SENIOR OFFICIAL EXAMINER OF TITLE 0654

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class performs highly specialized work in the examination of titles to real property and serves as legal counsel to the County Clerk. As legal counsel, with the exception of lawsuits that require the involvement of the County Attorney’s Office, the employee has responsibility for issuing final legal opinions on all matters involving the County Clerk’s Office . Work involves conducting hearings and investigations for the County Clerk as they pertain to questions of fact arising in the course of examining title. Authority for the position is vested in New York State Real Property Law Section 377. Responsibility is included for coordinating the implementation of new and updated electronic filing procedures. Work is performed under general administrative supervision, and is reviewed through conferences and consultations. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Serves as legal counsel to the County Clerk and performs associated legal research and report writing;

Provides professional advice, assistance and interpretation of appropriate statutes to the County Clerk when problematic legal instruments are presented for recording and/or memorializing;

Assists law enforcement agencies with investigations and prosecutions relating to fraudulent property documents and provides testimony and supporting evidence before grand juries and civil and criminal trials and proceedings;

Confers with attorneys and the general public and provides information concerning procedures for examination of title;

Reviews surveys for conveyances;

Conducts hearings and investigations and administers oaths and affidavits that are necessary to determine questions of fact arising out of title examination;

Summons and subpoenas witnesses and examines them under oath with regard to examination of title;

Coordinates and oversees implementation of New York State Electronic Filing System procedures developed to automate filing of land and court records;

Supervises a clerical support staff.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Comprehensive knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations governing title for real property in New York State; ability to analyze legal papers relating to real property transactions; ability to read and interpret real property tax surveys and deed descriptions; ability to obtain information through interviews and observations; ability to deal tactfully with witnesses and the general public; ability to plan, supervise and review the work of personnel in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Possession of a license to practice law before the Bar of the State of New York and five (5) years of experience as an Official Examiner of Title.

R 05/26/2020

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Non-Competitive