CASES keeps people out of jail and prison by engaging them in effective services that help them achieve success in the community. We specialize in serving youth and young adults and people with behavioral health needs. CASES is a leading New York City provider of alternatives to incarceration, a key solution for a fairer criminal justice system. This is an important time at CASES. New York City is on track to create a smaller, safer, and fairer criminal justice system. Working at CASES is more than a job. It is an opportunity to promote justice for New Yorkers with access to high-quality and evidence-based court services.

The Special Assistant to the General Counsel is responsible for administrative duties and for coordinating, managing, supporting, and implementing systems, operations, and projects for CASES General Counsel and Compliance Officer. We are looking for an enthusiastic and engaged team-player committed to CASES’ mission and excited about advancing this mission by working with and supporting the General Counsel and Compliance Officer on administrative, operational, legal, and compliance issues that impact on our participants and staff.  

This is an exciting opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects and issues in a fast-paced environment, and to work closely with the General Counsel and Compliance Officer and colleagues across departments and programs.  As this is not an advocacy or program position, the ideal candidate is someone who enjoys operational and administrative responsibilities.

The position is part-time and reports directly to the General Counsel

Administrative Duties:

The Special Assistant will engage in administrative tasks and will initiate and implement administrative procedures and systems to ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of the Legal Department. This includes:

• Ad hoc administrative tasks.
• Identifying and addressing gaps in the Legal Department’s administrative processes and upgrading and modernizing systems.
• Developing, identifying, and implementing templates, toolkits, and policies and procedures.
• Spearheading development and maintenance of the legal filing and record management systems.
• Handling communications and document drafting including efficiently processing, drafting, editing, proofreading, and finalizing documents and communications for signature/approval.
• Developing systems/managing invoices; purchases; insurance, personnel related documentation, payments, etc.
• Tracking, monitoring, and ensuring follow-up on Special Assistant’s deliverables and those of other departments and programs.
• Serving as liaison for information collection and communications with other departments and programs.
• Tracking and monitoring contracts and compliance related documents independently and in conjunction with CASES Compliance Officer. Drafting basic contracts and agreements.
• Initiating and providing support and services for the Board of Trustees by scheduling meetings, taking notes, maintaining Board files, drafting, and tracking resolutions, collecting Conflict of Interest forms, and other tasks as directed.
• Managing tracking systems for files and claims with federal, state, and local human rights agencies
• Addressing document requests and subpoenas.
• Creating, tracking, and addressing recurring Legal Department responsibilities including yearly regulatory requirements.
• Handling personnel, equipment, and technology needs for the Legal Department.

Project Management Duties:

The Special Assistant is the project manager on assigned projects and initiatives and includes clearly. Identifying project objectives, tracking progress, and identifying and compiling resources, templates, and toolkits necessary for project completion from start to finish.  Projects include:

• Developing and managing General Counsel and Compliance resource library.
• Acting as project manager on assigned projects and initiatives.

Research:

Ensures that research is directed to a clear outcome or goal, supported by recent and identified sources, and written in plain language. Develops corresponding tools such as templates, forms, etc. based on research. Identifies and implements practical uses of research. Engages in research including:

Ad hoc projects:

Engaging in ad hoc projects as assigned.

• 3-5 years’ experience in a similar role, including project coordination or systems administration experience
• Experience reporting directly to executive level staff   
• Interest in operational and legal components of nonprofit work—this is not an advocacy position. 
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to accuracy, efficiency, and detail.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and writing skills
• Ability to exercise discretion and handle confidential information.
• Strong analytical problem solving and decision- making skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects.
• Demonstrated project management skills with experience executing projects from start to finish.
• Ability to work on projects independently as well as working well as part of a team.
• Self-starter.
• Demonstrated interest in professional development.
• Interest in legal and compliance issues.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, and advanced proficiency with Excel (v-lookup, pivot tables, charts, and formulas)
• Comfortable with technology and developing learning resources.
• Flexible and resourceful.
• Experience using and developing resources, tools, templates, and toolkits
• Commitment to cultural competence and advancing equity.
• BA or BS degree required

Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.

Applicants must provide a cover letter and will be asked to provide two writing samples and three references.  No phone calls please. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.

CASES is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment with CASES is based solely on qualifications and competence for a particular position, without regard to race, color, ethnic or national origin, age, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or marital, military, or citizenship status. We also actively recruit individuals with prior involvement in the criminal justice system. Your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.