Employment


Employment


The Lowell Housing Authority is a quasi-public organization with a mission to work in partnership with other housing providers, local government and our residents to provide quality housing and a variety of social services programs that assist residents in achieving their highest level of self-sufficiency. The Authority manages over 2,500 units of federal, state, and leased housing for individuals and families. The LHA operates under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) who establish regulations and provide guidance to our agency.

We are a large housing organization with approximately 83 administrative staff, and an experienced maintenance workforce, responsible for the upkeep of our properties across the City of Lowell. We consider ourselves to be A Foundation for Stability and Opportunity. We recognize that access to affordable housing is only the first step in achieving self-sufficiency, so we’ve dedicated ourselves to becoming much more. To achieve our goals, we implement or partner with a number of community organizations to create opportunities for our residents to achieve self-sufficiency. Programs and services include youth enrichment, academic scholarships, financial literacy, counseling, and homeownership.

As a team, we are data-driven, encourage innovation, and strive for excellence. We value our employees, offer excellent benefits, and support the professional growth of staff through our tuition reimbursement program, professional training, and mentorship.

Benefits

Benefits are offered for full time 35 hour/week positions and include:

  • Defined pension plan
  • Health and dental coverage
  • Long-term disability
  • Flexible spending
  • Deferred compensation
  • Training certifications, conference participation, and tuition reimbursement

Current Openings

Executive Administrative Assistant

Job Summary: The Executive Assistant will provide mature, high-level administrative support to the Executive Director and other assigned leadership staff as necessary.  This is a highly responsible position in which the incumbent will perform administrative duties to support the Executive Director in daily office processes and practices.  Responsibilities include drafting of written communications, reports and/or presentations; scheduling and preparing for meetings and events; meeting minutes and financial data; calendar management; telephone etiquette; files management and maintenance; and aide in ensuring executive office efficiency.  The incumbent acts as the “gatekeeper” for the Executive Director and executive office.  The position requires strong computer and internet skills, flexibility, project coordination experience, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work with all levels of management and staff, as well as outside board members, clients, and vendors. The Executive Assistant’s key objective should be to enhance the Executive Director’s effectiveness by providing information, support and representing the Executive Department to others in a professional manner.  Sensitivity to confidential matters required. Essential Functions, Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Provides high-level, broad administrative support and assistance to the Executive Director and other senior staff as necessary.
  • Performs clerical and administrative tasks including drafting letters, memos, reports, emails, and other communications for the Executive Director.
  • Conserves Executive Director’s time by reading, researching, and routing correspondence as well as collecting and analyzing information and/or data.
  • Maintains and manages executive’s appointment schedule/calendar by planning and scheduling meetings, conferences, and travel as needed.
  • Receives incoming communications on behalf of Executive Director, reviews contents, determines importance, and summarizes or distributes contents as appropriate.
  • Welcomes guests/visitors to the office:  greeting them, in person or on the telephone; answering and directing inquiries with tact and professionalism.
  • Acts as the “gatekeeper” for the Executive Director and executive office.
  • Maintains confidence of critical issues and information within the Executive Department and protects operations by keeping information confidential and secure.
  • Provides historical reference by developing and utilizing filing and retrieval systems, recording, and maintaining meeting minutes and reports.
  • Performs additional and other related duties as assigned by the Executive Director.
Required Skills/Abilities:
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, with the ability to prioritize and/or adapt to changing urgencies to meet goals.
  • Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines. Conscientious self-starter who can take initiative to complete assigned tasks effectively with little to no supervision.
  • Ability to interpret complex data, generate reports and /or create presentations for the Executive Director and executive office.
  • Willingness to learn new skills and apply them as needs arise.
  • Ability to function well in a high-paced environment.
  • Extensive knowledge of office administration, clerical procedures, and recordkeeping systems.
  • Extremely proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and typical office software and hardware with the ability to learn new or updated systems efficiently.
  • Commitment to the Lowell Housing Authority’s mission.
Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor’s degree in business administration/management, affiliated field, or equivalent years of experience in administrative/executive assistant role(s).
  • Minimum of five (5) years of experience as administrative/executive assistant at a medium to large organization.
  Annual Salary: $60,000-63,000/yr with benefits

