Affordable Housing Compliance & Program Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Grand Forks Housing Authority

Position: Affordable Housing Compliance & Program Specialist

Reports to: Director of Housing Programs

Status: Full-Time, Benefit Eligible

FLSA: Non-Exempt, Paid Hourly

Position Overview

The Affordable Housing Compliance & Program Specialist is responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing subsidized housing — including but not limited to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) tenant- and project-based programs, HOME, Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), and Rural Development programs. This role also supports the GFHA voucher and managed-property operations, helps develop and maintain agency policies and procedures, and may act as the informal hearing and review officer for tenant/applicant appeals. The Specialist works with minimal supervision and exercises independent judgement while coordinating with multiple internal teams and external regulatory agencies.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain thorough, up-to-date knowledge of HUD, LIHTC, HOME, Rural Development, Fair Housing, and pertinent state/local regulations.
• Monitor regulatory and legislative developments; evaluate their impact on agency operations; update policies and procedures accordingly.
• Provide guidance and support to property management and voucher-administration teams on compliance questions, interpretation of rules, and resolution of conflicts.
• Develop and revise agency documents, manuals, and procedural guidelines to reflect regulatory changes.
• Manage and maintain master binders/files for each program/property — including HUD EIV reports, LIHTC compliance filings, HOME and RD documentation, rent schedules, leases/contracts, and certifications.
• Run and distribute monthly/quarterly EIV reports; track and maintain required EIV documentation.
• Process rent increases, contract renewals (HAP, PRAC), Operating Cost Adjustment Factor (OCAF) changes, and gross rent changes in a timely manner; distribute notices to appropriate staff.
• Coordinate and oversee rent comparability studies for Section 8 properties as needed.
• Prepare and submit HUD certifications, data reports, contract renewals, and other required regulatory filings.
• Serve as primary contact for audit and monitoring activities associated with MORs, LIHTC, HOME, Rural Development, and other compliance reviews; compile and coordinate materials for desk reviews and audits.
• Oversee state-level responsibilities: manage the North Dakota Income Tax Recapture Offset Program (NDITRO), allocate funds, maintain ledgers, apply credits, and work with statewide agencies and former tenants.
• Update GFHA tenant and voucher-system records (e.g., in Yardi and HA Central) when necessary — including bankruptcy notifications or repayment agreements for tenant debts.
• Monitor repayment agreements for voucher tenants, and liaise with Voucher Administrators when agreements are in default.
• Assist with utility-allowance analyses per HUD methodology on an annual basis.
• Collect, summarize, and distribute maximum income/rent limits annually; create and maintain income/rent-limit charts and tracking systems.
• Lead or support policy and procedure projects as assigned; coordinate training and development for property management and voucher teams.
• Act as Informal Hearing and Review Officer — conduct tenant/applicant appeals, interpret relevant regulations and policies, and issue objective, fair determinations.
• Respond promptly to inquiries from tenants, applicants, management, regulatory agencies, and other external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal teams to identify and resolve compliance issues; provide ongoing support, advice, and recommendations to management.

Qualifications

• Associate Degree (Bachelor degree preferred) or equivalent, in Business Administration, Public Administration, Social Work, Urban Studies, or related field; or equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Minimum of two years of experience in federally subsidized housing programs, such as voucher administration, multifamily property management, asset management, or regulatory compliance (HUD, LIHTC, HOME, RD).
• Familiarity with HUD regulations and programs (Section 8, HOME, LIHTC, Rural Development), Fair Housing law, and state/local landlord–tenant law.
• Competence with HUD systems such as EIV; proficiency with property management software (e.g., Yardi), HA Central, Excel/Word/email, and other standard office tools.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills; high attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to convey complex regulatory information clearly to staff, tenants, and external agencies.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines, and adapt to changing requirements.
• Demonstrated tact, professionalism, ethical integrity, and discretion when handling confidential information.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with people of diverse backgrounds (staff, tenants, agencies).
• Valid driver’s license (or ability to obtain one within required timeframe), if required by agency operations.
• Certifications (or ability to obtain within 12 months): occupancy certification (e.g., Certified Occupancy Specialist), Housing Specialist certification, and LIHTC certification (e.g., SHCM or HCCP), with continuing education as needed.

Working Conditions

Primarily office-based with possible occasional travel between GFHA properties. Position may entail extended periods of computer work and documentation management. Some duties may require coordination with external agencies, property managers, and tenants.

The Grand Forks Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected status under applicable law.