Housing Specialist I - Eastern Division Housing Court

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•United States, Massachusetts, EasternDivision , Housing Court, MA

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Housing Specialist I position provides alternative dispute resolution services and is responsible for gathering information necessary to mediate and conciliate complaints and cases before the Housing Court. This role involves mediating disputes in housing-related matters between opposing parties to facilitate reaching a settlement, and formulating and reducing agreements to writing for approval by Judges as court orders. The specialist will assist litigants, attorneys, and the general public with complaints, questions, receiverships, court orders, and procedures, while carrying out the Housing Court Department policies and best practices. Additionally, the position requires performing site visits and court-ordered inspections in dwelling units to observe conditions and make recommendations to the court. The primary work location is the Eastern Division Housing Court in Boston, with travel required within Suffolk and Middlesex County.

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
Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered for meeting minimum qualifications
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
Knowledge of: Departmental and court policies and procedures
Knowledge of: State codes and statutes
Knowledge of: Housing laws and procedures
Knowledge of: Principles and practices of mediation
Knowledge of: Applicable statues, ordinances, state, federal laws, and regulations pertaining to dwelling units
Skill in: Organization and time management
Skill in: Customer service
Skill in: Attention to detail
Skill in: Data entry
Ability to: Establish effective working relationships with others
Ability to: Prepare clear and accurate reports
Ability to: Collect information and maintain appropriate records
Ability to: Maintain confidentiality of information
Ability to: Work independently and follow oral and written instructions
Ability to: Provide resources and referrals to assist parties to reach a resolution
Ability to: Develop and facilitate presentations to target audiences and the public
Ability to: Identify the need for referrals to the various agencies and programs

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.