Paralegal Specialist

Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 63,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Paralegal Specialist to join its dynamic Legal Division. This role involves providing essential legal and administrative support, including managing hearings and assisting with case documentation. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, a keen attention to detail, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that impacts housing and community development in Massachusetts. If you are passionate about legal processes and eager to make a difference, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Comprehensive Benefits

Flexible Work Schedule

Professional Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in legal research or as a legal assistant required.
• Paralegal Certificate preferred; ability to speak Spanish is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal and administrative support to the Division of Hearings.
• Schedule hearings and maintain the official docket of cases.

Skills

Legal Research

Oral Communication

Written Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Organizational Skills

Detail-oriented

Spanish Language

Education

Associate's Degree in Paralegal Studies

Completion of Law School Year

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Access

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

An Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

ALERT

Effective January 25, 2024, Executive Order #627 cements the Commonwealth's well-established practice of skills-based hiring, paving the way to a more equitable hiring process. The Commonwealth is committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel respected, valued, and empowered to serve our citizens. Join us today!

Job Description - Paralegal Specialist (250003AF)

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.

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):

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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:

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

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.

Qualifications

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:

1. An Associate's or higher degree with a major in paralegal studies may be substituted for the required experience.
2. 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.

Official Title : Paralegal Specialist

Primary Location

Job

Job

: Legal Services

Agency

Agency

: Exec Office of Housing and Livable Communities

Schedule

Schedule

: Full-time

Shift

Shift

: Day

Job Posting

Job Posting

: Mar 31, 2025, 8:35:31 PM

Number of Openings

Number of Openings

: 1

Salary

: 63,031.80 - 90,713.48 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Jessica Molina - 8572480160

Bargaining Unit: 06-NAGE - Professional Admin.

Confidential: No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: Yes