Mechanic Aide / Heating

Job Summary: The incumbent performs skilled and semi-skilled maintenance and repair tasks on buildings, apartments, grounds and equipment. He/she is required to demonstrate knowledge of plumbing, electricity, and heating, in the performance of responsibilities. He/she is required to possess, as a minimum requirement, one of the following licensees: Mass State 2nd Class Firemen's License, State Pipefitter's License, or Gasfitters License. This position is a highly responsible position requiring the incumbent to work independently and exercise good judgment. The shift assignment is based on the workload requirement, and scheduling may be changed with proper notice. The incumbent of this position receives work direction and guidance from the Superintendent of Facilities or Plumbing and Heating Supervisor, associated with the maintenance and repairs to buildings, apartments, grounds, equipment, and heating components. Normally, no supervision is given but the incumbent occasionally may supervise a small number of maintenance aides and grounds keepers in the absence of senior maintenance employee(s). Essential Functions, Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Performs maintenance and repair
  • Performs plumbing and heating tasks such as changing faucet washers, stems, seats, , and repairing toilets by changing tank bulbs, overflow tubes, guide wires, etc., repairing Paloma Pacs as required.
  • Performs minor electrical tasks such as resetting circuit breakers, changing plates covers on switches and outlets, replacing light bulbs, globes,
  • Cleans and paints vacant apartments by washing walls, ceilings, windows, floors, cupboards, lavatories.
  • Performs floor tile installation by removing the old tile, scraping down floor surface and then laying the tile
  • Performs building and grounds maintenance and repairs through the use of such tools and equipment as common hand tools, glass cutters, wrenches, pipe cutters, drain augers, shovels, rakes, lawnmowers, snow blowers, caulking guns, trowels,
  • Clears snow and ice from buildings and grounds by shoveling, operating a snowplow, snow blower, , to ensure tenant safety.
  • Assists in moving heavy objects such as refrigerators, stoves,
  • Performs maintenance of grounds by cleaning up debris, mowing lawns, raking grass and leaves, trimming shrubs and trees,
  • Performs other related duties as
Required Skills/Abilities:
  • Knowledge of general
  • Knowledge of materials and equipment used in buildings and grounds
  • Skilled in the use of hand tools and equipment used for buildings and grounds
  • Ability to perform maintenance and repairs of buildings, grounds, equipment, and heating
  • Ability to operate a
  • Ability to operate motor vehicles (pick-up truck and dump truck).
  • Ability to follow oral and written
  • Ability to lift heavy
  • Shall possess valid Driver’s
  • Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety
 Education and Experience:
  • Must have a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in heating or a related
  • Certification in the handling of hazardous materials and/or occupational safety training advantageous, i.e. OSHA or National Safety Board
Certifications and Licenses:
  • Candidate shall possess a valid Driver's License.
  • One of the following licensees: Mass State 2nd Class Firemen's License, State Pipefitter's License, or Gasfitters License.
  • OSHA certification advantageous.

