Compliance Specialist

COMPANY BACKGROUND:

Völker and our affiliated companies are expanding rapidly to support an unwavering commitment to making housing affordable nationwide. Our core focus is clear: bring high-quality, affordable housing to better places and better people. As a developer that is an owner-operator of its properties, we pride ourselves in providing the right solutions to Communities we serve and fostering long-term relationships with our partners. We are a team-driven company that always strives to be a beacon of excellence, defining ourselves by our abilities to anticipate challenges and hold ourselves accountable.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Compliance Specialist is an integral member of the property operations team reporting to the Compliance Manager. The overall objective of this position is to ensure all compliance documentation for the portfolio properties is completed timely and accurately. This position is responsible for ensuring that all affordable housing programs are in compliance with federal, state and local regulations. The Specialist will demonstrate a strong attention to detail and understanding of affordable housing policies, including income eligibility, program requirements, and tenant certifications, as well as a passion for making quality housing accessible to all.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Stay Updated on Compliance Requirements:

• Maintain a strong knowledge of various affordable housing programs, that would include tax credits, HOME, CDBG, AHP, supportive services and other pertinent local, state, and federal housing programs.
• Research, interpret and communicate ongoing program changes, regulatory updates, and other relevant developments.

Compliance Monitoring:

• Ensure that affordable housing properties adhere to all regulatory requirements, including tax credit programs (LIHTC, HOME, etc.), as well as local housing authority guidelines.
• Review and maintain tenant files to ensure that all information is accurate, complete, current and on-time.
• Monitor and ensure compliance on all UVR/NAUR requirements.
• Serve as the first point of contact for site teams by communicating via telephone, emails, Teams, etc. to answer questions regarding affordable housing and file processing.
• Work with the Compliance Manager and properties within your portfolio to ensure all state agency and investor audits have the necessary documents that are requested.
• Coordinate annual income/rent limit/utility allowance updates with the Compliance Manager.
• Ensure that the correct and current utility allowances, income limits and rent limits are utilized on site to maintain compliance. Send updated information to the Compliance Manager to be reviewed and implemented in Yardi Voyager.
• Complete state monitoring reporting for properties within assigned portfolio.
• Complete HAP updates for properties within assigned portfolio.
• Complete Annual Recertification screenings for properties within assigned portfolio as well as reviewing Move In denied screenings for new applicants.

Training and Education:

• Provide training and guidance to property management staff on affordable housing compliance requirements and best practices.
• Stay current with changes in affordable housing regulations and communicate updates to properties within your portfolio. Be in the mindset of a student who is always learning.
• Ability to travel to state housing conferences and relevant compliance training classes

Communication and Relationship Building:

• Develop and maintain open lines of communication with all property management personnel. Collaboration is key.
• Ensure prompt, effective, and efficient responses.
• Promote and maintain positive working relationships with all teams.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Computer Skills: Proficiency with Microsoft applications (Teams, OneDrive, OneNote, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), Yardi suite, Adobe, and general comfort with web-based platforms preferred.

Other Skills: Professionalism, high ethical standards and professional integrity, outstanding organizational skills, strong attention to detail, strong interpersonal skills, ability to multi-task and meet deadlines under pressure, and the desire and ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment is required.

Travel: 0-25%, a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance is required

Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience: Minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience within a compliance function for a LIHTC property management or development organization.

Designations: HCCP or equivalent is preferred. Ability to obtain certification within the first 90 days of employment if not held currently.