analyze and organize legal data and information into clear and logical sequence.

Ability to analyze legal issues and identify significant case opinions and facts.

Ability to communicate legal opinions and information clearly and succinctly both orally and in writing.

Ability to interpret laws, rules and regulations.

Ability to apply specific techniques of gathering information and presenting it in the proper manner.

Ability to carry out complex assignments with minimum instructions, often under conditions where there is no available precedent.

Ability to delegate responsibilities and to plan, organize and coordinate the work of subordinates.

Ability to maintain a strict code of confidentiality.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Promotional:

Four (4) years of permanent competitive class status in the title of Family Court Legal Liaison.

Open Competitive:

A. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university with a Doctoral degree in Law; or,

B. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree and two (2) years of experience as a certified Paralegal or two (2) years of supervising abuse and neglect cases, or its part-time equivalent.

04/2026 Revised