Compliance Specialist

The Community Builders, Inc.; Boston (MA); Remote; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to strengthening communities across the nation! As a Compliance Specialist, you will play a vital role in ensuring affordable housing programs adhere to regulations while fostering staff development through training. This dynamic position involves monitoring compliance, conducting audits, and collaborating with various teams to enhance operational efficiency. With a focus on community impact, this role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of many. If you are passionate about affordable housing and compliance, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

12 Paid Holidays

Employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts

Company paid Life & Disability Insurance

403(b) retirement plan with company match

Tax-advantage accounts

Confidential, 24/7 Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Experience in property management and compliance monitoring.
• Proven track record of meeting affordable program requirements.

Responsibilities

• Monitor compliance and conduct audits for affordable housing programs.
• Train staff on compliance regulations and TCB policies.

Skills

Knowledge of LIHTC and HUD programs

Communication Skills

Analytical Skills

Team Collaboration

Problem Solving

Education

1-2 years onsite property management experience

Current industry recognized compliance certifications

Tools

Yardi

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Job description

Career Opportunities with The Community Builders

A great place to work.

Careers At The Community Builders

Current job opportunities are posted here as they become available.

Join a growing organization that is strengthening neighborhoods across the nation! The Community Builders, Inc. (TCB) is one of America's leading nonprofit real estate developers and owners. Our mission is to build and sustain strong communities where all people can thrive.

Position Description:
The primary purpose of this position is to help ensure ongoing affordable housing program(s) compliance and adherence to TCB’s Operations policies. The Compliance Specialist assists in the preparation and delivery of affordable housing compliance and TCB Operations policies trainings for staff at established properties to help foster staff skill development.

The Compliance Specialist has the overall responsibility for compliance monitoring, conducting audits, overseeing reporting and record keeping, assisting with audit preparation and audit response close-out, as well as training staff. In this role, the Compliance Specialist will work in collaboration with other TCB Operations support functions (training, IT, leasing, etc.) as well as TCB Operations management (SVP, VPO, RDP).

The Compliance Specialist must be well-versed in affordable housing, including the consideration of marketing needs, and have an excellent in-depth content knowledge and ability to train staff on HUD Multifamily programs, HUD PIH, HOME, IRS Section 42 (LIHTC program), as well as all compliance functions, including but not limited to: eligibility, waiting list processes, citizenship rules, student rules, income, assets, allowances, next available unit rule, vacant unit rules, transfer rules, reasonable accommodations, earned income disallowance, EIV reporting and discrepancy functions, fair housing, limited English proficiency, multiple building project rules, LIHTC credit deferrals, HAP processes, rent schedules, and utility allowance processes.

This role is remote within the states TCB operates in, with up to 50% travel to sites and offices.

Essential Functions:

1. Approve all move-ins and transfers, including market resident rentals, for all properties within the portfolio. Randomly test to ensure approvals are obtained prior to MI, even for sites using third party approvals for tax credit MI’s.
2. Assist Compliance Manager in coordinating with new LIHTC properties to obtain copies of first year files, review for completeness, and arrange for proper electronic and/or off-site storage.
3. Review at least monthly for each property supported using Yardi reports and dashboards items that affect program compliance such as the status of vacant units; completed late and outstanding recerts; past due scheduled MI’s, “Calculate Compliance”, etc. Provide guidance and follow up, as needed.
4. Report potential non-Compliance issues to the Compliance Manager, Director of Compliance, and appropriate Property Operations staff.
5. Conduct regular desk audits and/or site visits to review a sampling of MI, AR certifications, MO, and waitlist activity to help ensure proper use of current forms, that system information matches physical file, documentation is completed, signed, and properly stored, etc.
6. Monitor utility allowance to help ensure UA in use is current, actual and review and approve updates that are not dictated by an approved HUD Rent Schedule prior to implementation.
7. Lead the ongoing information management and data collection associated with TCB’s Key Date Tracker.
8. Assist, as needed, with physical inspections of units, grounds, and common areas focusing on curb appeal, marketing, snow & ice removal, landscaping, maintenance shop safety, turnover of vacant units, and community rooms reporting items of concern to Operations management.
9. Train site staff, as applicable, in program regulations including but not limited to those of LIHTC, HUD Multifamily, HUD Public Housing, HOME, and NSP2 as well as Compliance related TCB policies and procedures.
10. Lead the year-end annual reporting process for assigned portfolio and ensure that they are completed properly and submitted on time.
11. Conduct internal audits (files and physical) in preparation for state agency, investor, HUD, and other program compliance related audits, as needed.
12. Assist sites in responding to all audit reports in a timely and complete manner.
13. Develop constructive, responsive, and diplomatic relationships with state and/or government agencies, investors, as well as internal stakeholders of the properties supported.
14. Assist, as needed, with the completion of the Tenant Selection Plan (TSP), Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan (AFHMP), and Language Assistance Plan (LAP) for established properties as well as any other documents as required.

Travel:
Prioritize the need for site visits and schedule accordingly coordinating with input from supervisor.
Arrive with necessary tools to complete assigned tasks at destination such as use of/access to computers, forms, templates, on-line training, webinars, etc.
Organize and schedule travel booking in advance whenever possible to maximize cost efficiency.
Be able to arrive independently at specific locations in a timely and cost-efficient manner using internet, maps, GPS, car rental, air travel, etc.
Submit employee reimbursement expenses in accordance with TCB’s Travel and Expense policies in a regular and timely manner.
Assist with projects and/or other Property Management Operations activities as needed and/or required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Must have valid driver’s license.
2. Must be willing to travel as necessary, including overnight travel and travel by plane.
3. Must possess a working knowledge of the LIHTC and HUD Multifamily and HUD PIH programs.
4. Interpret and understand tenant file information.
5. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
6. Communicate clearly both verbally and in writing, including the ability to provide technical assistance on reporting complex compliance issues in a simple, straightforward manner.
7. Ability to read and interpret complex documents, such as regulatory agreements, compliance and program regulations.
8. Able to work as an effective member of a team and in a collaborative manner with other staff, peers, and supervisor.
9. Ability to work in a complex and changing organization and adapt to changes in structures and work priorities.

Education & Experience:

1. 1-2 years onsite property management experience in leasing and/or certification processing and/or management role.
2. Proven experience in overseeing and meeting affordable program requirements.
3. Current industry recognized compliance certifications for HUD and LIHTC programs preferred (C3P or equivalent, COS).
4. Experience in the use of Yardi preferred.

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 12 Paid Holidays & tenure-based PTO accruals.
• Employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts.
• Company paid Life & Disability Insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan with company match.
• Tax-advantage accounts: commuter/parking, medical & dependent care FSA.
• Hospital & Critical Illness Insurance.
• Confidential, 24/7 Employee Assistance Program.

The Community Builders is an equal opportunity employer.