Job Description

The Director of Investigations is responsible for overseeing all aspects of investigations of alleged housing discrimination and enforcement of local and federal laws pertaining to fair housing. The Director of Investigations performs this function to ensure that the Boston Fair Housing and Equity Office effectively engages and serves residents, especially the most vulnerable, and advocates for fair housing and equity to reach the Office’s mission: working to prevent discrimination and ensure fair and equitable access to housing for all people of Boston.

This role lives in the Equity & Inclusion Cabinet. Learn about the Equity & Inclusion Cabinet at boston.gov/equity

Responsibilities

• Oversees all aspects of the City of Boston’s Fair Housing and Equity Office investigative and enforcement proceedings.
• Performs oversight and enforcement of rules for receipt of complaints and for all proceedings, conduct of investigations, development of compliance and conciliation agreements, and conduct of enforcement hearings.
• Defends probable cause findings during administrative hearings as needed.
• Develops pleadings, motions, depositions, and stipulations.
• Develops and initiates subpoenas, findings, continuances, satisfactions of complaint, and briefs.
• Supervises members of the Investigations Team and additional staff as requested by the Executive Director, including overseeing annual performance reviews, regular supervisory sessions, and implementation of professional development.
• Oversees the complaint intake process and the training and supervision of intake staff.
• Develops policies and procedures to ensure:
  • Compliance with Federal, state, and local fair housing laws and regulations.
  • Cases are investigated and resolved in under 100 days when feasible.
  • Program staff reaches internal benchmarks and time frames for completed cases and the number of complaints filed per year.
• Ensures accurate documentation and compliance with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) using HEMS, Salesforce, and other systems as required.
• Analyzes cases in the HUD HEMS database for requests for payment.
• Assesses the investigation process for gaps, developing and implementing improvement measures.
• Analyzes case data for protected class trends in complaints.
• Oversees adjudicatory procedures following administrative or appeal hearings.
• Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Entrance Qualifications

• Seven (7) years of experience working in government or public administration settings. A bachelor’s degree can substitute for two (2) years of experience.
• Preference for those who have at least one (1) year of experience in civil rights or housing law.
• At least two (2) years of supervisory experience and demonstrated leadership experience while supervising a team are required.
• Ability to conduct complete, objective fact-finding as a neutral party.
• Advanced abilities in reviewing and interpreting legal documents, legal drafting, research, and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated critical thinking, interpersonal, problem-solving, and public speaking skills are required.
• Skillful interview techniques with a strong record of negotiating settlements in fair housing or other settings preferred.
• Familiarity with real estate law and practices, as well as fair housing law.
• Experience working with federal and state agencies is preferred.
• Experience with Google Suite and Microsoft Office.
• Law degree (J.D.) preferred.
• Familiarity with HEMS and Salesforce systems preferred.
• Bilingual preferred (Spanish, Haitian Creole, Cape Verdean Creole, Chinese, and Vietnamese).

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: Non-Union/MO-14Hours per week: 35