Residential Compliance Specialist

The Residential Compliance Specialist is responsible for ensuring that residential affordable housing projects meet all regulatory requirements, guidelines, and standards related to affordability, income eligibility, and compliance with federal, state, and local housing laws. This role involves monitoring, reporting, and providing support to regionals and property staff to ensure that affordable housing programs and policies are correctly followed.

Key Responsibilities:

Regulatory Compliance:

• Monitor and enforce compliance with affordable housing regulations, including those set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, and local housing authorities.
• Review and ensure that all eligibility documentation and reporting are accurate and submitted promptly.
• Maintain current knowledge of federal, state, and local affordable housing laws and updates to compliance policies.

Property Monitoring and Auditing:

• Conduct regular inspections and audits of affordable housing properties to ensure compliance with program requirements, including income limits, rent limits, and tenant eligibility.
• Review tenant files, leases, and income certifications to verify eligibility for affordable housing programs.

Tenant Relations:

• Provide guidance to tenants and property managers on compliance-related issues, including eligibility requirements and documentation submission.
• Assist in resolving tenant issues related to income certification, recertification, and compliance disputes.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Prepare compliance reports for governmental agencies and housing authorities, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Maintain detailed records of property inspections, audits, and communications related to compliance.

Training and Support:

• Provide training and technical assistance to property managers and staff regarding compliance requirements and best practices.
• Develop and distribute written materials on program compliance procedures.

Risk Management:

• Identify potential compliance risks and implement strategies to address and mitigate them.
• Work closely with legal and regulatory teams to address any non-compliance issues and implement corrective actions.

Program Evaluation and Improvement:

• Continuously assess compliance processes and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Stay informed about emerging trends and regulatory changes in affordable housing and ensure organizational practices are updated accordingly.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Real Estate, Urban Planning, Public Policy, or a related field (preferred).
• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in affordable housing compliance, property management, or a similar field.
• Knowledge of affordable housing programs such as LIHTC, Section 8, HOME, and other federal/state affordable housing initiatives.
• Strong understanding of relevant local, state, and federal housing regulations.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with tenants, property managers, and regulatory agencies.
• Ability to analyze and interpret financial and eligibility documentation.

Skills:

• Knowledge of compliance software tools and systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Working Conditions:

• Full-time position, typically Monday to Friday, with occasional evening or weekend work based on project needs.
• Travel to inspect properties or attend meetings.