Legal Coordinator, Assisted Outpatient Treatment

Division/Program Summary Description: The Bureau of Mental Health’s (BMH) mission is to improve mental health and wellness for people in New York City, and to eliminate racial and other long-standing societal disparities by providing services, resources, and opportunities to New Yorkers that are grounded in accurate, data-driven information that fosters community participation, thus reducing the stigma around mental health. The Office of Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) is responsible for the management and oversight of the Assisted Outpatient Treatment Program in New York City. The New York State Legislature passed Kendra’s law as an amendment to the Mental Hygiene Law to allow for outpatient civil commitment of individuals with histories of serious mental illness, difficulty engaging in rehabilitation, and who present high risk to themselves or the community. The program enables these individuals to live safely in the community, avoid repeated inpatient hospitalizations, and ensure they have access to comprehensive outpatient services.

Position Summary: The Legal Coordinator will play a crucial role in supporting the Office of Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) in the management and oversight of the AOT program in New York City. Under the framework of Kendra’s Law, which allows for outpatient civil commitment of individuals with histories of serious mental illness, the Legal Coordinator ensures compliance with court orders in collaboration with the Office of General Counsel, Legal Affairs. The role is essential to maintaining the program’s effectiveness and ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals eligible for the program.

Job Duties and Responsibilities: Working closely with the Office of General Counsel, Legal Affairs and staff from Assisted Outpatient Treatment, the individual will:

- Electronically file petitions using the court websites as directed by the attorneys to ensure AOT cases are placed on the court calendar timely.
- Liaise with the Mental Health Cort Part staff regarding AOT court cases.
- Prepare legal forms, consumer folders, and case files, ensuring that all necessary documents are properly organized and up-to-date for court hearings.
- Maintain databases with client case information, ensuring accurate, timely, and secure entry of data.
- Ensure the timely preparation of case files for court hearings and client evaluations, including treatment plans.
- Create bluebacks, RJIs, and no fee letters in preparation for filling AOT legal documents and submit to court clerk’s office.
- Follow-up on all AOT cases that need certifications by the office of general counsel.
- Serve as a point of contact for community referral sources, clarifying any additional information needed regarding AOT court cases.
- Draft and submit three-day reports on AOT orders, disseminating them to the Office of Mental Health (OMH), community service providers, and in-house staff.
- Ensure community service providers and in-house staff receive necessary final court orders as mandated by the program.
- Answer incoming calls and address inquiries from clients, hospitals, and service providers regarding AOT legal inquiries.
- Interface with community service providers to address questions related to AOT legal process.
- Assist in the preparation of case files for clients’ court hearings, ensuring all required documentation is in place for medical directors and court representatives.

Preferred Skills:
- The candidate will have the ability to use Microsoft Windows software (Word, Excel, Visio, Access, and PowerPoint); knowledge of community mental health resources; cursory knowledge of mental health terminology; good interpersonal and communication skills; ability to interface with service providers from all sectors of the service system; and strong organizational skills.

Why you should work for us:

- Loan Forgiveness: As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal/state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs that lessen your payments or even fully forgive your full balance. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website (https://studentaid.gov/pslf/)
- Benefits: City employees are entitled to unmatched benefits such as:
o a premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment.
o additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund.
o a public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
o a tax-deferred savings program and
o a robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers.
- Work From Home Policy: Depending on your position, you may be able to work up to two days during the week from home.
- Job Security - you could enjoy more job security compared to private sector employment and be able to contribute to making NYC a healthy place to live and work.

Established in 1805, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department) is the oldest and largest health department in the U.S., dedicated to protecting and improving the health of NYC. Our mission is to safeguard the health of every resident and cultivate a city where everyone, regardless of age, background, or location, can achieve their optimal health. We provide a wide array of programs and services focused on food and nutrition, anti-tobacco support, chronic disease prevention, HIV/AIDS treatment, family and child health, environmental health, mental health, and social justice initiatives. As the primary population health strategist and policy authority for NYC, with a rich history of public health initiatives and scientific advancements, from addressing the 1822 yellow fever outbreak to the COVID-19 pandemic, we serve as a global leader in public health innovation and expertise.

Come join us and help to continue our efforts in making a difference in the lives of all New Yorkers!

The NYC Health Department is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation to all individuals. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Sye-Eun Ahn, Director of the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, at [email protected] or 347-396-6549.

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or
2. High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or
3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in "1" above.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.