Subsidy Specialist

Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 74,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Hybrid schedule

Back up Child/Elder Care

Retirement savings with pension & 401k

Health, dental, and vision plans

12 paid holidays

Disability insurance

Central Boston office

Job summary

MassHousing is seeking a Subsidy Specialist to oversee subsidy contracts and Section 811 portfolios across developments, ensuring compliance with HUD regulations and audit-ready documentation. The role emphasizes exceptional customer service and collaboration with owners, agents, and MassHousing teams.

The position supports management by training staff, reviewing work, and monitoring watch lists within a hybrid on-site model in Boston. A bachelor's degree and MS Office proficiency are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a related field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Eligibility to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Process monthly Section 8 voucher payments and ensure compliant submissions.
• Monitor repayment agreements and reimbursements for misreported income.
• Maintain subsidy data accuracy across systems and reports.
• Support Section 811 administration through site visits and reporting.
• Provide excellent customer service to owners and agents.

Skills

Microsoft Office Suite

Customer service

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, or related field

Job description

Description

Title: Subsidy Specialist

Organization: MassHousing

Location: One Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108

Website: https://www.masshousing.com

The Organization:

MassHousing will confront the Commonwealth's housing challenges to improve the lives of its people. A bold mission for an innovative agency. Since its inception in 1966, MassHousing has provided more than $30 billion for 92,000+ rental units and 90,000+ home mortgage loans. Beyond lending, we also work to promote economic growth and empowerment for families, individuals, and businesses; help communities increase their housing stock; provide hope and homes for vulnerable populations, and look for new, cost-effective ways to provide equitable housing opportunities. We have a relentless determination to confront the Commonwealth's housing challenges and improve lives.

We know that we cannot meet our mission without a workforce that is committed to standing with us in our efforts. We achieve this by making investments in staff development and prioritizing individuals who align with our values including an unwavering dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

As an employee of MassHousing you are offered a great career opportunity which is more than a paycheck. MassHousing’s total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits which you should consider towards your overall compensation, including but not limited to:

• Tuition reimbursement up to $15,000 per calendar year
• A 35-hour work week and a hybrid work schedule
• Back up Child/Elder Care
• Retirement Savings including a pension and a deferred compensation plan (with a match)
• Comprehensive health, dental and vision plans
• 12 paid Holidays per year and generous sick, vacation, and personal time
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Central Boston office location, convenient to public transportation and amenities on site

Position Summary

The Subsidy Specialist is a frontline, customer-facing member of the Subsidy Administration team. This role oversees subsidy contracts and Section 811 portfolios across numerous developments ensuring exceptional customer service, compliance with HUD regulations and Agency policies, and operational excellence. The Subsidy Specialist supports management by training new staff, reviewing Subsidy Analyst work, monitoring watch list activity, and maintaining accurate, audit-ready documentation. This position reports to the Senior Subsidy Administration Manager.

All positions at MassHousing require a customer service mindset in accordance with our values: Respect, Service, Empathy, Accountability, Collaboration, and Inclusion.

MassHousing operates under a hybrid work model; therefore, employees are expected to work on-site according to a schedule determined in collaboration with their manager and based on the needs of the role. To support effective onboarding, new employees may be required to work in the office more frequently during their first 90 days.

Essential Functions

Subsidy Administration

• Process monthly Section 8 voucher payments, monitor submission timelines, and provide guidance to owners and agents to ensure accurate and compliant voucher submissions
• Analyze resident repayment agreements and review and authorize reimbursements for misreported income
• Monitor tracking reports to identify and investigate discrepancies over or under 5% of monthly voucher requests
• Maintain and update subsidy data within designated systems and validate data accuracy across reports and platforms
• Monitor business relationship changes and data integrity within Multifamily data systems

Section 811 Administration

• Conduct and facilitate site visits, prepare written assessment reports, and communicate findings to owners and management agents
• Manage a high volume of monthly rental assistance payments, annual rent adjustments, and contract amendments to ensure accurate program administration
• Prepare and submit required Section 811 reports, invoices, and program documentation

Special Claims and Rent Adjustments

• Review and complete special claims in compliance with HUD guidelines
• Process rent adjustments for assigned portfolio, verify contract compliance, and implement subsequent rent increases
• Maintain complete and accurate documentation to support all claims and adjustments in preparation for audits

Customer Service

• Evaluate portfolio data to determine key trends and provide informed technical support to management agents
• Identify troubled assets and collaborate with supervisors to determine the need for fraud or error reporting
• Collaborate with supervisory staff to address Section 8 developments identified on the Multifamily Watch List

Security

• Comply with MassHousing’s Information Security Program and all other Agency information security policies and procedures
• Take responsibility for any Agency assets assigned to you
• Promptly report any security events, incidents, or weaknesses to MassHousing’s Information Security Team

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, or a related field, or equivalent relevant work experience
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Eligibility to work in, and travel freely to and from, the United States without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS) designation
• Experience in Section 8 Contract Administration or multifamily housing management

Essential Characteristics

• Energetic team player who can work independently, has strong interpersonal skills, and focuses on high-level customer service
• Strong attention to detail and results orientation
• Effective time management skills
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to absorb complex program guidance and communicate information effectively
• Able to handle multiple priorities and manage time efficiently

Salary Range: $74,415.12 - $96,739.35

MassHousing is an Equal Opportunity Employer

ADA Compliance

MassHousing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, MassHousing will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods of time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.