Compliance Specialist

Compliance Specialist

The Compliance Specialist is responsible for ensuring all affordable housing program requirements are met and maintained in full accordance with regulatory standards. This includes monitoring compliance with HUD, LIHTC (Section 42), and other affordable housing guidelines, ensuring timely certification of households, and supporting leasing activities. The role requires excellent organizational and communication skills to manage reporting, maintain resident files, and collaborate with both on-site teams and corporate management.

Responsibilities:

• Monitor and ensure compliance with all affordable housing programs, including move in certification, recertifications, interim certifications and gross rent changes and assist terminations
• Ensure compliance with Enterprise Income Verification (EIV) requirements, manage reports and resolve discrepancies
• Verify income/rent limits, tenant rent, subsidies and utility allowances for accuracy
• Maintain accurate, complete, and properly organized resident files, ensuring all required verifications and documentation are correctly filed.
• Track and manage set-aside requirements and bond reporting.
• Pre-qualify and qualify prospective residents according to program and management standards.
• Complete required leasing paperwork and assist in the leasing process.
• Follow up with prospective residents and verification sources.
• Provide timely communication to residents regarding re-certification timelines, documentation needs, and other compliance requirements.
• Address resident concerns and issues professionally while ensuring adherence to compliance regulations.
• Document all variances and incidents that may impact compliance or community liability.
• Prepare and forward weekly Annual Recertification reports and Interim Reports
• Maintain accurate internal records and share updates with Corporate Management.
• Manage community waiting lists and conduct outreach to maintain full occupancy.
• Monitor and report market changes to Corporate and recommend advertising opportunities.
• Support community visibility efforts as needed.
• Ensure full compliance with Fair Housing laws and community legal standards.
• Track legal cases and follow up with attorneys and Corporate Management.
• Support eviction and legal processes in coordination with management.
• Stay in compliance with all company training requirements
• Support the Community Manager and Corporate Management with special projects or other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required; associate or bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in property management or affordable housing compliance.
• Strong knowledge of HUD, LIHTC (Section 42), and Section 8 programs.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and property management software (e.g., Yardi, RealPage).
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize and solve problems in a fast-paced environment.
• Professional demeanor and strong customer service orientation.

Nice to Haves:

• Bilingual (English/Spanish preferred).
• Certification such as COS (Certified Occupancy Specialist), TCS (Tax Credit Specialist), or equivalent.
• Prior experience working with diverse populations and affordable housing communities.

Working Conditions:

• Onsite at our office on 11950 Centralia Rd, Lakewood, CA 90715.
• Full-time position, Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend or extended hours during audits or peak periods.
• Primarily office-based with occasional property walk-throughs or unit visits.
• Must be able to sit, stand, and lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• May require occasional travel for training or compliance meetings.

$60,000 - $68,000 a year