Jobs in Cambridge, ma

Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC)

is seeking a Paralegal Specialist in the Office of the General Counsel!

AGENCY MISSION :

The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) is charged with creating more homes in Massachusetts and lowering housing costs for residents.

Formerly known as the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), EOHLC works with municipalities, local housing authorities, non-profit organizations, and development partners to provide affordable housing options, financial assistance, and other support to Massachusetts communities.

OVERVIEW OF ROLE :

The Paralegal Specialist provides legal and administrative support to the Division of Hearings including the Senior Deputy General Counsel / Hearings Manager, the hearings officers, and the Division's adjudicatory process.

This position reports to the Senior Deputy General Counsel. There are 31 employees who work in EOHLC's Legal Division.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (NOT ALL INCLUSIVE) :

Hearings :

Schedules hearings and prepares notices in conformity with statutory requirements; maintains Division's calendar.

Maintains the official docket of cases, including the record in individual cases.

Interacts with program staff, lawyers, applicants and / or recipients of programs administered by EOHLC, and other parties regarding scheduling of hearings and other matters related to the Division.

Prepares files for hearings officers prior to hearing, and otherwise assists hearings officers in preparing for hearings.

Maintains electronic database and paper files of all appeal requests.

As necessary, attends hearings and meetings and prepares notes and minutes.

Responses :

Answers the Division telephone and responds to inquiries concerning matters related to the Division.

Responds to case-specific inquiries from litigants and their counsel.

Prepares Division response and compilation of requested materials in response to public record requests.

Assists :

Performs word processing, database management, copying, printing, scanning, filing, mailing, and other administrative functions and tasks as needed.

Assists Hearings Manager on other tasks as needed.

Assists in preparing the administrative record for cases that are appealed by reviewing and organizing pleadings and exhibits.

Provides paralegal and administrative services and support to the Housing Appeals Committee and the Legal Division generally, as assigned.

May be asked to assist with Paralegal functions of other programs within EOHLC.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

• Paralegal Certificate preferred.
• Ability to speak Spanish is a plus.
• Possesses and utilizes strong oral and written communication skills, including skills required to communicate with both lawyers and the public.
• Organizes tasks and works independently.
• Possesses strong telephone and interpersonal skills; remains calm when interacting with agitated constituents.
• Demonstrates familiarity with judicial ethics; exercises good judgment and personal integrity.
• Demonstrates and utilizes knowledge of docketing procedures and other administrative procedures, laws and regulations relating to adjudicatory hearings and deliberations.
• Detail-oriented and able to effectively implement changes in schedule or routine.
• Word processing and database management skills, including, at a minimum of intermediate level of proficiency using Microsoft Word, Access, Excel and Outlook programs.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS :

Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, paraprofessional experience in legal research or legal assistant work, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions :

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS : Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License may be required.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.

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