What are the responsibilities and job description for the Compliance Specialist position at WEST SIDE FED SR.SUP?
ABOUT US
The West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing, Inc. (WSFSSH) is a community-based organization responding to the need for low-cost housing. Our mission is to provide safe, affordable housing with supportive services within a residential setting that enhances the independence and dignity of each person. WSFSSH develops, manages, and provides social services in housing for low-income persons, especially those who are older, who have experienced homelessness and who live with mental illness.
JOB SUMMARY
The Compliance Specialist is a key member of the Leasing and Compliance team. They will report to the Assistant Director of Compliance. The chief responsibility for the Compliance Specialist is to assist in achieving quality compliance with the requirements of the WSFSSH’s external funders and regulators, thereby safeguarding WSFSSH’s assets and income streams, and meeting WSFSSH’s high standards for excellence in this sphere.
In carrying out these duties, the Compliance Specialist interacts extensively with both external stakeholders (lenders, syndicators, equity investors, government entities, etc.) and internal staff to ensure that WSFSSH meets its compliance and reporting requirements.
Please Note: This is a full-time position (5) days a week on-site.
Job Duties & Responsibilities
Assist with the completion of quality compliance reporting. Examples include but are not limited to:
- Monthly occupancy reports and rent rolls, Quarterly occupancy reports and rent rolls, and Annual Owner Certifications
- Support the department as a researcher regarding compliance and regulatory program standards and requirements; programs include HUD Section 8 / Affordable Housing, LIHTC, HOME, Mitchell-Lama, HHAP, Fair Housing, Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing, HPD Regulatory, among others
- Assume a supporting role in deciphering regulatory agreements and communicating relevant updates, facts, and requirements of related programs.
- Act as user of HUD Secure Systems Real Estate Assessment Center, Enterprise Income Verification, Active Partners System. (REAC, EIV, APPS) and flag issues on EIV monthly reports
- Assist with drafting correspondence concerning all related matters on property portfolio, asset management compliance, certification, subsidy, and other pertinent matters
- Ensure communication in a timely manner (inquiries from staff, outside funders, parties, and potential applicants)
- Serve as the Leasing and Compliance team’s secondary source, communicator, and reference point for current and historical income limits, maximum rents, and other key compliance parameters for relevant programs
- Review, approve, and resolve issues regarding certified rent rolls, TICs / recertification packages, site-based vacancy / occupancy reports, audit reports / audit responses, and other reports and data
- Proficient user within property management software
- Occasionally assist sites with recertifications, including but not limited to third-party verification completion, outreach to tenant and guardians, calculations, and data entry.
- Occasionally assist building staff with administrative tasks such as organizing tenant files, making file corrections and clarifications, locating and binding documents
- Conduct in-person and virtual training for Leasing and Compliance and Building Management staff on topics such as Income Calculation, Certifications, Annual Recertifications, and RealPage
- Participate in lease-up of affordable housing developments by WSFSSH. Lease up activities can include initial certification reviews, submission of tenant file scans to tax credit syndicator, monthly status reports, and other tasks as needed
- Conduct file reviews at tenant move-in, at recertification, and at other times to confirm program eligibility, report findings and recommended corrections
- Comply fully with all WSFSSH confidentiality guidelines, and adhere to safeguarding confidential information at all times
- Attend supervision, team and staff meetings
- Assume leading role in preparation for file audits
- Assist with other duties as needed
Required Knowledge Skills & Abilities
- Experienced and trained in LIHTC (Low Income Housing Tax Credit) and HUD rental subsidies
- Working knowledge of NSPIRE, SAVE, EIV, CAPS, city subsidy owner portals, TRACS, Housing Connect, SharePoint, and Dropbox
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and Internet search/usage
- Experience with RealPage’s OneSite (or equivalent) property management software
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong office/organizational skills
- Ability to act as a liaison between outside funders (lenders, syndicators, equity investors, government entities, etc.) and internal departments
- Ability to problem-solve independently
- Strong attention to detail and time management skills
- Attend training sessions and conferences as required for enhancement of job skills
Required and Preferred Education, Experience and Credentials
- At least 2 years of working knowledge in New York City’s affordable housing real estate market, with experience in leasing and compliance, property management, project management, income certification and/or subsidy/regulatory compliance, and/or other areas related to WSFSSH’s Leasing and Compliance function
- High School Degree or GED with 2 years of working knowledge of NYC Affordable Housing Market
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Degree preferred
- LIHTC Certification required (or must obtain within 90 days of employment)
- Notary Public Certification highly preferred
Physical Requirements
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
- Must be able to lift or push up to 10 pounds at a time
- Travel within our sites, as needed.
Benefit Overview
Westside Federation of Senior & Supportive Housing offers full-time employees a comprehensive choice of benefits that include Medical, Dental, Vision, 403 (B) retirement savings, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Life & Disability, Short-term and Long- term Disability, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) commuter benefits and more Voluntary benefit options and Time Off that includes 11-12 paid Federal Holidays, accrued Vacation and Sick Time.
EEO Policy or Statement
WSFSSH is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO); employment is based upon employees’ qualifications without discrimination, on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, citizenship status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.
Monday - Friday 9am-5pm
(35) hours per week
Salary : $27 - $33