Division Director-Tenants Right To Counsel

Job Opening

Division Director

Department: Housing, Economic Development, and Commerce

Division: Tenants’ Right to Counsel

Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt

Union/Management: Management

Full-Time/Part-Time/Seasonal: Full-Time

Workweek: M-F, 9:00AM-5:00PM (40 hours)

Salary: $120,000-$130,000.Based on qualifications and experience. Competitive Jersey City retirement and health benefits package available, including pension, dental, medical, prescription, FSA (flexible spending account), life insurance and more.

The City of Jersey City is seeking a Division Director to lead the newly created Division of Tenants’ Right To Counsel within the Department of Housing, Economic Development and Commerce. This position will be the first in the Division and will be responsible for executing all aspects of the Right to Counsel program, pursuant to Ordinance 23-047 its related ordinance and court orders.

Job Duties:

· Implements a program to provide free access to Legal Services for Jersey City residents in Landlord-Tenant Court in the Superior Court of New Jersey- Hudson County.

· Investigates utilization of the Request for Proposal process to select one or more Designated Organizations that have the capacity to provide Legal Representation to Jersey City residents in Covered Proceedings.

· Conducts annual reviews and establishes performance indicators for Designated Organizations and any other providers of Legal Services.

· Provides Legal Representation directly for all other Covered Proceedings.

· Produces a written notice of tenants’ rights and resources, including the Right to Counsel and how to access it, and present it to the Advisory Board for adoption.

· Engages community groups to inform and educate members of the public about their rights and responsibilities as tenants and landlords.

· Creates a proposed annual budget based on a five-year projection of revenue.

· Complies with bi-annual reporting requirements per Ordinance 23-047.

· Conducts a public hearing twice each year to present findings of bi-annual report per Ordinance 23-047.

· Performs other duties as assigned.

*Please note, this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Required Educational Background: Graduation from an accredited Law School and admission to practice as an

Attorney-at-Law in the state of New Jersey.

Required License: Candidate must be an attorney actively licensed to practice law in the State of New Jersey.

Required Experience: At least four (4) years of experience practicing law in tenant/landlord matters such as Evictions, Housing Discrimination, Landlord Rights, Rent Control and Tenants' Rights.

Essential Skills:

· Knowledgeable in planning, organizing, and directing a Right To Counsel program.

· Ability to work independently with limited supervision and strategically make decisions on programs and address operational matters in a timely manner.

· Demonstrates critical thinking and problem-solving skills by providing options and recommendations to resolve issues, mitigate risks, and resolve escalated items.

· Outstanding verbal, written, and communication skills including the ability to address issues in a professional manner.

· Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively and foster positive and professional relationships with the public, employees, vendors, government officials, and local agencies.

· Excellent leadership skills with the ability to manage, train, and address employee related matters while

motivating a team

· Ability to use computer software and applications, including Office 365 applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) to share, retrieve, research, and present information.

This is a Civil Service Job, and you must eventually pass and qualify for the applicable Civil Service title.

To apply for this job with the City of Jersey City, please fill out our Employment Application.

Please note that this role is subject to the residency requirements set forth by NJ First Act.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $120,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person