Assistant Counsel, Grant Services Specialist III (NCS) - Department of Housing & Community Development

THIS IS A NON-CIVIL SERVICE POSITION

POSTING DATE: 3/27/2025

SALARY RANGE: $64,427.00 – $110,756.00 ANNUALLY

GRANT FUNDED FOR 3 YEARS

BACKGROUND CHECK

Eligible candidates under final consideration for appointment to positions identified as positions of trust will be required to complete authorization for a Criminal Background Check and/or Fingerprint screening and must be successfully completed.

PROBATION

All persons, including current City employees, selected for this position must complete a 6-month mandatory probation.

POSITION OVERVIEW

An Assistant Counsel (In Rem) in our Development/Land Management division performs legal work related to Judicial in rem tax foreclosure procedures, which are an effective means of eliminating health and safety hazards by putting certain tax delinquent properties back on the tax rolls and into productive use. As required, the position may also include other Circuit Court cases, including but not necessarily limited to condemnation and tax sale foreclosure, as well as drafting and review of legal documents. The work of this class may involve leading paralegals but does not involve full supervisory duties or responsibilities.  Incumbents will receive moderate supervision from the Managing Attorney and/or Associate General Counsel. Employees in this class work a hybrid workweek. When on-site, work is performed in an office setting where normal working conditions are encountered. The work requires minimal physical exertion.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Drafting and reviewing documents, such as contracts, deeds, leases, rights of entry, releases, etc., related to the purchase and sale of real property. 
• Examining instruments and opinions prepared by other attorneys and advise of the legal requirements.
• Where necessary, preparing cases for filing and litigation. 
• Assisting in the coordination of development activities with Community Organizations, inter and intra agency and divisions and other partners. 
• Performs legal research and renders legal opinions on questions that are raised and submitted by the agency (DHCD), drafting agency agreements, contracts, and other legal documents. 
• May administer procurement and service contracts; participate in vendor selection and monitor contracts to ensure compliance with specifications and conditions; assigns and reviews work of paralegals. 
• Represents DHCD, on behalf of the Mayor and City Council, on matters relating to property acquisition in District Court, Circuit Court, and at the appellate level. 
• Files and maintains cases in Tax Sale Foreclosure, Condemnation, In Rem Foreclosure, and other legal theories; manages a large docket of said cases and sees them through to judgment; represents DHCD, for MCC, in hearings and trials as required. 
• Writes, reviews, alters, and approves for legal sufficiency various legal documents required by DHCD relating to the acquisition and disposition of Real Property.
• Such documents include, but are not limited to deeds, mortgages, releases, contracts, land disposition agreements, settlement agreements, liens, etc. 
• Drafts legislation before the Maryland General Assembly and City Council of Baltimore, reviewing bills in said bodies that may affect DHCD’s interests and opinions on whether to support, oppose, or amend said bills; and testifies before legislative bodies related to legislation. 
• Drafts, reviews, and recommends approval or disapproval of rules, regulations, and policies to carry out approved legislation and DHCD goals.
• Also, represents DHCD before various bodies including Board of Estimates, legislative bodies, community groups, etc. 
• Supervises, assigns, and reviews the work of paralegals and other legal administrative support staff.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION: A Juris Doctor from an accredited college or university and must have passed the Bar Exam.

AND

EXPERIENCE: Two years of experience in trial work, legal writing and/or municipal law.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of real estate laws, practices and procedures. 
• Knowledge of laws and regulations governing tax sale foreclosure, and condemnation proceedings. 
• Ability to research judgements and tax liens in Baltimore City. 
• Ability to research probate and estate records. 
• Ability to evaluate real estate appraisal data.
• Ability to conduct internet searches.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with representatives of governmental agencies, property owners and the general public. 
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting departmental policies, laws, rules, regulations and procedures. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information. 
• Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers, staff of other agencies and the general public. 
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint, with at least an intermediate level of skill/experience in Word and Outlook specifically. 

BENEFITS

The City of Baltimore offers a generous and competitive benefits package. You can learn about our benefits here: 

https://humanresources.baltimorecity.gov/hr-divisions/benefits

NOTE: GSS POSITIONS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR RETIREMENT BENEFITS.

☒ FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

This position is required to complete a Financial Disclosure pursuant to Sections 7-7, 7-8, and 7-9 of the City Ethics Law.

Baltimore City Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.  The City of Baltimore prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.  Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources directly. Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.

BALTIMORE CITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER