JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
NORTHWEST MEDIATION CENTER (NMC) March 22, 2021 Open until filled
Position: Early Resolution Specialist (ERS) for the Unlawful Detainer Eviction Resolution Program
Wage Range: $16-18/hour
Respond: with cover letter, résumé and 3 professional references, to info@nwmediationcenter.com, subject line: “ERS Position”
Start Date: As soon as possible
We are hiring an Early Resolution Specialist for the Eviction Resolution Program. This program is a pilot program, implemented in six Washington counties, sponsored by the Washington State Courts. It is an effort to resolve past due rent issues between tenants and landlords before the landlord files for eviction in court. The goal is to keep families in their homes and bring financial relief to housing providers. NMC is one of the Dispute Resolution Centers (DRCs) charged in the program with offering conciliation, facilitation and mediation services to accomplish this resolution. (Watch a video about the program here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4g0SI7Pc2lg&t=155s)
General Duties:
• Provide case intake (listen compassionately to parties, receive necessary information; share program information)
• Assist renters (tenants) in completing forms to apply for government rental assistance
• Assist housing providers (landlords, and their attorneys) to correctly complete the process required by the Eviction Resolution Program
• Refer parties to legal resources
• Provide conflict coaching, conciliation, and mediation, as necessary
• Schedule and conduct these services by phone, email and Zoom
• Provide information and support that increases the likelihood of successful case outcomes
• Establish and maintain files
• Work closely with renters, landlords and attorneys to help resolve eviction issues
• Use active listening techniques and conflict resolution skills to assist parties
Qualifications:
• 40 Hour Basic Mediation Training required (can be obtained prior to start date)
• Have customer-service orientation, empathy and conflict tolerance
• Ability to approach conflicts presented with neutrality as to the issues and impartiality as to the parties
• Ability to remain calm and centered when possibly encountering strong emotions and offensive language from members of the public
• Be an adherent of peaceful problem-solving and the goals of NMC
• Strong computer literacy (familiarity with Zoom, MSWord, Excel)
• Organized and detail oriented
• Perform tasks with professionalism and sensitivity to confidentiality
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills
• Preference will be given to those with Conflict Engagement/Mediation training, in addition to the 40-hour basic mediation course
Principal Activities:
• Attend required trainings and in-services
• Use active listening techniques and conflict resolution skills to provide information on services
• Use the same skills to provide conflict coaching and conciliation
• Schedule and hold “meet and confer” sessions or mediations, requiring the same skills, advanced
• Provide services from intake to case closure
• Understand and complete rental assistance application forms
• Keep meticulous records
• Act as intermediary between landlords, tenants, and attorneys when needed
• Build strong relationships with landlords, tenants, the legal community, assistance providers, and courts
• Keep in close contact with the NMC and Resolution Washington Unlawful Detainer teams
• Attend regular team meetings and NMC staff meetings
• Other duties that relate to the DRC Early Resolution Program as assigned
Northwest Mediation Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to diversity and inclusivity in our workplace. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.