Housing Occupancy Specialist

About Us:

Chelmsford Housing Authority (CHA) is a mission-driven public organization dedicated to providing safe, stable, and affordable housing while supporting residents in building secure and independent lives. Our work is grounded in respect, accountability, and compliance, with a strong commitment to fairness and community impact.

Benefits of Working at the CHA:

✅ Predictable weekday schedule – Monday through Friday only

✅ No evenings, no weekends, no on-call responsibilities

✅ 37.5-hour workweek that respects your personal time

✅ Pension eligibility through a public-sector employer

✅ Stable, mission-focused work serving the community

✅ Generous paid time off which begins accruing within the first year:

• 2 weeks of vacation (allotments increase with years of service)
• 15 paid sick days
• 3 personal days

About the Occupancy Specialist role:

This position is key to the successful operation of affordable rentals administered by the Chelmsford Housing Authority. The Occupancy Specialist will focus heavily on gathering paperwork and financial information to determine eligibility for the Low-Income Tax Credit Housing program and other state affordable housing programs through the entire application process in accordance with the regulations of all funding and regulatory agencies.

Throughout the work performed, the Occupancy Specialist must:

• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality and provide high quality customer service in an efficient and accurate manner.
• Respond to general requests for information, assisting in overall administrative functions in an organized and professional fashion.
• Provide general support to the Compliance Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Process initial and annual recertifications. Reviews applications for completeness upon receipt (via mail, fax, walk-in, etc.) following procedures set forth in the HUD Handbook.
• Notifies applicants regarding status (eligibility, missing documentation, disability, preference verification, emergency priorities, etc.)
• Notify residents of their impending recertifications using notices supplied by Property Management Software.
• Conduct certification interviews with residents.
• Review each certification to ensure that all checklist items are complete for Property Manager’s review and final determination.
• Send certification verification forms to the appropriate agencies (e.g., Social Security Administration, place of employment, welfare agency, Veterans Administration) relevant banks, and other organizations.
• Performs CORI and Credit Checks.
• Complete certification worksheet, which includes having the resident or applicant sign all applicable paperwork.
• Ensure all information is accurate and entered in the Property Management Software.
• Comply with agency policies regarding the proper treatment of resident files.
• Ensure that files comply with the regulations of all funding/regulatory agencies, such as HOME and HIF, etc.
• Create folders for new applicants and files in appropriate location. Ensures the proper treatment of residents' personal/private information and maintaining such records in accordance with local, state and/or federal law.
• Provide instruction and guidance to prospective residents during certification process.
• Foster a positive, active and collaborative relationship with residents, communities and associated agencies.
• Work patiently, professionally and cooperatively with residents and staff to provide high quality customer service.

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 3-5 years' Tax Credit experience/with the recertification process and related regulations of affordable housing programs (Section 8 & LIHTC)
• Strong Math skills
• Intermediate Microsoft Office skills and expertise with managing Excel spreadsheets
• Good communication and collaboration skills
• Organized and efficient

PREFERRED:

• Bachelors degree
• TCS/C3P Certification - or willingness to pursue if hired
• Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred

The expected hiring range for this position is $60,000-$65,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

The Chelmsford House Authority is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). Applicants for employment shall not be discriminated against based upon their membership in a protected class.