Salary Range E: $39.47 hourly to start. $41,049 - $56,826 Annually

Reports To: Director of Internal Legal Affairs – Internal Legal Affairs Department

Position Status: Part Time, Non-Exempt

Position Purpose

The Hearing Officer position is a part time position responsible for conducting the informal hearing process for clients and applicants of HASCO who have requested a hearing to contest an adverse action by HASCO. This position may be ideal for an experienced practitioner who no longer practices law at a full-time capacity but wants to use their experience to contribute to the community. This position will require no more than 20 hours per week.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

1. Reviews hearing packets and any evidence provided by the client/applicant thoroughly ahead of scheduled informal hearings.
2. Work with Fair Housing Program Manager regarding any reasonable accommodation that may be needed to provide full access to the informal hearing for clients/applicants.
3. Conduct informal hearings in a manner that is respectful and responsive to clients/applicants and HASCO staff and their concerns.
4. Consider information and evidence presented at informal hearings to craft well-reasoned orders and remedies that are guided by HASCO’s mission and support the objectives of the Fair Housing Act.
5. Conduct legal research related to issues that may arise at informal hearings.
6. Collect data about informal hearings with an eye towards finding patterns and recognizing potential improvements or solutions to processes or underlying reasons leading to adverse actions. Periodically communicates recommendations based on this data to the HASCO Internal Legal Affairs department.
7. Other assigned duties related to the general functions described above.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Does not supervise any staff.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Sufficient knowledge of administrative and fair housing law to conduct hearings related to voucher terminations, applicant denials, and other adverse actions, and issue appropriate decisions and remedies.
• Experience in an informal hearing setting and how that setting differs from more formal procedures such as courtroom practice.
• The ability to keep data related to hearing decisions and recognize patterns for process and program improvement.
• Thorough and attentive to details; able to prioritize and multitask; proactive and detail-oriented. Ability to maintain organization in a changing environment.

• Ability to establish and maintain necessary records and prepare clear, concise and complete required reports.
• Understand and execute oral and written instructions.
• Skill in dealing with the general public; uses tact, discretion and courtesy when interacting with clients and callers.
• Ability to present and maintain a professional demeanor, remain calm while under pressure and effectively cope with interruptions and special instructions.
• Exercise good judgment, maintain confidentiality and represent HASCO with discreet professionalism.
• Ability to work within program guidelines and regulations while maintaining an enthusiastic, energetic and motivated attitude.
• Ability to work effectively with managers and employees at all levels of the organization.
• Any conflicts in representation or employment this position may create with work done in another capacity must be disclosed prior to accepting the position.

Education and/or Experience

A typical way to obtain the qualifications and competencies is:

A Juris Doctor degree required. Four to five years’ relevant work experience or any equivalent combination of education, training and previous work experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.

Communication Skills

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with people from a variety of cultural, economic and ethnic backgrounds; individuals with disabilities hindering communication; and individuals lacking fluency in verbal or written English. Exhibits diplomacy and effective listening skills when communicating with clients and staff members.

Computer Skills

Strong computer skills especially Microsoft Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint and Word. Ability to perform thorough internet searches, accurately complete data entry logs and clearly transmit information through email.

Employee Attributes

All employees are expected to consistently demonstrate the following attributes:

• Authentic – We are all unique individuals who seek to bring our full selves to work. We share our personalities and interests and celebrate each other’s successes and personal milestones.
• Dedicated – We are fully committed to our mission and shared sense of purpose. We strive to continuously learn and grow in support of our work.
• Kind and Compassionate – We care about the people we work for and work with. We demonstrate compassion, empathy, and a desire to help.
• Professional – We are confident, calm, and consistent. We clearly communicate our policies and work with our clients to resolve problems.
• Respectful – We treat all people with respect and dignity acknowledging them as individuals with unique circumstances and needs.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to regularly sit, talk and/or hear. The employee will constantly operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine and computer printer. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities include close vision and color vision.

Work may be performed at the main office in Everett, WA, or remotely and will be in an indoor, office environment. Incumbent may be required to physically visit the office to meet with clients, as needed. Ideally, the incumbent needs to be located within Western WA.

Contacts

Work requires frequent contact with HASCO staff, HASCO clients/applicants, and the general public.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

All HASCO employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for the health and safety of the community we serve and our employees. Upon acceptance of an offer of employment, a prospective hire must submit a certificate of vaccination to the Human Resources Department. Individuals with a qualifying medical or religious reason may submit a request for exemption. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an accommodation.