Administrative Support for the Housing Litigation Division - Anti-Harassment Unit (HLD-AHU)

As an Administrative Support for the Housing Litigation Division - Anti-Harassment Unit at HPD, candidates will engage in various responsibilities aimed at addressing tenant harassment issues. This includes liaising with external partners, conducting tenant interviews to collect pertinent information post-inspection, maintaining communication, reviewing compliance reports, and coordinating necessary re-inspections. Additionally, you'll prepare referrals for the Housing Litigation Division when warranted, making this a vital role in protecting tenants' rights and housing standards.

To be eligible for the Administrative Support for the Housing Litigation Division - Anti-Harassment Unit at HPD, candidates should possess either a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college combined with two years of relevant experience, or a high school diploma alongside six years of community work experience related to the duties described. All candidates must have at least one year of experience equivalent to that described, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle the role's demands.

The Administrative Support role is essential in advancing HPD's mission to promote quality and affordability in housing through direct tenant engagement and community collaboration. By acting as a bridge between tenants and building owners and facilitating enforcement actions against harassment, the position directly aligns with HPD’s initiatives to improve living conditions and uphold housing rights in the city, thereby contributing to Mayor Adams' framework against homelessness and housing instability.

Candidates for the Administrative Support for the Housing Litigation Division - Anti-Harassment Unit are encouraged to have strong communication skills, both written and oral, as well as proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and Outlook. Familiarity with HPDInfo and knowledge of building owners' and tenants' rights and responsibilities would also be beneficial. Being bilingual is an added advantage, allowing for better engagement with a diverse population of tenants.

Working as an Administrative Support for the Housing Litigation Division - Anti-Harassment Unit at HPD opens doors to numerous professional growth opportunities. Some of these include gaining valuable experience within the public sector, developing relationships with community partners, and fostering skills in conflict resolution and tenant advocacy. Additionally, the role is a stepping stone for careers in housing policy, urban planning, or community development.

When answering this question, provide specific examples of your previous roles involving tenant interviews or community outreach efforts. Highlight the skills you utilized, such as active listening, empathy, and effective communication. Focus on how you gathered vital information and strengthened relationships within the community, illustrating your ability to connect with diverse individuals.

In addressing this question, emphasize the importance of empathy and active listening. Explain how you would approach the conversation with sensitivity, ensuring the tenant feels heard and supported. Detail techniques like remaining calm and focused on problem-solving, and providing clear information about the available resources, portraying your commitment to tenant advocacy.

Share strategies such as establishing regular check-ins via calls or emails to maintain transparency. Discuss the importance of documenting conversations, keeping all parties informed about progress and outcomes, and utilizing tools like interpreters or multilingual resources for broader reach, showcasing your commitment to clarity and effective dialogue.

Highlight your approach to task management, such as using to-do lists or digital planning tools to stay organized. Explain how you assess urgency versus importance when deciding on priorities, and provide an example of a time you successfully managed multiple responsibilities within a tight timeframe, demonstrating your flexibility and organizational skills.

Narrate a specific situation where you played a role in de-escalating a conflict by employing active listening and mediation skills. Outline the steps you took to understand both perspectives, how you facilitated a constructive dialogue, and the positive outcome that followed, emphasizing your ability to work collaboratively under pressure.

Demonstrate your knowledge of HPD’s commitment to safe, affordable housing and its strategic investment in combating homelessness. Discuss specific initiatives or programs, like ‘Housing Our Neighbors,’ and explain how these efforts help enhance community stability and combat housing inequalities, showing your alignment with HPD's goals.

Address your understanding of privacy policies and the significance of safeguarding tenant information. Explain your procedures for managing sensitive data securely, such as using password protection for documents and limiting access to confidential records, showcasing your commitment to ethical standards in public service.

Discuss any case management systems or tools you have experience with, including HPDInfo if applicable. Describe how you’ve utilized these tools to track cases, document interactions, and ensure timely follow-ups, demonstrating your proficiency in leveraging technology for effective organizational management.

Emphasize your proactive approach to community engagement, such as attending local meetings or collaborating with non-profits. Discuss specific techniques you’d implement, like organizing tenant workshops or informational sessions to empower residents, reflecting your dedication to building trust and fostering collaboration.

When answering this question, reflect on your passion for social justice and the desire to strengthen communities. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that sparked your interest in housing advocacy, emphasizing your commitment to making a positive impact on people's lives through equitable housing solutions.