Compliance Specialist

Mission First Housing Group; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

403(b) plan

Life insurance

Disability (short/long-term)

Paid time off

Legal aid

Job summary

Mission First Housing Group is seeking a Compliance Specialist for Columbus Property Management to support affordable housing communities across our portfolio. You will conduct audits, review income certifications, and ensure records meet program requirements and stay audit-ready.

Required is a high school diploma with at least two years in multifamily housing compliance, knowledge of LIHTC/HUD/HOME/Section 8, and proficiency with Yardi and MS Office. Travel to sites is expected.

Qualifications

• High school diploma and at least two years of multifamily housing experience, with a focus on affordable housing compliance and housing regulations.
• Working knowledge of LIHTC, HUD, HOME, Section 8, and other affordable housing programs, along with a strong understanding of Fair Housing regulations.
• Experience using property management software; Yardi experience preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel to communities throughout the Columbus Property Management portfolio, as needed.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular audits of files, reports, and property documentation to confirm records are complete, audit-ready, and compliant with site-level policies.
• Prepare files for review by state agencies, investors, lenders, or HUD. Review samples of files completed by property management teams to verify accuracy and compliance.
• Review income certifications, supporting documentation, rent calculations, student eligibility, and unit designations for accuracy and compliance. Manage and track annual recertifications to support 100% on-time completion.
• Provide guidance and training to property managers and leasing staff on eligibility requirements, income verification procedures, and documentation standards.
• Address file corrections and compliance findings from state agencies, investors, or syndicators. Coordinate with property staff to ensure corrections are completed and resubmitted on time.
• Prepare and submit annual compliance reports to allocating agencies and regulatory bodies in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Washington, DC.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Yardi

Job description

MISSION FIRST HOUSING GROUP develops and manages affordable, safe, and sustainable homes for people in need, with a focus on supporting vulnerable individuals. We connect residents with resources that help them live independently and create housing that brings lasting benefits to residents and neighborhoods.

At Mission First, every employee contributes to our shared success. This position description outlines the role’s primary duties, qualifications, and scope, but it is not intended to cover every responsibility. We value team members who are ready to contribute their skills wherever they are needed to support our mission.

Columbus Property Management (CPM), a member of Mission First Housing Group, is seeking a detail-oriented Compliance Specialist to support affordable housing communities across our portfolio. In this role, you’ll help property teams meet program requirements, maintain accurate and audit-ready records, and support residents’ continued eligibility. Your knowledge will help protect the quality and integrity of the housing programs we provide.

Compliance Specialist Responsibilities:

• Conduct regular audits of files, reports, and property documentation to confirm records are complete, audit-ready, and compliant with site-level policies.
• Prepare files for review by state agencies, investors, lenders, or HUD. Review samples of files completed by property management teams to verify accuracy and compliance.
• Review income certifications, supporting documentation, rent calculations, student eligibility, and unit designations for accuracy and compliance. Manage and track annual recertifications to support 100% on-time completion.
• Provide guidance and training to property managers and leasing staff on eligibility requirements, income verification procedures, and documentation standards.
• Address file corrections and compliance findings from state agencies, investors, or syndicators. Coordinate with property staff to ensure corrections are completed and resubmitted on time.
• Prepare and submit annual compliance reports to allocating agencies and regulatory bodies in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Washington, DC.

Compliance Specialist Requirements and Qualifications:

• High school diploma and at least two years of multifamily housing experience, with a focus on affordable housing compliance and housing regulations.
• Working knowledge of LIHTC, HUD, HOME, Section 8, and other affordable housing programs, along with a strong understanding of Fair Housing regulations.
• Experience using property management software; Yardi experience preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel to communities throughout the Columbus Property Management portfolio, as needed.

Preferred Certifications:

• Tax Credit Specialist (TCS) certification
• Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS) certification
• Certified Professional of Occupancy (CPO) certification or equivalent affordable housing compliance certification
• HUD, LIHTC, HOME, or Fair Housing training certifications
• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• 403(b) plan
• Company-paid life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage
• Paid time off
• Legal aid
• And more!

Mission First provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Mission First prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type.