DEPUTY DIRECTOR, HOUSING COURT UNIT

The Deputy Director of the Housing Court Unit at HPA is responsible for managing the daily operations of the Housing Court Consultants, overseeing court affidavit reviews, and implementing new initiatives to address homelessness issues. You'll collaborate with legal professionals to negotiate solutions that prevent evictions and ensure the agency's representation in Housing Courts. Additionally, you'll conduct audits and evaluations of unit operations, lead staff training, and prepare reports on housing court activities.

To qualify for the Deputy Director role at the Housing Court Unit, candidates should possess a baccalaureate degree plus four years of experience in providing economic support services, with at least 18 months in a supervisory capacity. Alternatively, candidates can have a high school diploma with eight years of relevant experience, including supervisory work. Relevant education and experience combinations may also be accepted.

The Deputy Director plays a crucial role in preventing homelessness by managing initiatives that involve negotiating with landlords and attorneys to secure affordable housing for tenants. This includes addressing rent arrears, facilitating resolutions in court, and ensuring that the agency is effectively advocating for those in danger of eviction. Your leadership will drive operational efficiency that directly supports families in need.

HPA fosters an inclusive environment dedicated to diversity and equity. As an equal opportunity employer, HPA is committed to creating a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. By encouraging a supportive atmosphere, the agency ensures that all employees can contribute fully and thrive in their roles, especially in critical positions like the Deputy Director of the Housing Court Unit.

As the Deputy Director at HPA, you can expect to design and implement initiatives aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of rental assistance programs, responding swiftly to changes in housing policy, and coordinating with various stakeholders, including government officials and community organizations. This role offers limitless potential to innovate in ways that significantly improve housing stability for New Yorkers.

When discussing your qualifications for the Deputy Director role, highlight your management experience and specific competencies related to housing services. Discuss your hands-on experience with court procedures, negotiations, and working with diverse groups to advocate for tenants, emphasizing any relevant accomplishments and how they align with HPA's mission.

In responding to this question, emphasize your negotiation skills and approach to conflict resolution. Discuss your strategy for ensuring a positive outcome for both parties, focusing on empathy and collaboration. Highlight your willingness to listen to both sides and your ability to propose creative solutions that safeguard tenant rights while considering the landlord’s position.

Discuss the importance of communication, support, and delegation when managing a team under stress. Share techniques you've used to foster a collaborative environment, such as regular check-ins, open feedback channels, and ensuring your team has the resources and training needed to perform their best, particularly in high-pressure situations.

Outline how you would leverage various resources, such as workshops, professional networks, and ongoing training opportunities, to stay informed of changes in housing policy. Emphasize your commitment to continuous learning and your proactive approach in integrating new laws into your team's practices.

Select a specific example where your intervention led to a successful resolution. Detail the conflict, your approach in addressing it, and the outcome. This showcases your mediation skills and your ability to maintain professional relationships, which are crucial in roles like the Deputy Director.

Let the interviewer know about your systematic approach to performance evaluation, which may include setting clear expectations, regularly reviewing progress, and employing feedback loops. Emphasize how this reflective practice not only supports individual growth but also enhances overall team productivity and service delivery.

Discuss your advocacy strategies, highlighting the importance of thorough case preparation, relationship building with court staff, and maintaining an informed perspective on tenant rights. Describe your commitment to justice and fairness in housing, reinforcing that your clients’ needs will always be your primary focus.

Share your passion for social justice and the positive impact that stable housing has on individuals and families. Emphasize personal stories or experiences that drive your commitment to preventing homelessness and how they align with the values and mission of HPA.

Detail your approach to structured training, which might include workshops, hands-on sessions, and ongoing support. Emphasize the importance of engaging staff in the training process and assessing their understanding to ensure effective implementation of new initiatives.

Discuss your organization skills and how you would assess deadlines, impacts, and urgency to prioritize effectively. Explain your use of tools and techniques like project management systems to keep your team on track while ensuring that high-priority cases receive the attention they require.