Now Hiring - Catholic community Services of Western Washington - Leasing and Certification Specialist (Bellingham) in Bellingham, WA

Full description of the position

$1,000 HIRING BONUS!

Catholic Housing Services is offering a $1,000 Hiring Bonus to the candidate hired as Leasing and Certification Specialist.

Catholic Housing Services believes everyone deserves the right to a safe, affordable place to call home. Inspired by this vision, CHS develops, owns and manages affordable housing programs for low-income families and individuals; currently including 2,500 units of housing in 60 different buildings across Western Washington. We provide supportive services for people who have experienced homelessness, low income seniors, farm worker families, and those who have special physical and mental needs.

What YOU will do:

LEASING:

• Coordinate the application process with staff teams in the buildings. Lead and support as necessary especially during lease-ups. Work with the intention of handing off leasing responsibilities to site staff as leasing progresses.
• Process all new applications for move in and unit transfers.
• Complete background screenings, and household eligibility certifications.
• Notify applicants when they are approved to move in or if their application is denied and the reason per the screening criteria.
• Participate in marketing efforts to bring in qualified applicants, and manage the property waitlists by adding new applications when open, keeping the waitlist up to date and active, and following the list for placement of vacant units.
• Coordinate with services to schedule an intake immediately for a new referral, and keep the services staff informed of application status throughout the process.
• Show vacant and rent-ready units available to the applicant that they are eligible for.
• Provide excellent customer service by providing a welcoming environment, refreshments such as water or coffee, and a comfortable space to meet including ADA needs.
• Provide effective and clear communication by being knowledgeable about the buildings requirements and services, the paperwork and the process. Be able to clearly explain this to the applicant. Applicants may have limited understanding about housing requirements and responsibilities.
• Must be able to clearly answer any questions from the applicant or service staff, and be responsive in finding the appropriate answer if you do not have it at the time.
• Coordinate with the Property Manager to send completed application packets to the Housing Authority for properties with Project Based Vouchers or VASH vouchers.
• Be responsive in timely follow up to fill units and set expectations with the applicant regarding items needed and the time frame in which it is required.
• Once a unit transfer has been approved, initiate the paperwork to complete the transfer with the current resident.
• Demonstrates the importance of meeting deadlines to occupy units for the purpose of compliance, financial sustainability, and to minimize the impact to applicants from experiencing homelessness.
• Apply and follow all landlord/tenant laws, and fair housing regulations per federal, state and city regulations.

MOVE IN/LEASE SIGNING:

• Once an application is approved immediately schedule lease signing with the applicant and service provider if applicable.
• Be knowledgeable in the most current lease, utilize the correct lease based on properties that are still with an LLC, all of the standard addendums and ensuring any program requirements are included as an addendum such as the project based voucher program.
• Must review all lease documents, and collect signatures and initials required.
• Ensure the lease information is accurate based on move in date, monthly rent, prorate rent, resident and subsidy rent, length of lease, deposit amount, marking utilities paid by the resident or the property and household members.
• Complete move in unit condition inspection report with the applicant.
• Conduct property orientation per the property orientation form including providing resident manuals and any other requirements that may be specific to the city, program or funder required.

ANNUAL CERTIFICATIONS:

• When not working on new move in or unit transfers assist with completing annual household certifications.
• Complete 1st year and 6th year full certifications and self-certifications.
• Complete full certifications for properties being syndicated.
• Be knowledgeable with compliance requirements for LIHTC, HOME, Commerce, HUD and various other funding requirements.
• Process certification packets through 3rd part provider Real Page and assist Quality Management Team to certify in the property management software Boston Post.
• Maintain an accurate, organized filing system; assist with basic office duties.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES:

• Attend team meetings and represent CCS/CHS in community meetings.
• Enter and maintain data in the property management software Boston Post
• Coordinate certifications and reports with Property Manager and the compliance specialist.
• Follow Fair Housing Guidelines and Landlord Tenant laws.
• Follow guidelines on confidentiality rights of residents and respect their privacy.
• Maintain cooperative relationships with businesses in surrounding neighborhood.
• Contribute to the mission of Catholic Community Services and Catholic Housing Services.
• Attend all required meetings and trainings and larger community meetings as needed.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Experience, and Key Attributes needed for Success:

• Experience in property management, leasing or low-income housing.
• Ability to listen and communicate effectively to a diverse group of people.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, be detail-oriented and flexible; be able to apply sound judgment in order to make independent decisions as well as work as a team player.
• Some bookkeeping experience.
• Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete necessary documentation, follow guidelines and instructions.
• Proficiency with computers and ability to learn property management software.
• Able to demonstrate commitment to the mission, goals and values of CCS/CHS.
• Criminal history background checks are required prior to employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in the non-profit sector serving vulnerable populations.
• Familiarity with government funded housing compliance guidelines.
• Experience in low-income subsidized housing or property management.
• Working knowledge of Landlord/Tenant Act and Fair Housing.
• Experience with the tax credit program.
• Experience with Public Housing Authorities.
• Experience with Boston Post property management software.
• Experience with Real Page.
• Bilingual in other languages and English.

How YOU will make a difference:

The primary focus of the Leasing & Certification Specialist is to process new applications for move in; and complete annual household certifications for designated properties determined by the Director of Property Management. This position may manage or support the application process with local teams of new staff during intensive lease-ups of new buildings, depending on need. At other times this position will supplement existing staff during periods of high vacancy in buildings throughout the portfolio.

This position will process new applications that are referral based from internal and external partners, from property waitlists, prospects from marketing, and unit transfers. They will complete certification paperwork and determine eligibility based on the property screening criteria. In addition, this position will complete annual household certifications in accordance with the properties funding requirements and regulations.

This position requires thorough knowledge of the extensive paperwork which varies by program type, population, and funding. Attention to detail, accuracy and deadlines are crucial. It requires understanding of housing for vulnerable populations. This position requires travel between properties, and at times off site to meet with applicants that may be in shelter and have limited resources for travel. Mileage compensation will be provided.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $26.32 - $29.28 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

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

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Bellingham, WA 98225: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person