Compliance Specialist

Overview

Under the supervision of the Regional Compliance Director, Compliance Specialist determines initial eligibility on affordable housing programs and determines ongoing eligibility of program participants and ensures compliance with requirements imposed by Tax Credit, HUD and other regulatory agencies. 

Perform on-site audits, prepares for MOR’s, assists on marketing plans AFHMP; interacts with Regional Office staff and Property staff.  Assists the Company with special projects; the development of organizational policies and procedures related to property management compliance and assists in implementing these policies and procedures.

 It is necessary for the position to travel independently to various locations on a regular basis in the most time efficient method possible, usually by personal automobile.  On occasion (approximately once a quarter), a visit to sites in Southern California may be required.

Responsibilities

• Ability to effectively and professionally interact and communicate with your supervisor, managers, other employees, residents, senior staff, owners, government agencies, sponsors and clients. 
• Implement compliance tracking/reporting systems/processes to monitor compliance with all applicable laws and regulations governing all assign properties
• Keep current on all updates and changes in Tax Credit, HUD and other affordable housing programs.
• Schedule and coordinate on-going file reviews and audits: testing verification of tenant income, testing periodic tenant recertification to ensure compliance with Tax Credit/HUD and verifying compliance with fair housing standard.
• Ensures compliance requirements in a timely manner as outlined in regulatory agreements, contracts, company policies and procedures and federal, state and local laws are adhered to at all times.
• Implement on-site file audit procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory agreement for each property.
• Work with Managers, Regional Managers, and Directors to ensure that all HUD move-in tenant files are in compliance.
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of all HUD, Tax Credit and other required forms.
• Prepare reports of findings, identify corrective actions, and assist in making corrections or clarifications to the file consistent with governing agencies and company policies. 
• Provides training and consultation on the process and programs related to compliance. 
• Helping to create and participate in staff training about LIHTC/HUD regulations and other related issues to make certain that properties are operating and recording in the right manner. 
• Respond to compliance related questions from regional personnel. 
• Assess and make recommendations to the Compliance Managers, Compliance AVP, Director, Regional Manager and Vice President regarding training needs for Property Managers and Occupancy Specialist. 
• Maintains compliance databases to include tracking regulatory agreement details per property, inspection trends, MOR, REAC, etc.
• Understand and help prepare properties for Management and Occupancy Reviews (MOR) 
• Understand HUD Form 9834 
• Reviews and works with JSCO’s Document Information Specialist on 1) how to apply for access rights to the EIV system as an EIV Coordinator or an EIV User, 2) how to obtain a Web Access Secure System (WASS) User ID and/or WASS Coordinator role, 3) how to assign the EIV Housing Coordinator (HSC) or Contract Administrator Coordinator (CAC) role to an EIV Coordinator’s contract(s) and/or property(is) in WASS, and 4) how to get certified in EIV to complete the process for gaining access. EIV Coordinators should refer to the “Enterprise Income Verification (EIV 8.1) System External User Administration Manual for Multifamily Housing Programs” for complete guidance on how to grant EIV access to their EIV Users. 
• Maintains access and follows security training requirements to have access to all properties listed on EIV for the regional office. 
• Track EIV Monthly Reports, Security Tests, and Authorizations Forms. Coordinate with Corporate Office to update EIV requirements with Owner Authorizations. 
• Understands and implements all EIV Policies and Procedures required by HUD and JSCo throughout the region. 
• Work in Boston post with notices, vouchers, forms, payment plans, reconciliations, etc. 
• Update Regional Managers, Regional Vice President, and Property staff on compliance changes, including providing trainings to property staff regularly. 
• Maintain training requirements as needed. 

 Qualifications

• Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership technique, production and tracking methods, and coordination of multiple task and resources.
• Ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong and then apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. Use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems and considering the relative benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Ability to read, understand and communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. Demonstrate proficiency operating a personal computer and related software.   
• Ability to listen to, understand and speak so others can understand ideas and information presented verbally.
• Ability to complete basic math calculations including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Ability to perform all math calculations required under all agencies regulatory restrictions including prorating, payroll estimating, etc.
• Ability to develop and maintain computer records in Word, Excel and other software required by JSCo (i.e. Boston post) and regulatory agencies. Ability to develop tracking and report forms in Word and Excel as needed.
• Knowledge of company policies, federal, state and local laws, government regulations and agency rules that pertain to properties involved especially HUD programs, Section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code and Public Housing program.

EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of two years of Property Management is needed.  Previous experience in occupancy compliance, planning, scheduling and completing major projects with minimum guidance.
• Demonstrated experience in problem identification, analysis, recommendation of options and development of logical and workable solutions.
• Demonstrated knowledge on Microsoft Office programs such as WORD, EXCEL, and OUTLOOK are essential.

EDUCATION

Associates Degree or equivalent accredited degree or professional certification, Bachelors of Arts or Science is desirable. HUD and Tax Credit certifications desirable as well. 

Benefits-at-a-glance

 Benefits for Employees who work 30+ hours/week -

• Medical, dental and vision care; preventative medical care paid at 100%.
• Vacation leave of up to ten days per year in the first year.
• Up to 72 hours of sick time per year.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for Health Care and Dependent Care.
• Company paid Life AD&D Long Term Disability.
• Free, confidential counseling through our Employee Assistance Program.
• Commuter benefit program.
• Discounts for AT&T, ClassPass, and Weight Watchers.
• $50 annual Wellness Reimbursement.
• Matching