COMPLIANCE SPECIALIST

Compliance Specialist

The Compliance Specialist plays a central role in assisting with compliance related functions pertaining to Bickerdike's rental housing portfolio in conjunction with the Compliance Manager and Vice President of Property Management. In all instances, the compliance specialist must perform in accordance with and be committed to the Bickerdike Mission.

The position requires the ability to report to work timely, plan, organize, and execute tasks; analyze information, make informed decisions, concentrate, use critical thinking and reasoning skills, and monitor and regulate behavior and emotions. Read, review, comprehend, evaluate, and interpret technical materials, research reports and industry trends, legal documents and tenant contracts, as well as compliance and regulatory guides. The employee in this position is regularly required to read, talk, hear, sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stand, walk, climb, carry and lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. In office and on-site work is required.

Responsibilities:

1. Responsible for assisting in internal tenant file audits, checking for completeness and accuracy and ensuring that files comply with the standardized tenant file organization structure. Work with property management staff to make corrections as required.
2. Work with property management staff to prepare for and participate in funder site visits and external file audits. Assist with the correction of files when required.
3. At the direction of the Compliance Manager assist with the coordination and gathering of resident file information for compliance reporting in conjunction with the asset management team.
4. Manage, maintain, and ensure proper utilization of property specific recertification electronic file templates.
5. Assist in overseeing compliance requirements for CLIHTF and other affordable housing funding programs as assigned. Work with property management staff and coordinate with asset management to ensure all requirements are met.
6. Assist and prepare for compliance site visits and file audits. Attend on-site file audits to represent compliance staff when necessary.
7. Update and maintain various property management forms and/or documents, as needed, at the direction of the compliance manager.
8. Assist with the development and implementation of new internal and external compliance policies and procedures, including document roll out and training.
9. Assist with OneSite system set up and maintenance to include document uploads, and field questions or concerns.
10. Manage file room utilization and file management, including but not limited to establishing and enforcing file room policies and procedures regarding storing, purging, and destroying documents.
11. Maintain working knowledge of affordable housing compliance best practices and participate in industry-wide advocacy efforts to streamline compliance and reporting and eliminate unnecessary burdens.
12. Travel to various properties to assist with file audits, file management, file room utilization, and recertifications.
13. Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

Minimum 1 year of experience in/or related to affordable property management compliance. Experience and certification with tax credit and Section 8 a must. BA in a related field of study preferred. Computer literacy is required, specifically in MS Word, Excel (advanced level preferred) and Outlook for Windows.

Experience with OneSite or other property management software is desired. Demonstrated ability to communicate professionally both verbally and in writing, organizational and interpersonal skills necessary. In person (no remote or work from home). Must have access to a vehicle, proof of auto insurance and a valid driver’s license for field work. Chicago north side residents preferred.

Physical Requirements:

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 accommodation may be made to enable persons with disabilities. While performing the duties of this job, the physical requirements include (but are not limited to):

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk, conference tables or in meetings.
• Ability to use a phone, computer and required software, and operate office equipment.
• Prolonged or constant standing, walking, talking, hearing, seeing, bending, stooping, kneeling, lifting and/or moving arms, climbing stairs and/or ladders.
• Ability to speak publicly and with persons from various socio-economic backgrounds.
• Exposure to indoor environments and file rooms with dust and noise.
• The ability to traverse a variety of properties with stairs.
• The ability to walk through uneven surfaces, including ground in varying weather conditions.
• The ability to operate a vehicle as well as to work weekends and/or evenings on a needed basis.
• The ability to lift and/or move 30 pounds

Reporting Relations:

Under the direct supervision of the Compliance Manager. In the absence of this supervisor, shall report to the Vice President of Property Management, or as assigned.