Assistant Special Project Manager - Fair Rent Commission Liaison
13 days ago
Bridgeport
Job Description GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: As the liaison and coordinator of the City’s Fair Rent program, the position supports the administration and enforcement of applicable fair rent statutes, ordinances, and policies, and assists in executing the legislative and procedural responsibilities of the Fair Rent Commission. This position, serving as staff to the Commission, is responsible for researching, preparing, and providing timely and accurate responses to public inquires relating to housing-related matters, including but not limited to landlord and tenant rights, eviction processes, public and senior housing resources, and the requirements or limitations of housing assistance programs, subject to the scope permitted by law and City policy or regulation. The position may work independently within the Department of Public Health, Housing & Commercial Code Enforcement Division, and is responsible for the appropriate intake, documentation, and transmission of tenant and landlord filings or complaints concerning living conditions, rental costs, and related matters. Duties include coordinating with the Chair of the Fair Rent Commission to prepare cases for Commission review, scheduling and assembling case materials, and ensuring proper notice and record maintenance in accordance with legal requirements. This role requires collaboration with internal departments, external agencies, and community stakeholders to support program administration and resolution of fair rent matters. The position evaluates program effectiveness, identifies areas of improvement, and recommends procedural or policy modifications, subject to supervisory approval. Performs related work as required. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The essential functions or duties described below are the primary functions and duties of the position. There may be other types of work that may be performed, and the omission of a particular duty or function does not exclude that duty or function from the position provided the duty or function is similar in work, related to the work or logically assigned to the position. • Assists in the investigation and/or administration of hearings held in connection with excessive rent or decreased service complaints brought pursuant to state law and local ordinance., • Assists in the administration of hearings held in connection with complaints of discriminatory practices brought pursuant to state law and local ordinance., • Provides substantive responses to citizen inquiries in connection with illegal discriminatory practices and human rights violations., • Consults with tenants who wish to file a complaint., • Secures a complaint in writing signed by the complainant., • Refers cases requiring mediation to supervisor and/or the Fair Rent Network., • Responsible for community engagement and outreach regarding Fair Rent Commission initiatives., • Serves as an administrator to the Commission., • Schedules and attends Commission meetings., • Collects and prepares documents needed for commission meetings: lease agreement, inspector reports, etc., • Utilizes the City of Bridgeport website for all departmental needs and electronic engagements., • Prepares and maintains records of each complaint and follows through to its conclusion., • Prepares quarterly reports about hearing results and decisions., • Effectively and efficiently manages and responds to a high volume of calls and emails in accordance with established operating procedures and/or applicable regulations., • Updates and maintains department files relevant to state and/or federal mandated formulas, and contractual imperatives, assists in the research and response to interrogatives of such mandated formulas., • Performs file maintenance, document upkeep, codification, and cataloging of all source documents for orderly retrieval and audit., • Performs research functions of data related to terminal entry and/or all other inquiries relevant to the respective department., • Engage in monthly information presentations to the community, residents, and organizations, • Performs daily data terminal entry activities for all source documents of the respective department., • Participate in quarterly training, events, and meetings with the Fair Rent Commission Network, • Participate in monthly department meetings and individual supervision., • Performs related work as assigned. MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: • Associate’s degree in public administration, business, paralegal studies, real estate, social services, or a related field; Or an equivalent combination of education, specialized training, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the functions of the position. EXPERIENCE: • Experience in real estate, housing, landlord tenant matters, public policy, legal support, or related field preferred., • Experienced executive administrative assistant, paralegal, or in municipal/non-profit program support is beneficial., • At least three (3) to five (5) years of administrative, case management, housing services, or records processing experience; or equivalent experience demonstrating proficiency in the below listed knowledge, skills, and abilities. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: • General knowledge of municipal or non-profit operations., • Knowledge of or willingness to learn Connecticut landlord-tenant statutes (CGS Ch. 830) and Fair Rent statutes (CGS §§ 7-148b–7-148f)., • Ability to research, analyze, and summarize information for public inquiries and Commission review., • Bi-lingual (English-Spanish) is be advantageous but not required., • Ability to exercise independent judgment and experience working with Directors., • Experience with maintaining and processing departmental records., • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and data entry systems; ability to learn new software applications., • Willingness to learn new software programs., • Ability to compose clear and correct letters and reports., • Ability to anticipate requirements and to initiate and perform detailed work with little supervision., • Organized and can establish working relationships with supervisors, subordinates, and the public with the ability to work as an integral team member., • Efficient multitasking skills., • Knowledge of arithmetical computations and tabulations, and the ability to perform computations with accuracy and speed., • Knowledge of clerical tasks and ability to readily adhere to prescribed routines., • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, Commissioners, and the public., • Ability to research and assimilate data and present findings in a readable narrative form for inquiry response., • Must maintain confidentiality of all parties, commissioners, stakeholders, and city personnel LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS: • A valid Connecticut Driver’s License is required for transportation between various sites. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: • The conditions below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions., • Needs to be able to operate equipment and machinery with some requiring rapid adjustments such as a computer keyboard and terminal, photocopier, and calculator., • Must be able to coordinate eyes, hands, and limbs in performing skilled movements such as rapid keyboard use., • Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining the physical condition necessary for sitting for prolonged periods of time. Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Frequent downward flexion of the neck, side-to-side turning of the neck, fine finger dexterity and grasp to manipulate the keyboard, telephone, writing instruments, papers, books, manuals, and reports.