Clerical Support – for the Division of Code Enforcement (DCE)

As a Clerical Support professional in the Division of Code Enforcement (DCE) at HPD, your responsibilities include processing complaints from the public, facilitating customer service, conducting follow-up communications to verify complaint resolutions, and maintaining statistical reports using HPD’s database. Your organizational skills will be crucial for handling various administrative tasks that support the team's operations.

To qualify for the Clerical Support position in the Division of Code Enforcement at the NYC HPD, candidates must have a high school diploma or an equivalent, along with three years of relevant community work experience, or a combination of education and experience that meets this criterion. Strong communication skills, customer service focus, and proficiency in computer applications are essential.

The Clerical Support role in the Division of Code Enforcement at HPD plays a vital part in ensuring compliance with housing regulations, improving tenant safety, and effectively responding to community inquiries. By assisting with administrative support and complaint processing, you help HPD achieve its goals of promoting quality and affordable housing in New York City.

Preferred skills for the Clerical Support position in the Division of Code Enforcement include excellent communication abilities, strong customer service orientation, proficiency with computer applications and data management, and being bilingual is considered an asset. These skills will enhance your ability to perform liaison activities and provide valuable support to the community.

Yes, the Clerical Support role in the Division of Code Enforcement may require candidates to be flexible with their work hours, potentially including evenings and weekends. This adaptability is important as staff may be assigned to any of the five boroughs of New York City to provide support as needed.

When answering this question, highlight your passion for community service and interest in housing issues. You might say, 'I was inspired to apply because I believe that everyone deserves access to safe and affordable housing. I'm excited about the opportunity to contribute to the important work HPD is doing in New York City.'

Provide a specific example of a time you successfully managed customer inquiries. You might respond, 'In my previous role, I regularly answered tenant questions about maintenance issues, ensuring effective communication which increased tenant satisfaction and trust. I learned to address their concerns quickly and efficiently.'

Mention any relevant tools such as data management systems, spreadsheets, or customer service software. For instance, 'I'm proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, which I used for reporting and data entry in my last position.'

Discuss your organizational strategies. A possible answer could be, 'I create a daily to-do list prioritizing urgent tasks while leaving room for unexpected needs. This approach helps me remain focused and efficient even during peak times.'

Reflect on a specific situation where you handled a dispute. You can say, 'I once mediated a disagreement between two tenants over maintenance responsibilities, listening to both sides and facilitating a meeting to find a solution that satisfied both parties.'

Demonstrate your research and understanding of the DCE. For example, you could say, 'I understand that the Division of Code Enforcement plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with housing laws and regulations, which directly impacts the safety and wellbeing of residents.'

Emphasize your commitment to privacy. An effective answer might be, 'I always adhere to company policies regarding confidentiality, ensuring that sensitive information is only shared with authorized personnel or in designated formats.'

Share your thoughts on effective customer service. You could say, 'I believe in proactive communication and empathy. Listening to clients and addressing their concerns promptly builds trust and leads to positive experiences.'

Come prepared with a project example. You might say, 'I assisted in a community outreach project that aimed to raise awareness about housing rights, which helped many residents better understand their options and resources.'

Discuss the link between community engagement and housing stability by saying, 'A strong community fosters connections among residents, encourages support systems, and ultimately leads to better maintenance and conditions for housing stability.'