Director - Mental Hygiene Legal Service

The New York State Unified Court System is seeking a Director, Mental Hygiene Legal Service in New York County. The Mental Hygiene Legal Service (“MHLS”) provides legal representation and advocacy to individuals with mental and developmental disabilities, and those alleged to be in need of mental health services, in a broad array of statutorily determined legal matters including civil and criminal commitment, treatment over objection, guardianship, sex offender civil management, assisted outpatient treatment, and related appeals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Establishing the policies of the agency, including the nature and extent of the services provided.
• The determination of work priorities and allocation of staff resources among ten field offices located throughout the two counties of the First Judicial Department.
• Representing MHLS at Legislative hearings and meetings with state agencies, public interest groups and other stakeholder organizations.
• Researching and analyzing complex legal issues and proposed legislation affecting people with mental disabilities.
• Recruiting, hiring, training and overseeing MHLS’s professional staff.
• Formulating the agency’s annual budget request for inclusion in the Unified Court System budget.
• Addressing issues associated with human resources, fiscal, operational, facilities and automation needs.

Qualifications: Admission to the New York State Bar and seven (7) years of social casework, legal, or administrative experience; or An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Extensive working knowledge of the New York State Mental Hygiene Law and related statutes and regulations; superior interpersonal, written and oral communication skills; and the ability to handle highly sensitive matters in a confidential manner are required.

Base Salary: $189,000 $195,000 $4,920 Location Pay

Please view the full employment announcement at: 51611_director_mhls_0.pdf