Now Hiring - Occupancy Specialist in Battle Creek, MI

Objective

Support and assist in ensuring regulatory compliance and stability of the property and program compliance with HUD and LIHTC policies. Ensure community staff is knowledgeable of program guidelines and in alignment with organizational goals, and regulatory compliance. Assist with program compliance training or supplemental training when needed.

Essential Functions, Duties & Responsibilities

• Assure compliance with Regulatory, HUD, MSHDA, LIHTC, Ownership and other Affordable Housing Program regulations

Routinely Review Applicant packages, New Move Ins, and Existing Resident Files

• Review applications and resident files for eligibility purposes and program compliance
• Ensures all initial and recertifications completed timely
• Submit new move-in, recertification and requested corrections to outside auditing agency for review
• Assists with performing on site sample file audit reviews at least once annually for assigned portfolio. Report written findings of non-compliance to Compliance Supervisors, Regionals and Vice Presidents.
• Prepare and submit files for requested file reviews for scheduled site audits by the state monitoring agency or syndicator for review by Compliance Coordinator
• Assist in preparing an accurate audit report citing affordable program deficiencies noted during the pre-audit.
• Responds timely to compliance-related questions from property or corporate personnel.
• Reviews monthly/quarterly compliance reports with Compliance Coordinator.
• Assists Compliance Coordinator with updating forms, policies, procedures, and manuals.
• Assists Compliance Coordinator with utility allowances, income limit updates, rent schedules, rental criteria, affirmative plans, etc.
• Make recommendations to Compliance Coordinator regarding site staff that require compliance training.
• Answers email correspondence and questions in a timely manner.
• Respond to Community Administrator, Regional CA and others to clarify, address and resolve any compliance related issues
• Work with 3rd party compliance contractor
• Attend trainings in affordable housing and regulatory programs to keep current of all requirements as needed
• Coordinate Tenant File Reviews; assist in and ensure preparation for reviews, attend and take part in the reviews, assure all deficiencies have been addressed and assist with responses to the Audit
• Perform internal property review regularly to assure compliance with regulatory requirements
• Perform at least bi-annual internal file auditsReview outstanding findings from previous monthly reports and ensure corrections have been completed
• Review files of current move-ins and recertifications each month and make recommendations for corrections

Professional responsibilities

• Maintain compliance with company policies and procedures related to compliance
• Ensure that all duties are carried out in a timely and orderly manner
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Minimum requirement: High school graduate, COS and LIHTC certified
• Minimum of (3) years experience in affordable housing, with up to date certifications and credentials
• Have a thorough knowledge and clear understanding of all documents and requirements required under each affordable program.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of the MSHDA Tax Credit manual and HUD Handbook 4350.3.
• Working knowledge and experience with LIHTC Tax Credit Compliance, and multi-layered communities.
• Working knowledge and experience calculating income, assets, and student eligibility rules
• Keeps current on all updates and changes in affordable housing programs and requirements.
• Excellent communications skills. Must be able to write and compose reports and communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Must be able to provide technical assistance on complex situations in a simple, straightforward manner.
• Demonstrated mathematical skills. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations. Able to analyze and review financial data.
• Ability to learn, interpret and appropriately apply complex state and federal legislation.
• Strong ability to establish and maintain effective and courteous relationships with other team members, site staff, residents, clients, and the public and deal effectively with situations requiring tact and diplomacy with firmness.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and any other job specific software/programs.
• Will work with minimum supervision, therefore, must have excellent spelling and grammar and be able to proof own work, have good telephone skills, be organized, meet deadlines and have the ability to multi-task.
• Must be able to exercise independent judgement to resolve complex calculations, verification, documentation and transmissions errors in a systematic manner.
• Must handle stressful, urgent, novel and diverse work situations on a daily basis due to complexity and time sensitive deadlines. Emotional stability and personal maturity are important attributes in this position.
• Excellent follow-up skills via telephone or email correspondence.
• Experience with RealPage OneSite preferred.
• Must adhere to Federal Fair Housing Laws.
• Foster positive working relationships with residents while always maintaining a professional demeanor.

Working Conditions

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee will encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Works in office setting. Work closely with the Compliance Coordinator and/or Regional Community Administrator and apartment community team. May attend meetings or trainings off site. Interacts with Vice President of Housing, Compliance Coordinator, Regulatory Agencies. May be subject to hostile and/or emotionally upset residents/clients and/or public.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, lift, push, pull, see, hear, smell, walk, talk and drive. The vision requirement includes close and distant vision.

Equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion for both our employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $21.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Battle Creek, MI: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:

• Fair Housing regulations: 3 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Work Location: One location