Compliance Specialist

Summary

The responsibilities of the Compliance Specialist include performing detailed audits of tenant files, the property, and site-level operations to determine compliance with program/project requirements of the applicable affordable housing programs. These programs include but are not limited to, the Low-income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, HUD programs (VASH, Section 8, HUD 202 PRAC, etc.), Bond, HOME, CHFA, AHP, MHP, special needs housing programs, and other housing programs (including state/local programs). The role includes oversight of all regulatory obligations, conducting monitoring reviews, and identifying noncompliance and effective corrective action measures; the Specialist produces written reports of deficiencies and works with property management team members to resolve issues to eliminate or substantially minimize noncompliance and prepare for third-party monitoring reviews. The Specialist also participates in special projects or assignments related to site-level compliance functions, assisting properties experiencing elevated noncompliance or acting as a fill-in during property-level staffing gaps (i.e., processing tenant recertifications with residents, processing applicant files with applicants, etc.). The Specialist assists in developing other staff members by providing effective training, technical assistance, and proper guidance. The Specialist also provides backup assistance for lease-up projects as assigned. In all cases, the Specialist works closely with property management team members and third parties, as applicable, to resolve issues quickly and effectively improve or maintain positive compliance standing for the assigned properties, demonstrating their problem‑solving skills and commitment to serving the community. The Specialist travels to all locations where the organization conducts business, including out‑of‑state locations, maintaining flexibility to travel up to 50% of the time. The Compliance Specialist brings excellence to their work and related activities and effectively completes the job.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• The Compliance Specialist is effective in their role:
  • When internal monitoring is conducted timely and results in minimal to no deficiencies/repeat violations cited by the regulatory agencies;
  • When completion of property‑level special projects or assignments meets established goals;
  • When assigned lease‑up goals are achieved;
  • When travel flexibility is maintained at or above 50% of the time;
  • When training and performance expectations are satisfactorily achieved.
• The Specialist successfully acquires the professional industry designations outlined below and other relevant designations/training as assigned. The job description and departmental expectations require scores of 85% or greater.
  • Novogradac Property Compliance Certification (NPCC):
    • Pretesting: within two (2) months in the role;
    • Official certification: within six (6) months in the role;
  • Certified Occupancy Specialist Advanced (COSA) & Tax Credit Specialist Advance (TCSA):
    • Pretesting: within nine (9) months in the role;
    • Official certification: within twelve (12) months in the role;
  • Enterprise Income Verification Specialist (EIVS):
    • Pretesting: within fifteen (15) months in the role;
    • Official certification: within eighteen (18) months in the role;
  • Blended Occupancy Specialist (BOS) and MOR Specialist (MORS):
    • Pretesting: within twenty (20) months in the role;
    • Official certification: within twenty‑four (24) months in the role;
  • Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP):
    • Within twenty‑six (26) months

The Compliance Specialist brings excellence to their work and related activities and effectively completes the job. The Specialist must: have adequate skill in Adobe Pro and Microsoft Office programs, sound ability to draft formal business correspondence swiftly/effectively, professionally communicate in both written and verbal form, advanced‑level attention to detail, and accuracy in recognizing that small numbers and details matter, have advance ability to identify noncompliance and effective corrective action (including layered program scenarios), have moderate‑to‑advance ability to maneuver through the technical systems and procedures (i.e., archiving data electronically, filtering electronic data to streamline views, etc.), have basic‑to‑moderate competency in producing/understanding Excel formulas, ability to compute figures with accuracy (i.e., projecting a household’s estimated annual income with full or limited details), ability to develop and maintain an advanced‑level compliance knowledge/skill for all applicable programs/procedures, ability to read/examine/apply extensive legal records or regulatory literature, perform effective analysis of information, resolve issues independently where limited standardization exists, ability to apply logical and critical thinking concepts, demonstrate effective problem‑solving skills, ability to perform research and make decisions based on adequate analysis of information and circumstances, ability to travel routinely including extended stays, establish sound priorities and meet deadlines, effectively manage a large workload, maintain effective performance during rush periods, handle sensitive information with integrity, work productively and with initiative, have the flexibility to adapt to change effectively, maintain adequate typing (i.e., 55 wpm or more), work well independently and in a group environment, strive to do more for the team, and carries out work professionally in both product and conduct.

Education and/or Experience

Four‑year college education/technical school training, or four years of relatable experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience. Five or more years of experience in a relatable occupation or compliance monitoring of affordable housing programs and a Bachelor’s degree are preferred. Professional industry designations such as Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP), Novogradac Property Compliance Certification (NPCC), and Certified Occupancy Specialist Advanced (COSA) are highly preferred. Experience with Smartsheet or Yardi is also preferred.

Wage

$67,000-$70,000 yr DOE

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.