Housing Specialist I-Eastern Division Housing Court
About The Position
Provides alternative dispute resolution services and is responsible for gathering information necessary to mediate and conciliate complaints and cases before the Housing Court. Mediates disputes in housing related matters between opposing parties to facilitate reaching a settlement, formulating and reducing agreements to writing for approval by Judges as court orders. Assists litigants, attorneys, and the general public with complaints, questions, receiverships, court orders and procedures, carrying out the Housing Court Department policies and best practices. Performs site visits and court-ordered inspections in dwelling units to observe conditions and for making recommendations to the court.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university
- Two (2) years of related work experience in Criminal Justice, Social Services, State and Federal Housing regulations, or related fields
- General knowledge of and experience in the following areas: municipal building codes and sanitary codes; repair and rehabilitation of dwelling units; federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to dwelling units, zoning, construction, wetlands, Title 5 septic systems, plumbing, electrical; problems of landlords and tenants as they pertain to dwelling units; types of funds and services available to assist landlords and tenants in the financing and resolution of such problems
- Ability and experience using personal computers, including word processing software such as MS Word; Outlook
- General knowledge of modern office practices, technology, and procedures
- Ability to deal effectively with landlords and tenants in tense situations
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with attorneys as well as the general public
- Ability to travel within the Commonwealth.
Nice To Haves
- Prefer applicants with mediation or alternative dispute resolution training/certification.
- Bilingual speaking applicants are encouraged to apply.
- Prefer applicants with experience or legal education in landlord and tenant law.
- Experience with spreadsheet software such as MS Excel is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Mediates cases between diverse litigants as to disputes of fact; makes referrals to community-based agencies.
- Formulates written agreements between litigants for court approval.
- Perform inspections of properties for electrical, plumbing, structural, and state sanitary code violations and reports clear and concise findings to the judges within their respective Division and for use in mediation. Performing further inspections as necessary to ensure work is completed pursuant to the codes and standards at the request of the Judge.
- Monitor receiverships appointed by the court to ensure all housing standards are followed and monies are accounted.
- Assists in arranging financing where repairs are necessary, but funds are unavailable.
- Provides mediation services to court users regarding residential housing disputes.
- Prepares probation records for criminal offenders.
- Recommends sanctions for criminal cases.
- Comfortably uses technology in order to access, navigate, and recall court records and data from the MassCourts Case management system and input Alternative Dispute Resolution information for statistical data.
- Reviews monthly financial reports from attorneys regarding receivership cases and discusses facts with the judge.
- Performs other duties as required.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
