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Assistant Chief Integrity & Standards Officer

NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY, United States


Responsibilities

The New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) seeks an experienced professional to serve as the agency’s Assistant Chief Integrity & Standards Officer, supporting the newly established Integrity & Standards Office (ISO). The office is OCME’s independent investigative and accountability body, identifying, reporting, and addressing fraud, corruption, misconduct, and misuse of public resources across the agency’s 24/7 operations. The Assistant Chief Integrity & Standards Officer will work under the direct supervision of the Chief Integrity & Standards Officer and support the day-to-day operations of the ISO, including supervision of ISO personnel. The role requires discretion, sound judgment, and investigatory management, with the ability to handle sensitive matters with integrity. This position protects OCME’s credibility and upholds the public’s trust in the agency’s work. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Supports the planning, organization and management of organization-wide compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards.
Assists with investigations, risk assessment, auditing and training; contributes to the development and maintenance of policies and procedures.
Participates in developing and implementing internal controls to prevent and detect significant illegal, unethical, or improper conduct.
Promotes a culture of integrity, accountability and ethical conduct by responding to issues raised through reporting channels; manages intake and triage, distributes and assigns cases, tracks progress, ensures adherence to investigative protocols and deadlines, and advises on employee-related internal investigations.
Manages all aspects of investigations into corruption, misconduct, fraud, waste, abuse, and other violations involving OCME employees, contractors, vendors, or affiliates in accordance with agency protocols.
Delivers targeted, clear, engaging training and educational presentations to diverse audiences; conveys complex information effectively while fostering understanding and engagement.
Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders; coordinates with district attorney offices, NYPD, and other law enforcement or prosecutorial agencies on investigations.
Coordinates with the DOHMH Employee Law Unit, OCME Human Resources, and General Counsel on internal disciplinary matters and related investigations; drafts disciplinary charges and represents the agency in administrative tribunals, working closely with DOHMH to ensure compliance and effective case management.
Directly supervises the ISO Lead Investigator and oversees ISO investigators to ensure the accuracy, completeness and quality of investigative work products.
Develops and monitors key performance metrics to enhance the effectiveness of investigations and case management.
Assists with drafting investigation and case management protocols, procedures and guidance documents; collaborates with leadership to advocate for process improvements.
Conducts unannounced field inspections of OCME staff and facilities; interviews employees, law enforcement personnel, members of the public, and other witnesses; collects and evaluates relevant materials and documents.
Drafts investigative reports, memoranda, and formal findings with recommended disciplinary actions, corrective measures, or procedural reforms; tracks trends and recurring issues; presents data-driven summaries and briefings to inform strategic decision-making on ethics, compliance, and risk mitigation.
Serves as a witness in disciplinary proceedings and legal forums as needed.
Assists in day-to-day administrative management of the ISO, including staff time and leave management, performance evaluations, training and development, scheduling, resource allocation, and coordination of unit budget, procurement, and operational needs.
Performs confidential assignments and high-impact special projects as directed by the Chief Integrity & Standards Officer.
Remains on-call 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to respond to operational needs and large-scale fatality events.
Represents the Chief Integrity & Standards Officer in their absence and oversees operations both internally and externally.
Operates a motor vehicle as required for investigative fieldwork and site inspections.
Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications
Admission to the New York State Bar; and either one of the following: two years of satisfactory United States legal experience after admission, or six months of satisfactory service as an Agency Attorney Interne (30086).
Incumbents must remain members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of employment.
In Addition To Meeting The Minimum Qualification Requirements

To be assigned to Assignment Level (AL) II, candidates must have one year of experience at Assignment Level I or two years of comparable legal experience after admission to the bar; to be assigned to AL III, candidates must have two years of experience at AL I and/or II or three years of comparable legal experience after admission to the bar.
Preferred Skills

At least 3 years of managerial or supervisory experience, preferably in oversight, investigative, legal, or public accountability roles.
Knowledge of employment law, labor relations, and disciplinary procedures; ability to apply legal standards to investigations involving workplace misconduct, retaliation, and policy violations.
Comfort handling death scenes and operating within mortuary environments while maintaining professionalism.
Ability to manage multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced, 24/7 environment; experience overseeing investigations involving employee misconduct, corruption, or fraud.
Familiarity with New York City government operations, interagency protocols, and coordination with oversight bodies such as DOI.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to brief executive leadership and present complex findings clearly.
Proficiency in reviewing policies for legal, ethical, and operational compliance; high level of discretion and judgment; ability to manage confidential and politically sensitive matters.
Commitment to public service, ethical leadership, and integrity in upholding OCME’s mission.
Work Authorization

Authorization to work in the United States is required. OCME does not provide visa sponsorship for international employees. Applicants are responsible for ensuring they meet all qualifying requirements at the time of application.
Final appointments are subject to Office of Management & Budget approval.
Other

Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Some federal and state loan forgiveness or repayment programs may apply. For more information visit studentaid.gov/pslf.
Residency Requirement: New York City Residency is not required for this position.
Additional Information: The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment based on protected status or characteristic.

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