Mechanic Carpenter

Job Summary: This type of work involves the performance of semi-skilled and highly skilled diversified duties in connection with repairs and maintenance of building and grounds requiring many skills found at the master carpenter level, such as: carpentry for woodwork repairs and painting work.  An incumbent is expected to have knowledge of and manual skills in repairing such items as: windows, doors, and other wood materials, mechanical equipment (snow blowers, power equipment, hedge clippers, air powered tools, etc.) and in carrying out a full set of maintenance duties, may be required to work under adverse conditions such as: sleet, snow, heat, dust, and dirt. An incumbent normally receives only general supervision and carries out work assignments after being provided with a work schedule, determining own work methods and techniques for accomplishing the job.  Supervisor spot checks work while in progress and upon completion for acceptability. An incumbent may provide work direction and guidance to a small number of laborers or aides, but generally works independently and exercises a great deal of independence of judgement in resolving problems in the act of repairing building and appurtenances. Essential Functions, Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Independently performs a wide range of building and ground repairs and maintenance functions, calling for physical exertion frequently.
  • Digs ditches and holes as necessary.
  • Rough, finish, and fine carpentry including repairs of windows, doors, door frames, locks, mailboxes, roofing, siding, bathrooms, suspended ceilings, flooring, kitchens, etc.
  • Repair and servicing of mechanical equipment such as: snow blowers, power movers, hedge trimmers, and other equipment generally used by the maintenance staff.
  • Must have knowledge of and skill in using a wide range of hand tools and equipment, such as: drills, hammers, pliers, electrical testers, hand and power saws, cutters, plungers, threaders, wire brushes, air tools, etc.
  • Perform groundskeeping tasks: trimming mowing, planting, and policing grounds.
  • Perform other related duties as required.
Required Skills/Abilities:
  • Working knowledge of and skill in applying knowledge in rough, finish and fine carpentry, painting, and mechanical equipment.
  • Ability to independently perform complicated building maintenance tasks of varying difficulty.
  • Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety measures.
  • Knowledge of tools and methods to be used in a wide range of building maintenance work.
  • Ability to direct the work of others, such as: laborers or aides.
  • Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and assignments.
  • Ability to maintain acceptable working relationships with co-workers and outside contractors.
  • Ability to work in adverse conditions, such as: sleet, snow, heat, cold, dust and dirt, as well as cramped quarters and high places.
  • Ability to lift heavy objects into and out of trucks or other carriers.
 Education and Experience:
  • Master Carpenter with at least ten (10) years of prior experience.
  • Experience and training in commercial and residential carpentry.
  • Blueprint reading as expected in the carpentry trade.
Certifications and Licenses:
  • Candidate shall possess a valid Driver's License.
  • Candidates should possess a 40-hour OSHA certification.

Housing Technician / Front Desk Receptionist

JOB SUMMARY:  This is a full-time, responsible position in which the incumbent will perform administrative duties associated with the Federal and State Housing Programs. SUPERVISION RECEIVED:  The incumbent in this class receives direct supervision from the Chief Admissions Officer. SUPERVISION GIVEN:  The incumbent provides no supervision to others. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  1. Strong computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Word/Excel and the ability to learn the software program for the Federal Public Housing Program.
  2. Ability to deal effectively with low-income, culturally diverse individuals and families.
  3. Ability to comply with office practices and protocols.
  4. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
  5. Ability to maintain confidential information and provide for the security of confidential documents.
  6. Ability to multi-task and perform all required duties.
  7. Ability to understand regulations of the Federal Housing Programs and comply with policies and procedures set forth in the Administrative Plan.
  8. Strong written and oral communication skills required.
  9. Ability to meet established deadlines and coordinate workflow to produce effective results.
  10. Knowledge of area support service programs.
  11. Ability to be punctual and maintain good attendance.
  12. Ability to remain focused and organized in a busy work environment.
  13. Bilingual in Spanish or Khmer preferred.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES
  1. Schedule interviews and perform eligibility screening of Federal and State Public Housing Program applicants.
  2. Completes necessary leases and rent computations for the Federal and State Public Housing Program.
  3. Checks and verifies immigration status with USCIS
  4. Maintains and sorts waiting list according to federal and state regulations.
  5. Maintains a secure, organized file system of client electronic folders, compliant with LHA filing procedures.
  6. Performs data entry into HUD’s IMS/PIC System of all income and family information related to the annual re-examination of income, as well as interim rent changes.
  7. Performs data entry of information related to applicant screenings, and tenant annual/interim recertification of income.
  8. Correlates orientation packets for new residents.
  9. Performs data entry for lease-up, vacancy, inspection, and move-ins.
  10. Transferring calls as necessary and notifying employees of clients.
  11. Performs other related duties of the class as required.
TRAINING/EXPERIENCE:  Three to five years administrative experience, as well as an associate degree in a related field is required.

Administrative Assistant, Construction – Capital Dept.

Job Summary: The Administrative Assistant will assist in reviewing and tracking contracts, pricing, change orders, insurance certificates and RFI's. This individual is also responsible for capturing and distributing weekly meeting minutes; coordinating meetings and assembling project manuals; identifying and integrating project documents into the planned project management software and interface with the public housing authority software system modules.  The incumbent reports to the Capital Asset Manager assigned as the lead for each project. Essential Functions, Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Experience with project management software.
  • Assist in coordinating files for capital improvement projects and reports. Strong organizational skills.
  • Assist in identifying new project management software and integration with existing systems.
  • Facilitate and assist in communication among project teams - including architect and engineer, general or prime contractor, subcontractors, and Lowell Housing Authority personnel.
  • Assist in meeting preparations and attend meetings with the project team as appropriate.
  • Assist with project schedule maintenance and compliance.
  • Processing invoices for payment and tracking.
  • Tracking project cost to available budget.
  • Create, prepare, or collect and file project meeting minutes.
  • Track and report department deadlines for preparation and submission.
  • Responsible for obtaining, storing (electronic), distributing and tracking warranty certificates in a timely fashion.
  • Responsible for obtaining information and assembling manuals (hard copy and electronic) as needed.
  • Assist in the conversion of records and the manual contract management process to a “smart” and intuitive digital process.
  • Develop knowledge and facility of use with state and federal software systems and record keeping such as state DHCD’s CIMS, CPS and CapHub systems and U.S. HUD EPIC and other federal portal sites required for data and capital fund reporting.
  • Assist project managers with any additional duties, including without limitation:
    • Governmental reports such as the U.S. HUD Labor/Wage report (HUD-4710), EPIC energy-related project reports and data updates.
    • Energy conservation audit preparation and site audit assistance.
    • Create, generate, update and/or compile attachments and Environmental Review Report book.
    • Research project management software and convert documents from recent projects including certified payrolls, submittals, etc. per the project checklist.
    • Obtain, copy, scan, catalogue documents to promote durable and searchable records of all projects and integrate into system property information.
Required Skills/Abilities:
  • Ability to provide written, filing and technology support for capital improvement building and site projects and reports.
  • Ability to work independently on several high priority tasks and prioritize, as necessary.
  • General knowledge and understanding of technical drawings and specifications.
  • General knowledge of occupational safety
  • Ability to read and interpret written instructions, specifications, and
  • Ability to collect financial or statistical data for inclusion in the Capital Fund Program
  • Experience with Procore, Microsoft Project Pro or other Project Management Software and competency with Microsoft Office Suite, principally MS Word and Excel.
  • Research and inquiry skills, creative problem solving.
 Education and Experience:
  • The nature of this work requires considerable prior work experience, where skills in construction administration services and office technology are demonstrated.
  • Formal training in office management and practices (typing, report writing, and operation of office machines).
  • Associate degree is preferred but may be substituted by sufficient years of relevant experience.
Certifications and Licenses:
  • Candidate shall possess a valid Driver's
  • MCPPO or NAHRO training/certificate advantageous.
  Annual Salary: $50,000 with benefits

Maintenance Custodian

Job Summary

The incumbent of this class performs routine building custodial and janitorial tasks. The incumbent maintains buildings and surrounding grounds in a clean and neat condition. Work is performed in accordance with standardized procedures or prior instructions.  The incumbent may be required to learn building maintenance under the guidance and direction of a Maintenance Technician and or superior. The incumbent in this position receives continuance on the job training and formal training in all building maintenance trades, such as: painting, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, etc. Assumes basic job assignments in all building maintenance duties.  The incumbent receives close guidance from a Property Manager. Work is reviewed while in progress and upon completion for accuracy and compliance with instructions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Knowledge of methods and practices used in janitorial or custodial work. 2. Knowledge of proper use of a variety of special cleaning and sanitizing solutions and solvents. 3. Ability to read signs and follow oral and written instructions. 4. Ability to move heavy furniture, supplies and equipment. 5. Ability to use common cleaning tools and equipment. 6. Ability to perform building custodial tasks under supervision. 7. Ability to operate lawn care and snow removal equipment. 8. Knowledge of basic maintenance of buildings. 9. Shall possess a valid Driver’s License.

Principal Duties

1. Cleans and polishes floors located in storerooms, corridors, elevators, stairwells lavatories and other areas by sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, waxing, and polishing using a variety of hand implements and equipment, such as: brooms, mops, vacuum cleaners, floor scrubbers, floor buffers, etc. 2. Maintains restrooms in a clean and sanitary condition by sweeping, scrubbing and waxing floors, disinfects and deodorizes lavatories, urinals and toilets bowls, washes sinks, mirrors and fountains. 3. Maintains grounds by selecting the proper tools, implements or equipment to perform a variety of tasks, such as: pruning shrubs and trees, reseeding bare spots in lawns, spray insecticide on shrubs and trees, removes snow and ice. 4. Performs emergency repairs as needed. 5. Performs routine custodial and janitorial tasks, such as: emptying waste baskets, washing windows, emptying trash compactors, lifting containers and carrying them out of building, vacuums rugs and carpets, strips wax from floors, and similar tasks. 6. Applies appropriate solvents and solutions, such as: detergents, soaps, scouring powders, waxes, polishes, etc. 7. Performs a number of routine security functions, such as: checking to make certain that designated offices and buildings are secured at specific times of the day/night. 8. Cleans and paints vacant units by washing walls, ceilings, windows, floors, cupboards, lavatories and by steam cleaning appliances. 9. Performs other related duties of the class as required. 10. May be required and/or scheduled to work weekends.

Training and Experience

The nature of this work does not require any prior training or experience. The incumbent should be in good physical condition and should be able to demonstrate the ability to understand oral and written instructions. Some manual dexterity is called for.

Salary

$24.66/Hour

Resident Service Assistant

JOB SUMMARY   The Lowell Housing Authority is seeking qualified individuals to serve as temporary, part-time Resident Service Assistants. The Resident Service Assistant will be responsible for assessing resident needs and providing ongoing support during building modification projects that impact those in residence. An outgoing, engaging and approachable demeanor is essential to the position.   SUPERVISION RECEIVED The incumbent works under the direct supervision of the Property Manager or his/her designee with whom he/she shares on going communication concerning all matters arising during the week as well as those likely to develop during the course of the project. The incumbent is responsible for maintaining daily log notes as well as written reports on events/concerns/resolution that are routinely reviewed by Supervisor.   KNOWLDEGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES  

  • Availability to work a scheduled shift between the hours of 8:00AM to 8:00PM during a 7-day work week (shifts expected to be four (4) to eight (8) hours in duration with some flexibility)
  • Experience in interacting with elderly/disabled individuals and the challenges they may face both physically and mentally
  • Working knowledge of community/social service resources within the Greater Lowell area
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality in all resident engagements
  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
  • Ability to write clear and concise daily log notes and reports
  • Ability to operate simple office machinery i.e. computer, cell phone, fax, copier, etc.
  • Ability to climb stairs unaided numerous times per day
  • Ability to lift and carry up to twenty-five (25) lbs. numerous times per day
  • Ability to commit to a scheduled employment shift, arriving promptly and minimizing absences
  PRINCIPLE DUTIES
  • Coordinate and facilitate social activities based upon resident interest
  • Identify gaps in resident services and report to Property Manager
  • Work closely with resident services staff and property management to ensure that residents are thriving and experiencing only minimal inconvenience
  • Complete daily well-being checks on all residents to ensure their safety and encourage communication of needs, concerns, questions, etc.
  • Assisting residents with transporting their groceries/light deliveries from the lobby to their respective units, weighing up to 25 pounds
  • Checking resident mailboxes if requested and assisting with handling outgoing mail/packages
  • Aid in coordinating resident transportation to appointments
  • Function as a liaison between LHA Capital Planning Department and residents in the ongoing communication surrounding project updates/delays/changes
  • Ensure residents have access to common meeting areas on each floor and encourage social interaction
  • Check stairwells throughout shift to ensure residents have adequate seating on each level to rest while utilizing stairs and that no hazardous conditions are present
  • Contact 911/Emergency Medical Services upon a medical/building emergency and update Supervisor concerning the event
JOB DETAILS Rate of Pay: $15 per hourly, paid weekly Health and Retirement Benefits: Not offered - Positions are non-benefitted Job Site Location:  Varies Job Start Date & Duration: Varies Project: TBD

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