On-site Certification Specialist

Jennison Management Company seeks an On-site Certification Specialist to support regulatory compliance across a portfolio of HUD-assisted affordable housing communities, with primary emphasis on Project-Based Section 8, HOME, LIHTC, or any applicable Affordable Housing program. Reporting to the Property Manager, this position reviews applicant and resident files, monitors eligibility and recertification activities, supports subsidy administration and audit readiness, and provides guidance, where appropriate, to property teams. The ideal candidate has detailed knowledge of affordable housing programs, strong analytical and organizational skills, and the ability to interpret regulatory guidance and apply it consistently.

Position Responsibilities

• Review move-in, annual and interim recertification, transfer, and termination files for accuracy, completeness, eligibility, and compliance with HUD Project-Based Section 8 requirements.
• Verify household composition, citizenship or eligible immigration status, income, assets, deductions, allowances, student eligibility, rent calculations, utility allowances, and required supporting documentation.
• Review forms, tenant certifications, verification documents, Enterprise Income Verification reports, and related file records for consistency and regulatory compliance.
• Monitor recertification schedules, resident notices, verification timelines, and file completion to support timely processing and reduce subsidy loss.
• Support accurate tenant data entry, certification processing, and required submissions through applicable property management and HUD reporting systems.
• Assist with property management and Occupancy Reviews, contract administrator reviews, owner audits, and other regulatory monitoring.
• Review tenant selection plan implementation, waiting-list activity, applicant screening documentation, eligibility determinations, and leasing files for consistency and compliance.
• Monitor compliance with Fair Housing, Section 504, reasonable accommodation, Violence Against Women Act, EIV, and related occupancy requirements.
• Assist with responses to audit findings, monitoring reports, and agency inquiries, including preparation and follow-up of corrective action plans.
• Partner with compliance, operations, accounting, and property staff to resolve discrepancies affecting housing assistance payments, tenant rent, or regulatory reporting.
• Maintain current knowledge of HUD handbooks, notices, forms, income limits, program guidance, and applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
• Maintain organized compliance records and safeguard confidential applicant and resident information.
• Support rent collection, delinquency follow-up, accounts receivable, invoice review, budget tracking, and monthly reporting.
• Help manage waitlists, applications, tours, marketing efforts, occupancy goals, and resident service standards.
• Support the Property Manager with staff coordination, operational controls, audits, special projects, and overall community performance.

This position does not typically have direct supervisory responsibility but provides functional guidance and file-review feedback.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree in business, housing, public administration, or a related field preferred.
• Three or more years of affordable housing compliance, HUD multifamily occupancy, property management, or related experience preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Section 8 eligibility, income and asset calculation, recertification, verification, rent determination, EIV, and file-documentation requirements.
• Experience reviewing resident files, interpreting HUD guidance, preparing for Management and Occupancy Reviews or audits, and communicating corrective actions.
• Strong analytical, organizational, written communication, and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing deadlines across multiple properties.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and affordable housing or property management software; familiarity with HUD reporting systems and electronic file-review workflows preferred.

Essential Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to review move-in, annual, interim, transfer, and termination files for completeness, eligibility, and compliance with HUD Project-Based Section 8 requirements.
• Working knowledge of household eligibility, citizenship or eligible immigration status, student rules, income and asset verification, deductions, allowances, tenant rent, and utility allowance calculations.
• Ability to accurately review HUD forms, tenant certifications, verification documents, EIV reports, and supporting records and to identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to monitor recertification schedules, resident notices, verification timelines, corrective actions, and recurring regulatory deadlines across multiple properties.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to accurately use property management, compliance, and HUD reporting systems for certification processing, data entry, tracking, and required submissions.
• Ability to interpret HUD handbooks, notices, forms, income limits, and regulatory guidance and translate requirements.
• Experience conducting file audits, documenting findings, identifying trends, recommending corrective actions, and preparing properties for Management and Occupancy Reviews and other regulatory monitoring.
• Knowledge of tenant selection plans, waiting-list administration, Fair Housing, Section 504, reasonable accommodation, VAWA, EIV, and related occupancy requirements.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills to explain compliance findings, respond to agency inquiries, and collaborate with operations, accounting, and property teams on subsidy, rent, and reporting issues.
• Exceptional attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently while maintaining accurate, audit-ready records and safeguarding confidential applicant and resident information.
• Ability to travel to assigned properties and perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Certifications (Preferred)

• Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS), Certified Professional of Occupancy (CPO), or comparable HUD multifamily occupancy certification preferred.
• Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP), National Compliance Professional (NCP), or other affordable housing compliance credentials are a plus.

**Additional duties and special projects may be assigned**

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability.

Pay: $26.00 - $30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $26 - $30