Compliance Officer
The Opportunity
The Compliance Officer (CO) will identify internal and external organizational risks, design and implement controls to protect us from those risks, monitor and report on the effectiveness of those controls, resolve compliance difficulties as they occur and advise the organization as needed. Management of case related compliance – reviewing cases, making determinations, performing analytics, identifying patterns, and making corrections as needed in the system are key functions of the role.
The successful candidate will lead and coordinate our efforts to achieve compliance with all relevant state and federal laws, regulations and policies, as well as compliance requirements from our funders, including the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) and compliance with regard to organizational structure, policies, procedures and legal work. This will include review and analysis of more than 100 grants and contracts across the organization on an annual basis; provide support, guidance and coordination of funder-driven audits (i.e. tracking and maintaining records about the grants), and maintenance of databases and reporting structures (Vendex, NYC HHC Accelerator, NYS Grants Gateway, NYS Comptroller’s Vendor Responsibility tools, and others). The CO will also be required to manage our liability insurance coverage (including handling claims, renewals, determine coverage limits, competitive bidding, etc.) and integrate external compliance requirements into our internal processes and tools (via a strong knowledge of general compliance protocols, and the overall legal work of LSNYC), including Legal Server, our case and grants management system.
The Compliance Officer will develop, enhance, maintain and implement compliance priorities that align with our organization’s mission as well as our programmatic, legal and operational needs. Further, they will develop, keep current and maintain standards for our Employee Handbook in collaboration with HR and other departments as needed, the Intranet version of the CBA in collaboration with the Union and other compliance- related policies, and any associated procedures as needed. The Officer will also review existing policies and procedures for compliance risks and opportunities. This work will require collaborative review processes, documentation, training, and institutionalization through monitoring and enforcement.
Strategy and Leadership. This position requires highly collaborative and supportive working relationships with staff at all levels of the organization, including senior management and the Board. Also, the Compliance Officer will provide support in the development and implementation of administrative and operational strategy, policies and procedures.
Other Duties:
It would be the responsibility of the CO to oversee LSNYC’s compliance with the Code of Professional Responsibility, client confidentiality, and escrow administrative requirements. This includes reviewing internal policies and documents, providing in-person and on-demand training, advising attorneys and other staff on ethical issues that arise, and handling potential professional liability claims.
In addition to that, the CO has to manage our WestLaw, Lexis and other contracts by drafting, reviewing and approving subcontractor and all vendor contracts for compliance by working in close coordination with HR and Fiscal on compliance related matters/aspects.
The Compliance Officer will be located at the LSNYC Central Office in Manhattan and report directly to the Chief Operating Officer.
The position is full-time from the date of hire. Salary commensurate with experience.
Our Organization
Legal Services NYC fights poverty and seeks justice for low income New Yorkers. For almost 50 years, we have challenged systemic injustice and helped clients meet basic needs for housing, income and economic security, family and immigration stability, education, and health care. LSNYC is the largest civil legal services provider in the country; our staff of over 500 people in neighborhood-based offices and outreach sites across all five boroughs helps more than 100,000 New Yorkers annually. We partner with scores of community-based organizations, elected officials, public agencies, pro bono lawyers, and the courts to maximize our effectiveness.
Our work fights discrimination and helps to achieve equal opportunity and economic, social, and racial justice for all New Yorkers.
Requirements include:
- Bachelor’s Degree required. JD or Master’s degree and/or relevant professional certifications preferred;
- Minimum six (6) years relevant experience in a nonprofit context, preferably in a Legal Services Corporation (LSC) funded environment;
- Experience with LegalServer or other case and grants management system;
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing;
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under tight deadlines and to work efficiently with diverse constituents across administrative lines;
- Ability to work in a highly collaborative environment;
- Experience designing and conducting training for small and large groups;
- Experience crafting policies and procedures;
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills;
- Commitment to social justice and experience working with and supporting diverse, low-income communities;
- Experience with the Attorney’s Code of Professional Responsibility and analyzing ethical concerns;
- Ability to serve as a resource for and work well with staff at all levels in the organization while engaging in potentially difficult conversations around compliance requirements and expectations;
- An ability to see and relate to both the programmatic/operational and funder requirements and the willingness and aptitude to deal with both;
- Experience in a direct service environment;
- Experience building and sustaining an equitable workplace.
Interested individuals should email a resume with cover letter and writing sample to jobpostings@ls-nyc.org.
Please write “Compliance Officer” in subject line.
Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. No telephone calls please.
LSNYC is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, people with disabilities, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals are welcome and encouraged to apply.