Massachusetts Jobs

DHCD is seeking a Paralegal Specialist in the Legal Unit! _ _ _AGENCY MISSION:_ Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is within Housing and Economic Development Secretariat and its work touches the lives of all Massachusetts residents. DHCD's mission is to strengthen cities, towns and neighborhoods to enhance the quality of life of Massachusetts residents by providing leadership, professional assistance and financial resources to promote safe, decent affordable housing opportunities, economic vitality of communities and sound municipal management. _OVERVIEW OF ROLE:_ The Paralegal Specialist provides legal and administrative support to DHCD’s Housing Development Division drafting and reviewing legal documents related to the Local Initiative Program (LIP), HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) and other housing development programs. Provides legal and administrative services and support to the Division of Hearings, the Chair of the Housing Appeals Committee (Committee), and the Committee itself. As needed, supports Housing Appeals Committee, and Office of Chief Counsel with various miscellaneous tasks, such as scheduling, maintenance of dockets and files, preparation of Record on Appeal for the Housing Appeals Committee, and assists with public records requests - logging requests, following up with DHCD staff, and gathering responsive documents. _DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (NOT ALL INCLUSIVE):_ _ _ _1) Drafts:_ · Legal documents related to the Local Initiative Program (LIP), HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) and other housing development programs. · Legal and administrative documents relative to land use law and programs administered by DHCD including but not limited to housing development. _2) Resale and Refinance Process:_ · Assists for the LIP program. · Works with LIP purchaser’s and seller’s loan closing attorneys on the resale process. _3) Compliance:_ · Assists with issues and protection of units subject to foreclosure and auction actions, including drafting interrogatory responses and settlement agreements, title research, file review and issue summaries. _4) Housing Appeals Committee:_ · Performs legal research in support of the Housing Appeals Committee. · Preparation of Record on Appeal for the Housing Appeals Committee. · Other duties as required for the Housing Appeals Committee. _5) Assists Program Staff:_ · Miscellaneous tasks, such as: o Scheduling o Maintenance of dockets and files _6) Public Record Requests:_ · Assists with public records requests - logging requests, following up with DHCD staff, gathering responsive documents. _7) Statutory__Review:_ · Manufactured housing community rules and works in close coordination with the Attorney General’s Office. · Notices and other documents related to the M.G.L. c.40T program and works with counsel for owners to obtain complete and accurate information. _PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:_ 1. Paralegal Certificate preferred. 2. Possesses and utilizes strong oral and written communication skills, including skills required to communicate with both lawyers and the public. 3. Organizes tasks and works independently. 4. Possesses and utilizes strong word processing and database management skills, including, at a minimum of intermediate level of proficiency using, Microsoft Word, Access, Excel and Outlook programs. 5. Demonstrates familiarity with judicial ethics; exercises good judgment and personal integrity. 6. Demonstrates and utilizes knowledge of docketing procedures and other administrative procedures, laws and regulations relating to adjudicatory hearings and deliberations. 7. Demonstrates and utilizes knowledge of land use law and programs administered by DHCD including but not limited to housing development. 8. Is detail-oriented and able to effectively implement changes in schedule or routine. _ _ _COMMENTS:_ Please upload resume and cover letter. This position would be expected to follow a hybrid model of reporting to work that combines in-office workdays and work from home days, as needed. Salary placement is determined by years of experience and education directly related to the position and the Human Resources Division’s Recruiting Guidelines. In the case of a promotional opportunity, the salary provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range. Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website. First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. 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: I. An Associate's or higher degree with a major in paralegal studies may be substituted for the required experience. II. Completion of one year of study at a recognized, degree-granting law school may be substituted for the required experience. 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. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards! 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. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. *Job: Legal Services *Organization: Dept Housing & Community Dev *Title: *Paralegal Specialist Location: Massachusetts-Boston-100 Cambridge Street Requisition ID: 2300069Y