Compliance Specialist - Affordable Housing

Job Description
The Compliance Specialist - Affordable Housing is an entry-level role within the Compliance Department designed for experienced housing professionals with a focus on quality assurance and accuracy. This role ensures adherence to Public Housing (PH), Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program regulations through meticulous auditing, compliance monitoring, and operational review.

Specialists at this level play a critical role in establishing a foundation of accuracy and integrity within the compliance framework, performing detailed evaluations of internal processes and supporting operational teams with best practices to ensure high-quality program execution.

The Compliance Specialist Level I establishes the foundation for program compliance by ensuring the highest standards of accuracy and quality assurance. This role is integral to creating trust, integrity, and consistency in the organization's operations while contributing to its mission of excellence in housing program management

What You'll Do

Quality Assurance and Accuracy

• Conduct detailed audits of participant files, financial records, and program processes to ensure they meet compliance standards with 100% accuracy.
• Identify discrepancies or inconsistencies, analyze root causes, and recommend corrective actions to improve overall quality.
• Develop and implement quality assurance tools and templates to promote consistency in compliance activities.

Regulatory Compliance

• Stay informed on HUD and other housing regulations, applying this knowledge to ensure organizational adherence.
• Interpret program regulations and translate them into actionable policies and procedures.
• Monitor for regulatory updates and ensure prompt application of changes to program practices.

Internal Quality Control

• Serve as a resource for internal teams, offering guidance on complex cases, policy interpretation, and quality standards.
• Perform ongoing reviews of workflows and data management to identify inefficiencies or inaccuracies.
• Recommend process improvements that enhance accuracy and operational integrity.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain comprehensive and accurate records of audits, findings, and corrective actions to track progress and demonstrate compliance.
• Prepare detailed reports summarizing quality assurance activities and outcomes for internal stakeholders.

Collaboration and Support

• Work collaboratively with other departments to align quality assurance activities with organizational objectives.
• Provide support for team training and development by sharing insights on compliance requirements and best practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Client Engagement and Advisory Services
• Conduct client-facing audits and evaluations, diagnosing compliance gaps, and offering tailored, actionable recommendations.
• Act as the primary advisor for clients, helping them interpret HUD regulations and implement strategies for regulatory adherence and program success.
• Build strong client relationships by delivering high-value insights and personalized guidance.

Quality Assurance Leadership

• Lead external quality assurance reviews, ensuring client programs meet the highest accuracy and compliance standards.
• Evaluate complex processes and data systems to identify inefficiencies and develop solutions that improve client performance.

Training and Development

• Develop and deliver training programs that equip client teams with the tools and knowledge to excel in compliance and quality assurance.
• Provide guidance on implementing best practices for documentation, data integrity, and operational workflows.

Policy Optimization and Strategic Input

• Review client policies and procedures, identify gaps and inefficiencies, and recommend updates aligned with industry best practices.
• Collaborate with clients to design strategies that enhance operational excellence while maintaining compliance.

Risk Mitigation and Reporting

• Identify risks in client operations, proposing robust mitigation strategies to safeguard program integrity.
• Prepare detailed, client-focused reports summarizing audit findings, compliance trends, and areas for improvement.

Qualification & Skills

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Urban Planning, or a related field.

Experience:

• 5+ years in housing compliance, with at least 2 years of experience in client-facing roles
• 5+ years in Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) required.
• 3+ years in Project Based Rental Assistance (PBRA), Public Based Vouchers (PBV), Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), HOME, etc., preferred.

Skills:

• Advanced understanding of housing regulations.
• Strong interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Exceptional analytical abilities.
• Client-Centric Approach: Ability to deliver high-value advisory services that meet client needs.
• Advanced Problem-Solving: Expertise in diagnosing complex compliance challenges and implementing effective solutions.
• Quality Assurance Leadership: Skilled in conducting and leading detailed audits to ensure compliance excellence.
• Training Expertise: Proficiency in creating and delivering impactful training programs for clients.
• Strategic Thinking: Adept at aligning client policies and processes with long-term compliance and performance goals.

Travel Requirement: Moderate (25-50%)

• As projects entail.