Compliance Specialist

Venice Community Housing (VCH) supports and builds equitable and inclusive communities by providing affordable housing with supportive services, education, employment programs, and public policy advocacy that advances racial and economic justice. VCH is a community-based, nonprofit organization engaged in a variety of housing and community development programs. VCH owns and manages 346 units of affordable, supportive and interim housing, and is in a period of growth with an additional 400 units in predevelopment/construction stages.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Compliance Specialist is responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance with all regulatory agreements, affordable housing agency guidelines, investor requirements, and internal policies and procedures. As part of the VCH Asset Management Team, and reporting to the Asset Manager, the Compliance Specialist will directly produce and/or assist others in the compliance requirements of lease up of new buildings or units, annual recertifications, file approvals, and other related tasks. The Compliance Specialist will also take lead on external audits and external reporting, as assigned.

The Compliance Specialist is also responsible for providing regular, generally quarterly, compliance training as directed to ensure relevant VCH staff are fully supported, trained, and adhering to VCH compliance procedures. The Compliance Specialist will also demonstrate their daily operational effectiveness in the areas of waitlist management, tenant screening and qualification, and other aspects of compliance and asset management.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following statements in this description represent typical elements, criteria, and general work performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the job:

• Ensures VCH portfolio is operating in compliance with all regulatory agreements, affordable housing guidelines, and company procedures.
• Actively participate in lease-up and  move-in processes and file creation to confirm compliance with program requirements and meet lease-up schedules.
• Works in conjunction with the Asset Manager and Director of Finance to recommend, develop, and implement policies /procedures related to Tax Credit, HUD, LAHD, HCD, CDLAC, and all other applicable governing programs.
• Reviews and prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to various state and local agencies, financial partners, and other institutions.
• Conducts quarterly onsite audits of all properties related to policies, regulatory agreements, waitlist, move-in files, annual recertifications, resident files, and filing systems.
• Implement quarterly training programs existing employees and provide initial onboarding training to new employees related to compliance requirements.
• Monitors the waitlist for each property in the assigned portfolio to minimize vacancies and ensure they are filled within the VCH policy and timeline
• Oversees approvals for move-in files. All files are to be reviewed within 24 to 48 hours from submission. Approval must be in compliance with regulatory restrictions applicable to each property.
• Oversees annual recertification process by:
  • Monitors RealPage Compliance to ensure files are uploaded and corrections are responded to and submitted in a timely manner.
  • Track recertification status for all units and provide regular progress updates to the Asset Manager.
  • Ensure completion 30 days before the effective date.
  • Conducts a file audit within 30 days from completion for continuing program compliance.
• Uphold quality control and ensure all data is accurately entered into RealPage for each tenant and unit. The onsite file needs to match the operating system.
• Proactively identifies properties needing additional compliance support and provides reports and recommendations to the Asset Manager.
• Completes and distributes maximum allowable rent schedules to assigned portfolios timely.
• Oversees the implementation of updated income limits, rent limits, and utility allowances on an annual basis to include updating RealPage.
• Ensures required reports are received timely from on-site staff as requested by TCAC or other regulatory agencies for scheduled audits and inspections, PSRs, rent rolls, and audit/inspection notices. Reports and files must be reviewed for accuracy prior to sending to any agency requesting the information.
• Follows up as needed on all aspects of Compliance related to lease-ups, training, and assigned portfolios.
• Stay current with federal, state, and local updates about various program requirements.
• Completes and submits any required documentation for lease-up to include affirmative fair housing marketing plan, tenant selection plans, and property management plans to city and state agencies.
• Additional responsibilities include:
  • Collaborates with various departments on special projects, training, and/or implementations.
  • Works towards achieving strategic goals and objectives established by VCH.
  • Participates in company-provided training such as fair housing, safety, non-discrimination, and harassment prevention. Comes prepared for meetings.
  • Provide written responses in a professional, timely manner.
  • Special projects as designated by VCH or designee.
    

QUALIFICATIONS            

• High school diploma required, Bachelor’s Degree in Business or related field highly preferred.
• 2+ years of relevant experience in multifamily residential property management. Specific knowledge of affordable regulations, Urban Futures, AcHP, and LAHD is highly desired.
• Prefer a minimum of 1 certification required for LIHTC and 1 HUD designation out of the following list: National Affordable Housing Professional Certification TCS, or HCCP, COS (Certified Occupancy Specialist), or CPO (Certified Professional of Occupancy).
• Previous experience must include responsibilities for waitlist management, approving move-ins, annual recertifications, and lease-ups.
• Commitment to excellent customer service; ability to demonstrate empathy and compassion in decision-making and communications.
• Commitment to improving the overall quality of life for residents and building healthy communities through the provision of high-quality, affordable housing.
• Knowledge of affordable housing programs. including Tax Credit, HUD, LAHD, HCD, and CDLAC.
• Strong communication ability, both verbally and in writing. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedures. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from supervisors, employees, vendors, and clients.
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively across multiple teams to ensure the transfer of information and completion of processes and tasks
• Excellent problem-solving, multi-tasking, and organizational skills.
• Ability to complete multiple tasks under fixed time constraints and deadlines.
• Knowledge of industry software, RealPage and RealPage Compliance, preferred.
• Ability to work with people of diverse social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds and remain sensitive to issues facing veterans, homeless, disabled, elderly, family, and other diverse populations.
• Ability to read and understand contracts, regulatory agreements, and loan documents.
• Team player but can work independently.
• Ability to independently travel within the assigned service area and maintain a valid California driver’s license and auto insurance, or alternative mode of travel.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Stationary position approximately 60% of the time.  Operates a computer and other office machinery such as fax, copy machine, phone. Ascends/descends stairs, move inside and outside the office, apartments, buildings, etc. Frequently moves objects weighing up to 30 pounds.  Required to have visual acuity to perform the following tasks: operate a motor vehicle, viewing a computer terminal, reading and writing.  

SALARY

The starting salary range for the position is $75,000 to $80,000, plus benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, Aflac, 403(b), vacation, sick time, 15 holidays, and 2 personal days.  This is a full-time exempt position.