Associate Counsel

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is the State’s affordable housing agency, with a mission to build, preserve, and protect affordable housing and increase homeownership throughout New York State.

This position is with HCR’s Affordable Housing Corporation (AHC). This is not a civil service position, and a civil service exam is not required. Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications outlined below to be considered.

NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. HCR is committed to developing a workforce that represents the diverse population of New York State. HCR embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.

The Office of Legal Affairs is the legal unit of the Division of Housing and Community Renewal and is headed by a General Counsel. The unit provides legal advice, counsel and representation to all the Agencies’ offices and program areas and ensures compliance with federal and state legal mandates. The primary functions are organized within four major subject matter areas or units, General Law, Litigation, Hearings, and Transactions

Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborating with legal, policy and program staff members to develop best practices and policies in furtherance of the HCR’s mission.
• Developing legislative and policy initiatives to develop and preserve affordable housing and further equitable access to housing.
• Tracking, researching and analyzing federal, state and local policies and legislation to determine impact on HCR’s work and mission.
• Vetting policy and programmatic changes developed for compliance with legal standards and requirements.
• Educating and training HCR staff and the public on changes in law and policy to further compliance.
• Assisting senior staff, as necessary, on all aspects of policy and legislative initiatives.

WHO YOU ARE:

• Admission to the New York State Bar, bachelor’s degree, and four years of experience in the practice of law subsequent to admission to the Bar.
• Substitutions: four years of specialized experience or associate degree and two years of specialized experience may substitute for bachelor’s degree; J.D. or master’s degree may substitute for one year of specialized experience; Ph.D. may substitute for two years of specialized experience.   
• A housing and/or civil rights background is preferred.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with staff, outside attorneys and constituents.
• Ability to work under pressure on a wide variety of projects in a given day.
• Excellent oral communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent analytical, organization, and legal writing skills.

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive and the employee will be expected to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned.