Program Assistant - Eviction Diversion Program (EDP)

Eviction Diversion Program (EDP) Part-Time Program AssistantCORA Services is a dynamic and growing not for profit organization in Philadelphia. For more than 50 years, CORA has served children and families experiencing emotional, academic and social challenges that impact their development and productivity. Our mission is to empower children, young people and families to thrive through quality and compassionate service.CORA Good Shepherd Mediation is currently seeking a Part-Time (20 hours/week) Program Assistant in its busy Eviction Diversion Program (EDP), to assist program participants and volunteer mediators. The City of Philadelphia's nationally recognized Eviction Diversion Program (EDP) provides an opportunity for landlords and tenants to resolve residential rental disputes without going to court. CORA GSM processes 500-600 EDP applications weekly and manages the high-volume virtual mediation portion of the EDP. Approximately 75 telephonic mediations are scheduled weekly and facilitated by trained volunteer mediators.The Program Assistant will support the successful operation of EDP and will handle a heavy load of time-sensitive document administration and outcome coding, assist landlords with the logistics of the program, and collaborate with program partners at other agencies to refine the operations of EDP.This is a part-time hybrid position. A portion of the part-time schedule, every week, will be spent at an office in Center City that is shared with City of Philadelphia staff who also work on EDP. Occasional in-person trainings and meetings at the CORA Services building in Fox Chase also are required.$19.17/hr. with HS diploma + 3 yrs experience$20.64/hr. with BA degree + 3 yrs experienceAll CORA team members are expected to uphold the mission, vision and values of CORA Services which includes valuing all individuals and supporting each individual's potential for growth.In addition, as a Program Assistant - EDP at CORA your duties will include:Coordination of mediated agreements and other mediation closure documents:Receive, file, and code private mediation-related documents promptlyEdit written mediated agreements for clarity, style, and programmatic consistency; this may require interacting with volunteer mediatorsDistribute mediated agreements to all relevant partiesInput time-sensitive outcomes for all applications scheduled for mediationMaintain forms and templates for volunteer mediator useAssist in scheduling as neededDirect negotiation support:Facilitate negotiations between landlords and tenants, and confirm negotiated agreements (in cases where EDP participants are not assigned to participate in mediation)Record outcomes and maintain agreement recordsBuild impartial rapport with a diverse pool of landlord applicantsLandlord Liaison support:Assist in fielding and delegating questions from landlords about the EDP processOversee and facilitate processes unique to the variety of landlords that participate in EDP (including law firms representing large volumes of landlords)Assist in the development of protocols based on changing demographics of participantsAssist with all other functions of the EDP project, including:Application review supportScheduling mediationsAssigning mediatorsFacilitating mediations as neededEntering data into EDP portalOutreach and/or trainingOther tasks as assigned, including support of other CORA GSM programsAttend meetings with program partners to review program guidelines and processesQualifications:Paralegal or Bachelor's degree requiredDemonstrated experience handling sensitive documents requiredMediation training and experience highly preferredDemonstrated database proficiency requiredExpertise with Microsoft Office, Excel, and ZoomAbility to learn and use new technology toolsAbility to work independentlyExcellent organizational and communication skillsInterpersonal skills demonstrating an ability to work as a team member (remotely), not only with fellow staff but also with partners at multiple diverse organizationsAbility to think creatively and to assist in the refinement of an emerging and extremely complex city-wide programEnthusiasm for the mediation process in a non-profit environmentFlexibility and a sense of humorFamiliarity with Eviction Diversion Program and/or landlord tenant law preferredLoyalty to the goals and objectives of CORA Services and its Good Shepherd Mediation division, including visible support for diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, restorative and social justiceCORA Offers:Medical, dental and vision coverages with a competitive company premium contribution (eligible 1st day of the month following date of hire)Company paid life/AD&D and LTD coveragesSupplemental voluntary benefits including STD, accident, critical illness, etc.403b retirement plan with generous company contribution after one year of servicePaid time off + paid agency holidaysEmployee Assistant ProgramFamily Planning Benefits (including cash benefit to assist with IVF, egg freezing, adoption, or surrogacy)An outstanding, inclusive work environmentCORA Services Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.