Housing Specialist -Eastern Division Court

Official Title

Housing Specialist I-Eastern Division Housing Court

Grade 18S

18S Entry Level Pay $75,010.78 to Pay Range Maximum $

$75,010.78/yr.

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.

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.

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• 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.

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.

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

• 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 Mass Courts 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.

• 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 toward 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…