Compliance Specialist

Affordable Housing Compliance Specialist

Help Address Vermont’s Housing Crisis!

Downstreet Housing and Community Development is a private, mission-driven, not-for-profit organization dedicated to delivering social justice through the power of housing. We pride ourselves on connecting people to the resources they need to thrive and creating equitable opportunities for everyone in Central Vermont to access safe, healthy homes. Through our work, we strengthen the health and future of our local communities.

We are looking for a Compliance Specialist to join our team! Downstreet is seeking a detail-oriented Compliance Specialist to support rental application processing, eligibility reviews, and housing compliance functions. This role works closely with applicants, residents, service partners, and internal teams to ensure accurate, timely, and customer-focused compliance operations.

Key Responsibilities

Application Intake & Eligibility Processing

• Receives and enters all rental applications for current vacancies into software, ensures applications are complete and follows-up with customers and/or service agencies to obtain missing items.
• Processes applications for initial eligibility.
• Mails approval or denial letter within 14 days of receipt of application, after approval of the Compliance Manager.
• Obtains Landlord and Personal References for applicants in process
• Obtains credit and criminal reports for applicants in process
• Verifies applicant income and asset information for applicants in process
• Submits processed applications to the Compliance Manager for approval. Follows up with applicant regarding status of application when processing for a vacancy.
• Coordinates with service partners
• Works with Property Management team and Maintenance team to ensure apartment is ready for resident to move-in on agreed date.
• Explains the policy on deposits and collects security deposit prior to lease up.
• Communicates on the phone, in person, and electronically in a positive and respectful manner with all customers including but not limited to applicants, residents, community members, and service partners.
• Assists Compliance Manager with reconciling the PBV lists.
• Participates in outreach marketing activities on a regular basis to obtain prospective residents.

File Management & Recertification

• Maintains current tenant files.
• Files recertification paperwork as needed.

Compliance, Audits & Reporting

• Provides back up for Compliance Manager and Compliance Coordinator.
• Assists with marketing as needed.
• Assists Compliance Manager with all file reviews including VHFA, HUD, VHCB and Investor audits.
• Assists Director of Compliance with creating, monitoring and updating Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plans (AFHMPs) as needed.

General Duties

• Maintains open communication with all members of the Property Management and Maintenance teams.
• Participates in applicable work groups, staff meetings and other staff events.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Required Skills, Abilities, Education, and Experience

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail; comfortable with math income eligibility.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• This position shall earn their Certified Occupancy Specialist, Low Income Housing Tax Credit Specialist and USDA 515 Specialist designations.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s degree preferred.
• At least three years of administrative experience required.

Physical Requirements

• Must be adaptable to working in an ever changing, demanding work environment.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working at a computer.
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds at a time.

Downstreet is strongest when we have a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We know that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We are an equal employment opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, disability, or Veteran status are encouraged to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $45,000 - $50,000 per year

Benefits: Competitive benefits package including 403B match, health and dental insurance, paid holidays, paid time off, life insurance, short-term disability

To apply, please submit a Cover Letter and Resume.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $45,000 - $50,000