Opportunities From: Montgomery County Volunteer Center

Volunteer Opportunity: Arbitrator trained or experienced in Common Ownership Communities  

The Montgomery County, MD Commission on Common Ownership Communities (CCOC) is seeking several public service-community oriented arbitrators interested in volunteering on an ongoing basis to help the CCOC with ongoing proceedings of legal administrative hearings for a quasi-judicial regulatory body. An excellent candidate would possess general expertise, knowledge, and experience in community association governance for homeowners’ associations, condominium associations and cooperatives. The volunteer will be required to review and interpret applicable Federal, Maryland & Local statues.  The volunteer will spearhead the hearing panel and will chair the panel together with two other volunteer commissioners.  The hearing panel chair will lead, contribute, and assist with the ruling on cases. 

A preferred candidate will be an active or retired judge, attorney, or qualified court mediator.  The arbitrator must conduct legal research and clearly draft enforceable decisions and orders (rulings).    

About the Common Ownership Communities (CCOC) 

Established in 1991, the Commission has several functions meant to increase property values and improve the quality of life in common ownership communities (“COC”s). These include: 

Advising the County Executive and the County Council on issues affecting COCs and suggesting legislative solutions, Promoting public awareness of the legal rights and obligations of residents in a COC, Providing educational programs and technical assistance to owners and board members Resolving disputes between residents and their associations

The Common Ownership Communities (CCOC) is committed to providing owners, tenants, residents, boards of directors, and management companies of self-governing residential communities with information, assistance, and impartial dispute resolution programs.  The CCOC provides these services to the public with integrity, transparency, and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. 

Apply for the volunteer position.

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to Ramon Espin, COC Manager, at  ramon.espin@montgomerycountymd.gov with a brief description of your interest and your availability to serve on the hearing panel. Please write “CCOC Arbitrator Volunteer” in your subject line. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.  

About the Department of Housing and Community Affairs

DHCA works to preserve and increase the supply of affordable housing, maintain existing housing in a safe and sanitary condition, preserve the safety and quality of residential and commercial areas, ensure fair and equitable relations between landlords and tenants, and support the success of common ownership communities – all with a focus on reducing racial inequities and climate change impacts.

 

About the Volunteer Position

Benefits of the volunteer position include gaining valuable work experience, building career networks, exploring career options, and gaining on the job training. The Volunteer may tailor their projects based on their personal interest.

Examples of responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Data Entry Investigate cases Update OLTA website Respond to inquiries Assist with administrative duties Conduct volunteer outreach Conduct legal research Draft Case Summaries for the Commission on Landlord Tenant Affairs (COLTA) Attend Commission on Landlord Tenant Affairs (COLTA) public hearings, take notes and post on website

The Volunteer position can be part time or full time with a flexible schedule. Our office is located at 1401 Rockville Pike, 4th floor, Rockville, MD 20852.

Application Process

Please send email with resume to Jade Yan at Xiaoyu.yan@montgomerycountymd.gov.