Lead Compliance Specialist

Housing Authority of Champaign County; Champaign (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Housing Authority of Champaign County is seeking a Lead Compliance Specialist to ensure regulatory compliance across HCV, PBV, HQS, NSPIRE, and LIHTC programs. You will analyze risks, educate staff on new requirements, and implement policies to meet HUD standards.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree and at least three years in housing compliance or related fields, with strong analytical and reporting skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree with relevant housing compliance knowledge or equivalent experience.
• Experience with HUD programs (HCV, PBV) and scoring systems preferred.
• Familiarity with SEMAP, LIHTC and HQS/NSPIRE requirements is desired.

Responsibilities

• Lead regulatory compliance reviews across HUD programs and MTW initiatives.
• Audit records, leases, waitlists, and related documents for compliance accuracy.
• Prepare reports on SEMAP performance and compliance findings with corrective actions.
• Advise staff on policies, procedures, and regulatory interpretations.
• Coordinate with multiple departments to implement new compliance requirements.
• Maintain confidential documentation and ensure timely completion of audits.
• Monitor program integrity and support HUD evaluations and audits.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Data analysis

Audit & reporting

Attention to detail

Policy interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/public administration/related field

Tools

YARDI software

HUD compliance systems

Job description

Position Title: Lead Compliance Specialist

Reports To: Director of Compliance

Department/Division: Compliance

FLSA Status: Non- Exempt

Date: July 6, 2026

Employment Status: Full-Time

Position Summary

Responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance on the part of the Housing Agency and interacts with all levels of management to monitor for compliance with policies, educate staff on new and emerging regulatory requirements, and determine the best approach to implement new policies and proceures resulting from new or changing regulartory requirments. The incumbent analyzes risks related to Agency compliance programs and for investigating, reporting on, resolving, escalating, and/or addressing any actual or potential regulartory issues and compliance matters. Work requires knowledge of the policies, procedures, and regulations of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Project Based Voucher (PBV) Programs, Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) Inspections and LIHTC Compliance. Responsible for the Agency receiving at least a satisfactory rating concerning HUD agency scoring systems and other future HUD required evaluation systems.

Responsibilities

Undertakes and performs the following and all other work-related duties as assigned.

Plans and conducts in-depth reviews of Agency records, files, and procedures to ensure compliance with HUD Regulations and Move to Work (MTW) and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) programs. Audits include review of rent/income, leases and other documentations, waitlist selection and procurement policies.

Primary point of contact for LSS / SHIFT compliance review and issues related to 8- year term limits and work requirements.

Creates reports and analyzes new 8-year term limit activity and 30 hour per week work requirements.

Conducts site audits of case files to ensure correct procedures/policies are followed, office files are correctly organized and required time frames are met; reviews waiting lists and marketing activities; summarizes finding in audit report along with necessary corrective action and suggested completion timeline; runs auditing reports in YARDI and HUD secure systems.

Completes a detailed checklist for each file reviewed to ensure errors/cures have been appropriately addressed and file meets quality control standards.

Monitors compliance of the Housing Choice Voucher Program using the Section 8 Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) as a minimum to measure performance. Recommends processes and procedures on areas of deficiencies from the reviews and also to implement new processes/procedures.

Responsible for timeliness and accuracy of documentation for all audits at the site and corporate level, including but not limited to LHITC, HCVP, PBV and financial audits.

Assists with internal audits and prepares periodic reports of occupancy functions including waiting list management, unit turnaround time, transfer activities, initial lease ups, move outs, annual re-examinations, and annual updates.

Provides advice and assistance with fraud issues and/or investigations resulting from evidence obtained from fraud detection sources or complaints received regarding tenants or landlords.

Recommends changes in policies/procedures and documentation requirements in accordance with review findings, which will eliminate identified deficiencies or problems and will contribute to efficiency.

Provides clarification of policy and procedures in the determination of eligibility and calculation of tenant rent based on questions or problems identified through quality control reviews. Provides clarification to supervisors and line staff regarding application in specific case situations.

Regularly reviews HUD and Agency rules and procedures to ensure accuracy of Quality Control reviews established to ensure that Agency quality standards become visible, repeatable, and measurable.

Maintains record keeping, filing and file disposal schedules.

Attends relevant Agency meetings to further the development and implementation of quality-focused processes and activities to enhance overall Agency performance levels.

Handles documents on a variety of general personal and technical topics of a highly confidential nature and maintains the confidentiality of all documents and information received by or in the possession of the employee.

Accountable for consistent adherence to strong Agency standards regarding the ethical, responsible, and appropriate use, care, and safeguarding of Agency materials, supplies, resources, and other assets.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in business, public administration, or related field with three (3) years of experience in the Housing Industry preferred or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the ability to fulfill the essential job duties of the position.

Certifications

The following Certifications must be obtained within one (1) year of employment or other allowable period of hire as authorized by the Executive Director or his/her designee:

• Rent Calculation
• SEMAP
• Low Income Tax Credit Compliance
• Occupancy Specialist

Knowledge and Skills

Detailed knowledge of the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program.

Extensive understanding of the IRS Section 42 Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program and all related compliance requirements.

Familiarity with the HUD Moving to Work Program

Strong understanding of HACC's work requirements and term limits

Strong analytic and reporting skills required.

Must be a self-starter and perform tasks under minimal supervision.

Attention to detail with a focus on results. Possesses the ability to analyze raw data, apply analysis and form key succinct and actionable insights and recommendations.

Ability to work across various functional areas and to interact with individuals across all levels throughout an organization.

Ability to quickly learn and adapt to changing conditions.

Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

Considerable ability to initiate work projects and to work independently.

Considerable ability to work under pressure and to be flexible.

Working ability to interpret and apply regulations accurately.

Considerable ability to be organized and to manage time effectively.

Supervision Controls

The Compliance Specialist receives broad instructions from the Executive Director. The employee initiates and follows through on activities without supervisory direction. Deadlines, priorities, and objectives are developed in consultation with the Executive Director. Problems or situations not covered by instructions are either dealt with independently or in consultation with the supervisor. The employee produces reports on demand detailing activities completed, progress, obstacles, and expected completion dates. The employee's finished work is spot-checked for attainment of objectives and compliance with policies and procedures. The employee has