Recertification Specialist (Compliance- Affordable Housing))

About The Role

Decatur Housing seeks an experienced affordable housing professional to manage resident certifications and recertifications, maintain accurate tenant files, and identify and report compliance concerns. Your work will help residents maintain housing stability and help our properties meet applicable program requirements.

This role requires hands-on Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) experience and direct experience working with tenants in a residential property setting. The successful candidate can manage an assigned workload independently, explain documentation requirements clearly, and raise concerns promptly with supporting facts.

Key responsibilities:

• Manage assigned annual and interim recertifications and related certifications, as required by each property’s affordable housing programs. Track deadlines, request documentation early, and follow up to keep files current.
• Interview residents and applicants; collect and verify household composition, income, assets, and other eligibility information. Prepare accurate calculations and certification documents under applicable program requirements.
• Apply LIHTC requirements and other applicable housing program rules, property policies, and procedures. Research questions and seek guidance when requirements are unclear.
• Review tenant files for missing documents, inconsistent information, calculation errors, and potential noncompliance. Document findings and promptly report concerns, approaching deadlines, and unresolved issues to the appropriate supervisor or compliance staff.
• Maintain a record of findings, required corrections, followup activity, and resolution. Provide clear status reports and escalate delays that could affect eligibility, certification completion, or property compliance.
• Communicate professionally with tenants about appointments, required documents, outstanding items, and certification status. Address sensitive concerns respectfully and explain next steps in understandable terms.
• Maintain complete, organized, confidential tenant records and accurate entries in property management systems. Prepare files and supporting documents for compliance reviews and audits.
• Coordinate with property management, compliance, and resident services staff on moveins, transfers, moveouts, and resident concerns affecting tenant records or program compliance.
• Organize daily priorities and manage competing deadlines with limited daytoday direction. Keep supervisors informed of progress and barriers; perform related administrative duties as assigned.
  
  

Required qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least three years of residential property experience, including direct work with tenants in affordable, assisted, or mixedincome housing.
• Handson LIHTC experience is required, including preparing or reviewing tenant income certifications or recertifications, verifying income and assets, and maintaining compliant tenant files.
• Direct experience communicating with tenants, obtaining required documentation, following up on incomplete submissions, and handling sensitive resident concerns professionally.
• Experience using property management software, Microsoft Office, and electronic records to maintain files, track deadlines, and prepare reports.
• Demonstrated ability to perform accurate calculations, interpret housing program requirements, identify discrepancies, and communicate documented findings.
• Ability to manage an assigned workload independently, meet deadlines, protect confidential information, and exercise sound judgment about when to escalate concerns.
• An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered; demonstrated affordable housing, LIHTC, and direct tenant experience remain required.
  
  

Preferred qualifications:

• 3 years of experience with multiple affordable housing programs, including HUDassisted housing, projectbased assistance, or mixedincome properties.
• Tax Credit Specialist, Housing Credit Certified Professional, Certified Occupancy Specialist, or a comparable affordable housing certification.
• Experience preparing files for audits, responding to findings, and tracking corrective actions.
• Experience using MRI or comparable affordable housing property management software.
  
  

What success looks like:

• Certifications are completed by applicable deadlines, with accurate calculations and required supporting documentation.
• Compliance concerns are identified early, reported with clear facts, and followed through to resolution.
• Tenants receive respectful service and clear guidance about their responsibilities and next steps.
• Files and systems are current, organized, and ready for review; supervisors receive timely updates without repeated prompting.
  
  

Work requirements:

Regular and punctual attendance is essential. This position works on site Monday through Thursday, 7:00 AM–5:30 PM, and may require travel between properties or to meetings.

Physical Demands

Work includes standard office duties such as sitting, standing, typing, and light lifting up to 25 pounds, along with occasional property visits, briefings, or interagency meetings. Essential functions may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Additional Information

This description summarizes the position and is not an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties may change based on organizational needs.