Compliance Specialist

Starting Hourly Rate: $30.15 – $31.67
Position Range: $30.15 – $43.66
Position Classification: Full Time, Non-Exempt

Emergency Essential: No
 

Looking for a great benefits package? We have you covered with: 

· Employer paid medical for base employee plans.

· Employer paid dental for employee plan.

· Employer paid vision for employee plan.

· Employer paid Long Term Disability and Life Insurance

· Flexible scheduling

· 13 Paid Holidays

· Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) – Pension style retirement program. 

Great PTO Accrual

0-2 years  15 days a year

3-4 years  27 days a year

5-9 years  30 days a year

10-14 years  33 days a year

15-19 years  37.5 days a year

20+ years  40.5 days a year

Days based off 8 hours

Purpose of the Compliance Specialist

Under the supervision of the assigned Housing Programs Manager, the Compliance Specialist is responsible for compliance and quality control reviews across multiple housing assistance programs, utilizing applicable program regulations, funding source requirements, and SHA policies, systems and practices. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Contributes to achieving the SHA mission and the effective and efficient administration of rental assistance programs, in accordance with applicable federal, state, local, and agency regulations, rules, laws, and procedures.
• Conducts file reviews and quality control audits of applicant, participant, and unit file records to ensure SHA’s voucher and grant programs are administered in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements, policies, and standards. Completes a detailed checklist for each file reviewed to ensure errors/cures have been appropriately addressed and file/unit meets required quality control standards. Follows-up with staff responsible for corrections as needed.   
• Conducts random quality control inspections of assisted units utilizing applicable housing quality standards (HQS or NSPIRE) to ensure inspections are completed in accordance with regulatory standards.
• Works closely with the Housing Programs Manager to identify common file errors and recommend/conduct training topics for department staff.
• Assists with the preparation and routing of required or requested reporting, which may include analysis of compliance reviews to facilitate error rate tracking, file submission timeliness, file status, and certifications/recertification.
• Ensure current and accurate reporting to HUD’s 50058 reporting system and cures errors.
• Reviews and monitors 50058 reports with the management team on a regular basis and recommends corrective action.
•  Supports agency's reasonable accommodation processes as needed.
• Regularly reviews HUD, and SHA rules and procedures to ensure accuracy of compliance reviews to ensure that SHA quality standards become visible, repeatable, and attends relevant SHA meetings to further the development and implementation of quality focused processes and activities to enhance overall SHA performance levels.
• Handles a variety of highly confidential documents and maintains the confidentiality of all documents and information received by or in the possession of the employee measurable.
• Composes correspondence, reports, and memoranda that are clear, concise and demonstrate effective communication skills.
• Attends training programs to ensure broad knowledge of applicable regulations.
• Assists other staff with assignments as necessary, and performs other related duties as required or assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Requires strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills as direct communication with clients, supervisors, and employees, either individually or in groups, is an integral part of this job.
• Computer skills including database systems, Microsoft Office, data entry skills, internet research, and basic office equipment.
• Advanced knowledge of Housing Choice Voucher program requirements, other housing assistance programs , Fair Housing, and Washington State Landlord-Tenant laws.
• Customer service, phone, database functionality, math competence, and working with public. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Advanced knowledge of fair housing guidelines and their application.
• Compiling and organizing reports.

Ability to:

• Read, write and understand English.
• Be detail oriented and analytical.
• Work independently.
• Plan, organize, and prioritize workload.
• Assess and comprehend business process needs and translate into technical requirements.
• Provide leadership to peers in a professional environment.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Present verbally at staff training events.
• Maintain effective working relationships with participants, SHA staff, regulatory agency officials and the public.

Acceptable Experience and Training

High school diploma or GED equivalency, and three years’ experience as an Eligibility Specialist or similar position is required. Four-year college degree in a related field is desirable but not required.  

Successful completion of or ability within one year to gain accredited certification for HUD affordable housing programs such as Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher, project-based Section 8, or the IRS Section 42 Low Income Housing Tax Credit program.

Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Must have an acceptable credit history, and must have and maintain a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, satisfactory driving record, and adequate insurance coverage according to SHA’s policy and insurer. 

Required Workplace Standards

• Works regular and reliable hours on site as required.
• Attendance must be punctual and consistent.
• Works an agreed-upon schedule and works additional hours as necessary to complete work.
• Works effectively, cooperatively, and respectfully with co-workers, clients, and other contacts.
• Follows all SHA Safety Policies and Procedures.
• Follows all SHA Personnel Policies and Procedures.

Essential Physical Abilities

This position requires the ability to:

• Remain in a stationary position for prolonged periods.
• Move/traverse within an office space, to/from community partner locations, and between workstations.
• Frequently move/transport equipment, supplies, and documents weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Constantly operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and printer.
• Communicate frequently, effectively, and accurately with internal and external partners.

Work is primarily sedentary in nature. The work environment noise level is usually moderate. The employee may be exposed to outside weather conditions while performing duties.

Must be able to fully function in a drug-free environment.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibilities. They should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or to otherwise balance the workload for the good of the organization.