Property Certification Specialist

Christopher Community, Inc. (CCI) seeks a Part Time Property Certification Specialist to join its growing organization! The physical work location for this position will be to support the FNR Property Portfolio located in Syracuse, NY! 

CCINC is a not-for-profit Housing Development and Property Management company that assist low- and moderate-income families and seniors to secure suitable housing across Upstate New York. Christopher Community currently manages over 3,300 units of housing in more than 100 buildings, and administers the Rental Assistance Program in Onondaga County, which provides assistance to over 1,200 households. Since 1971, Christopher Community has maintained a proven track record in developing and operating affordable housing. We regularly receive very high ratings both from government and private entities for the way we manage our properties.

We offer competitive wages and generous benefits. Please see below for additional information:

Benefit Summary:

• Part Time Position 
• 25-hour work week (Monday - Friday) with flexible schedule
• Paid Time Off (PTO) 
• Paid Holidays
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Hiring Hourly Rate is: $22.00 to $25.00 per hour
• Additional opportunities for performance related incentives available throughout each fiscal year.

The Property Certification Specialist is responsible for ensuring full compliance with Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program requirements across a scattered-site portfolio. Reporting directly to the Assistant Regional Property Manager, this position focuses on initial certifications, annual recertifications, income and asset verifications, rent calculations, and ongoing file maintenance to ensure adherence to all state and federal regulations. The ideal candidate possesses strong organizational skills, a deep understanding of LIHTC compliance, and a high level of accuracy in documentation and reporting.

• Conduct and manage initial, annual, and interim certifications in accordance with LIHTC and other applicable affordable housing program guidelines.
• Verify household income, assets, and student status for all applicants and residents to determine program eligibility.
• Calculate tenant rent levels and utility allowances based on program rules and property-specific requirements.
• Maintain complete and organized resident files—both electronic and physical—to ensure readiness for audits and investor or agency reviews.
• Collaborate with the Property Manager and Assistant Regional Property Manager to monitor compliance tracking systems and ensure deadlines are met without lapse.
• Review and prepare Tenant Income Certifications (TICs), income verifications, and supporting documentation for accuracy and completeness.
• Assist with file audits, state agency reviews, and compliance reporting required by syndicators, investors, or housing authorities.
• Stay current with LIHTC regulations, including income limits, rent limits, student rules, and recertification standards.
• Support leasing and occupancy activities, ensuring all move-ins and renewals meet program eligibility requirements.
• Respond to resident and agency inquiries regarding eligibility, documentation, or certification-related matters.
• Assist in preparing for state monitoring visits, management reviews, and compliance audits.
• Provide excellent customer service to residents, staff, and external partners.
• Support the Property Manager as needed and fill in during their absence.
• Comply with fair housing and anti-discrimination laws in all aspects of housing, renting, and advertising.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); associate or bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Three-five years of experience in property management and affordable housing programs (HUD, PRAC, Section 8, etc.).
• Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS) certification is a plus
• Proficiency in relevant Property Management software including experience with RealPage/OneSite and Microsoft Office.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to interact effectively with residents, staff, and regulatory bodies.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational abilities essential for accurate record-keeping and managing complex processes.
• Excellent time management and communication skills are necessary.
• Travel up to 20% of the time to properties to provide on-site certification and HUD compliance support.
• Must have a valid Class D driver’s license

ADDITIONAL SKILLS:

• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Ability to write simple correspondence, understand work orders and fill out completed spreadsheets.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, vendors, and other employees of the organization.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Compute areas and volumes necessary for project budgeting.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions.
• Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in flexible situations that may call for various solutions.
• Ability to delegate tasks to specialized vendors if required and deliver quality workmanship in an efficient timeframe.