Housing Specialist I-Eastern Division Housing Court

Official Title: Housing Specialist I-Eastern Division Housing Court

Pay Grade: Grade 18S

Salary Range: 18S Entry Level Pay $75,010.78 to Pay Range Maximum $110,554.08

Starting Pay: 75,010.78/yr.

Salary Notes: This position is designated as a Union position. All new hires must start at the entry level rate for this role per the collective bargaining agreement/MOA with OPEIU, Local 6. Pay may advance within the salary band according to the CBA/MOU.

Departmental Mission Statement:

The Housing Court’s mission is to adjudicate all matters presented by litigants within its jurisdiction regarding housing in a fair, efficient, and timely manner according to the rule of law and the facts presented.  In accordance with this mission, the Housing Court, through its operating philosophy and business practices, strives to present a citizen-oriented process to maximize access to justice for all such litigants.  All members of the Housing Court are committed to this mission and process to fulfill our role within the judicial branch.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE:

https://www.mass.gov/orgs/housing-court

Notes:

• 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.
• The primary location for this position is Eastern Division Housing Court located in Boston.
• This position will have travelling within Suffolk and Middlesex County.

Position Summary: 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.

Supervision Received: Works under the direction of the Chief Housing Specialist and/or designee.

Essential Functions and 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.

Job Competencies: Ethics and Values: Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Trial Court.
Mission Driven: Employees are fully committed to fulfilling the Trial Court and associated Departmental missions.
Professional Development: Employees are committed to participating in ongoing Trial Court training and educational offerings to advance their professional development. Managers are equally committed to affording those opportunities to those they supervise as scheduling permits.
Customer Service: Conducts oneself in a courteous and professional manner towards both Trial Court employees and the public.
Applied Knowledge: Demonstrates knowledge of Housing Court Department rules and operational best practices including: maintenance, repair and rehabilitation of dwelling units; building, sanitary and housing codes, Federal and State laws, rules and regulations pertaining to dwelling units, and types of funds and services available to assist landlords and tenants in their problems regarding dwelling units.
Problem Solving: Accurately assesses operational and administrative problems in the Housing Court Department and develop feasible solutions.
Commitment to Diversity: Promotes an environment of diversity through understanding, respect, and positive communication with persons of varied racial, ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds.
Collaboration: Works with others cooperatively, and promotes teamwork, contributing to a work environment that focuses on shared departmental goals.

Minimum Requirements:

Education and Experience
• 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; (Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree and related work experience are preferred)
• 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, experience with spreadsheet software such as MS Excel is preferred

• 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; and

• Ability to travel within the Commonwealth.

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

Supervisory Responsibility: This position does not require supervision of others.

Working Conditions: Work is frequently performed in office or similar indoor environments and is occasionally performed in the community and in shops/facilities environments.
Work requires some exposure to extreme cold (below 32 degrees), moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals or substances and loud noises 85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, construction.

Physical Demands: This position requires light work:
Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly having to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for the Sedentary Work category and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated Light Work.