Occupancy Specialist

SUMMARY:

The role of the Occupancy Specialist is to provide the support needed to ensure that all applicable regulations pertaining to an applicant/resident’s eligibility for occupancy are followed. The Occupancy Specialist works a 35-hour workweek, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., which may require some travel. The Occupancy Specialist reports directly to the Senior Manager of Compliance. Evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

1. Assist with the waitlist and landlord portal. 
2. Assist in marketing and advertising for vacancies in accordance with the properties Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan.
3. Ensure maximum occupancy rates and the lowest achievable vacancy rates, minimizing rental income loss to properties.
4. Maintain a complete and accurate waiting list that is compliant with HUD regulations.
5. Ensure individual and project compliance with Fair Housing laws.
6. Ensure compliance with income limits, income targeting requirements, and student status eligibility. 
7. Carry out all activities associated with the property-specific programs including interviewing participants, answering telephone inquiries, and responding to correspondence. 
8. Maintain applicant files and process files in accordance with company procedures and HUD and IRS regulations, including completing and securing all files daily. 
9. Perform all administrative tasks associated with income eligibility determination. 
10. Respond to inquiries pertaining to occupancy standards, income, and assets. 
11. Explain rules, regulations, and eligibility requirements for affordable housing. 
12. Communicate with compliance staff on file reviews in a timely manner by providing details necessary to ensure quick approvals. 
13. Monitor HUD notices, regulations, and statutes of change in eligibility requirements, occupancy standards, rent calculations, and other matters affecting an applicant/resident’s eligibility.
14. Assist with the establishment of procedures for acceptance and processing of applications/transfer requests, which address the need for proper verification, accurate computation, thorough screening, and good applicant/resident relations.
15. Participate in annual fair housing training. 
16. Perform other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

1. Demonstrable knowledge of Connecticut tenant/landlord law and HUD regulations related to occupancy management.
2. Demonstrable knowledge of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, Low-Income Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher, and Rental Assistance Demonstration regulations.
3. Ability to maintain a working knowledge of ACOP and implement requirements.
4. Demonstrable knowledge of Smart Sheets and/or Excel.
5. Proficient knowledge of Elite or similar real estate financial management systems.
6. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
7. Excellent organizational and time management skills.
8. Ability to maintain effective working relationships.
9. Ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
10. Meticulous attention to detail.
11. Ability to accurately follow instructions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• Must be able to remain at a desk for a period of up to 8 hours. 
• Regularly works a 35-hour workweek.
• Travel between locations may occasionally be required. 
• Fast-paced working environment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

•  High School Diploma or Equivalent and at least two years of related experience required (experience in low-income public housing, HCV, and tax credit preferred).
•  HUD Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS) certification required or ability to obtain within the first year of employment.
•  Valid driver’s license.
•  Bilingual in Spanish preferred.