Assistant Chief Housing Specialist-Western Housing Court

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.

Housing Court Organizational Profile

Notes:

This position is designated as a union position and is covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement with O.P.E.I.U., Local 6.

All candidates must be able to travel among the offices and sessions within the division.

Offices & Sessions include travelling to: Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden.

Primary location will be Springfield, MA.

Bilingual speaking applicants are encouraged to apply.

Position Summary: Working within a division of the Housing Court Department, the Assistant Chief Housing Specialist assists the Chief Housing Specialist in performing administrative duties as set forth in state statutes and court rules.
Responsibilities include assigning and scheduling of cases; reviewing reports for conformity with policies and procedures;
• Conducting training sessions to update staff as to changes in housing regulations and policies; resolving staffing problems; and
• Providing technical advice. Other duties include gathering information necessary to mediate and conciliate complaints before the Housing Court; investigate complaints, perform site visits to observe and inspect conditions, perform mediation services, and make recommendations to the court.
Supervision is exercised over other Housing Specialists with guidance from the Chief Housing Specialist.

Duties:

• Mediates difficult and highly complex cases involving multiple complaints and serious allegations;
• Assists in screening and interviewing prospective Housing Specialists and other office staff;
• Assists in establishing satellite offices, including developing policies and procedures and overseeing the operation of those offices;
• Performs various community relations activities, including addressing neighborhood or community groups and participating in conferences and seminars;
• Works with state, federal, and nonprofit organizations on housing issues;
• Mediates cases between litigants as to disputes of fact;
• Formulates agreements between litigants and makes recommendations to the court;
• Performs inspections of properties for electrical, plumbing, structural, and sanitary code violations, and reports findings for use in mediation;
• May re-inspect to ensure work is completed and is in compliance with necessary codes and standards;
• Monitors receiverships appointed by the court to ensure all housing standards are followed and all monies are accounted;
• Assists in arranging financing where repairs are necessary but funds are unavailable;
• Provides procedural advice regarding tenant and landlord rights and court procedures Prepares probation records for criminal offenders and criminal contempt cases;
• Recommends sanctions for criminal cases;
• Accesses, navigates, and recalls court records and data from the MassCourts case management system.
• Performs all of the duties of the Housing Specialist position as required.

Minimum Requirements: These are the minimum requirements necessary to apply for a position of Assistant Chief Housing Specialist:
• Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited College or University, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A minimum of 5 (five) years work experience as a housing specialist or equivalent experience in the fields of mediation or code enforcement. ;
• Advanced knowledge of the following housing matters: 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;
• Completion of Housing Court alternative dispute resolution training program when offered by the Trial Court;
• Ability to use data to diagnose problems, mediates disputes, and offer solutions in cases before the court;
• Working knowledge of and ability to use personal computers and related office software to develop data bases and use automated systems;
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with attorneys and the general public
• Ability to supervise and direct the work of others.;
• Ability to travel within the Commonwealth;
• Must have a background that demonstrates a history of regular professional development.

Employment with the Trial Court is contingent upon passage of a criminal record check.