Mediator and Legal Counselor

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Mediator and Legal Counselor is an essential team member of the Housing Resources Team. They provide conflict resolution and coaching services to clients outside of court with a focus on landlord/tenant relationships as part of the Housing Resources Team. They mediate small claims, civil and summary process matters in district courts in Greater Boston. In addition, the Mediator and Legal Counselor provides analysis and interpretation of housing related laws, regulations, and legal documents for Housing Resources team members.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES:

● Provide conflict resolution services, coaching and legal education outside of court to stabilize landlord tenant relationships. Most of this work is by telephone or video conference, however, the ability to meet with parties in Boston, Cambridge or greater Boston may sometimes be necessary.

● Keep up to date on rental assistance programs in order to make appropriate referrals for tenants at risk of eviction.

● Mediate day of court small claims, civil and summary process disputes involving multiple stakeholders. This work is on-site at multiple local district courts.

● Craft agreements in keeping with the needs of parties and in compliance with district or housing court requirements.

● Maintain daily records, spreadsheets and files for each conflict resolution case as well as data privacy protocols. Maintain records in Salesforce as required by grantor. Prepare data driven reports and/or case narratives when required for funders and grant requirements.

● As part of the Housing Resources team, participate in staff meetings, case conferencing and preparing occasional trainings on conflict resolution, affordable housing, and eviction prevention.

● Examine housing related legal documents, contracts, and agreements for accuracy, compliance, and potential risks.

● Research housing related legal issues, statutes, and case law to support legal agreements, strategies and decision-making.

● Offer housing related legal education to team members to guide understanding of specific legal subject matters.

QUALIFICATIONS AND KEYS TO SUCCESS:

● Certificate in Basic Mediation Training required.

● Juris Doctor degree required.

● Licensed attorney in MA required.

● Minimum 2 years experience as a licensed attorney in MA required, preferably in the housing field.

● Minimum 2 years’ experience as certified mediator required. Alternate work experience as a lawyer also satisfies this requirement.

● Ability to work in a single mediator model.

● Ability to think creatively and flexibly, in a non-traditional model, to resolve the nitty-gritty issues that can impact housing stability.

● Minimum 2-5 years of work experience, preferably in human services, legal, housing, mental health or the non-profit sector.

● Excellent oral and written communication skills.

● Experience with Zoom mediation and dispute resolution preferred.

● Experience with housing related conflicts preferred.

● Excellent problem solving and people skills.

● Cultural competency and ability to establish effective professional relationships with diverse group of participants.

● Excellent organizational skills.

● Proficient in Microsoft Office including Power Point, intermediate Excel/Word.

● Bi-lingual in Spanish, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, or Mandarin preferred.

TO APPLY / WHAT TO EXPECT:

Please submit a resume and cover letter in order to be considered for the role. Qualified candidates may expect the following interview process:

• Step 1: 45-60 minute virtual interview with the Hiring Manager
• Step 2: 60 minute in-person interview with Just A Start team members
• Step 3: Reference checks (3) and verification of prior employment
• Step 4: Background check (via Chekr)

WORK REQUIREMENTS:

This is a 37.5 hour per week hybrid position with both in-office and off-site work responsibilities.

JOB DETAILS:

• Location: 430 Rindge Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140
• Compensation: $79,000 – $89,000 annual salary plus benefits

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

This is a 37.5 hour per week position with a salary range of $79,000 - $89,000. In addition to a competitive salary, Just A Start offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical insurance, dental insurance, short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, life insurance, transportation benefits, 20 PTO days in the first year, 13 paid holidays, volunteer time off, employee assistance program, and a 401k savings plan with a 3% employer contribution. In addition, Just A Start has implemented a “Find Your Joy Fridays” benefit that allows staff to leave early on Fridays at 2:00 pm.

ABOUT JUST A START

Just A Start is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our staff represents a wide range of ages, races, interests, and backgrounds coming together in pursuit of common goals. We value diversity and work together to create an inclusive culture where people from all backgrounds can thrive and belong. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics or any other characteristic protected by law.

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Just A Start believes that access to stable housing and sustainable careers are the essential building blocks of equitable communities. For 56 years, we have addressed the fundamental needs of individuals and families who have been systemically denied opportunities to realize their full potential.

Our programs include affordable housing, education and job training, and comprehensive support and mediation services spanning Cambridge and beyond. We have developed and currently operate 645 affordable apartments. We also provide financial and technical assistance to support stable housing for low- and moderate-income tenants and homeowners. Finally, we prepare individuals of all ages and circumstances with the skills and knowledge they need to secure family-sustaining careers, leveraging their talents to achieve economic mobility and strengthen the region’s workforce.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is quiet to moderate.