100 North 15th Avenue, Suite 201

Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Annual Salary Range: $50,000 - $55,000

Grade: 20

This position will remain open until business needs are met  

The Real Estate Settlement Officer plays a crucial role in ensuring fair and efficient resolution processes, from the initial opening of investigation files through settlement negotiations, potential disciplinary actions, and the drafting of specific administrative orders.

This position requires independent judgment, strong negotiation and mediation skills, meticulous attention to detail, excellent legal writing abilities, and the capacity to effectively interact with licensees, complainants, homeowner associations, the Office of Administrative Hearings, the Assistant Attorney General, and Recovery Fund claimants.

The Settlement Officer will also assist with homeowner association petitions and facilitate communication and resolution between homeowners and their associations.

• Customer Service: Take inbound phone calls for the Enforcement division, HOA petition process, and recovery fund. Direct customers and respondents to the appropriate resources or legal avenues as needed. Process and Reporting: Maintain and update standard templates, ensuring all processes and procedures are current and followed. Maintain an updated log and report on work in process and completed for each area

• Order Drafting: Prepare and write various specific administrative orders including but not limited to: Summary Suspensions, Cease and Desist Orders, Advisory Letter of Concern, Consent Orders, Provision Licenses. Ensure legal accuracy, process redactions for public view, and ensure adherence to departmental policy

• Disciplinary Recommendation: Analyze investigation findings based on investigative report and recommend and draft appropriate disciplinary actions for respondents charged with violations of real estate law. Settlement Negotiation: Initiate, conduct, and manage settlement negotiations with respondents and their legal representatives to achieve mutually agreeable resolutions or move forward to next steps

• Inter-Agency Collaboration: Work directly and collaboratively with the Office of Administrative Hearings in preparation for and during administrative hearings. Legal Coordination: Liaise with the Assistant Attorney General on behalf of the Department regarding legal matters related to investigations and settlements based on the cases assigned

• Recovery Fund Processing: As requested assist with the processing of Recovery Fund payments and payouts, including reviewing the applications, verifying judgments, and ensuring accurate and timely disbursement of funds

• Related work: Perform other duties as required to support the operation of the Department of Real Estate

• Other duties as assigned as related to the position

Knowledge:

• Principles and practices of real estate investigation and settlement

• Administrative hearing procedures and rules of evidence

• Principles and techniques of mediation and negotiation

• Homeowner association statutes and regulations

• Arizona real estate law, rules, and regulations

• Recovery Fund statutes and regulations

• Legal terminology and documentation

Skills:

• Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, with a variety of individuals and groups, including licensees, complainants, homeowners, HOA representatives, attorneys, and administrative law judges

• Interpreting and applying real estate laws, rules, and regulations

• Drafting clear, concise, and legally sound administrative orders

• Able to manage a high volume of cases with deadlines

• Analyzing complex legal and factual information

• Maintaining accurate and organized records

• Mediating disputes between parties

• Negotiating settlements effectively

Ability:

• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, and implement effective courses of action

• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others

• Exercise sound judgment and make independent decisions

• Work effectively under pressure and in stressful situations

• Prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently

• Work independently and as part of a team

• Demonstrate strong legal writing skills

Required:

• High School Diploma or GED

Preferred:

• Associate Degree in Law or Secondary School Experience or Legal job experience

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance

• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year

• Health and dental insurance

• Retirement plan

• Sick leave

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

• Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)

• Please note, enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment

• If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mandy Neat at mneat@azre.gov for assistance