Job Description

The Affordable Compliance Specialist (“ACS”) reports to an Affordable Compliance Manager (“ACM”) and is primarily responsible for all aspects of the affordable housing programs associated with the communities in their assigned portfolio. Programs may include Low Income Housing Tax Credit, Tax Exempt Bonds, Inclusionary Below Market Rent, Density Bonus, or other local programs. The ACS is primarily responsible for leasing affordable units to program eligible households and conducting annual recertifications. The ACS must have a solid understanding of these programs and property management operations.

WHO YOU ARE:

• Knowledgeable. You’ve got experience working with affordable programs and interpreting regulatory rules, along with a demonstrated knowledge of fair housing laws. And, developing, implementing, and maintaining affordability compliance programs is something you’re proud to display on your resume.
• Strong Communicator. Whether in person, over the phone, across a video conference, or via written documentation, your writing, speaking, and presenting skills are clear and effective, demonstrating your ability to be articulate and understood.
• Detail Oriented. You pay attention to the details and make a conscious effort to understand causes instead of just the effects. You don’t get bogged down in the details, though, as you realize that the big picture is important, too.
• Efficient and Effective. You handle pressure well and do so with confidence. And when a tight deadline comes up, you organize the tasks to be completed —including quality checks— and focus on how to re-prioritize your other tasks to meet the timeframe.
• Approachable. You naturally create a comfortable and open atmosphere, drawing people to you and opening the door for questions and conversation, which allow you to create value and deliver substance to your business partners.
• Self-Starter. You demonstrate initiative and have the ability to work effectively without a lot of direction or guidance from your manager. If you’re given a task or assignment, you can be counted on to complete it thoroughly. You’re also self-motivated to keep busy with tasks that add value to the organization.
• Organized and Accountable. You are flexible and able to juggle the needs of changing priorities of the business, while also keeping the critical details straight.
• A Team Player. You are known for serving as a resource and trusted business partner for internal groups. Participating in cross-functional projects is the type of work you love.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

Knowledge

• Maintains understanding of their assigned affordable programs and general landlord tenant laws and is able to explain and apply them where applicable
• Stays current on program rules, rent and income limits, reporting requirements, etc.
• Participates in internal, agency and third party training.

Leasing and Income Certification

• Follows guidelines for leasing affordable units
• Contacts multiple prospects from waiting list for each vacant unit
• Interviews applicants and collects required documents to certify income and determine eligibility
• Reviews documents, calculates income, obtains third party verifications as required by the program
• Follows communication and notice requirements
• Updates monthly compliance reports
• Submits completed file for third party review, where required
• Identifies solutions to challenges with pricing or product and escalates to ACM

Annual Income Recertification

• Conducts all annual income recertifications and renewals in a timely manner
• Interviews applicants and collects required documents to certify income and determine eligibility
• Reviews documents, calculates income, obtains third party verifications
• Follows communication and notice requirements
• Issues lease violation notices related to the affordable program
• Updates monthly recertification trackers and monthly compliance reports

Resource and Relationship Management

• Conducts annual waiting list update to confirm continued interest and obtain current information
• Updates trackers and reports as required and in a timely manner
• Ensures that all affordable documents and household certifications are properly organized at each community as well as in electronic storage locations according to industry standards and company guidelines
• Trains community team members to ensure they are able to explain program requirements to prospects and residents
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with applicants, residents, property management team members, investment officers, and program administrators
• Participates in preparation of annual reports required by oversight agencies
• Assists the Affordable Compliance Management team with special projects as needed and performs other duties as assigned. Suggests ways to improve efficiency with affordable program management.
• Effectively embodies the Equity Residential brand at all times. Consistently maintains a professional, courteous attitude when dealing with residents, coworkers, agencies and the public.
• Participates in agency audits. Under the direction of the ACM, prepares responses to agency findings, makes necessary corrections in timely manner
• Assists with guidance for Section 8 Housing Vouchers and other rent subsidies

REQUIREMENTS:

• A high school diploma is required. Some college or a college degree is preferred.
• Two years of experience with affordable housing administration in a residential property management setting required.
• Experience with affordable housing programs such as LIHTC, Tax Exempt Bond, inclusionary housing or density bonus programs preferred.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills necessary to be successful in this role.
• Proficient computer skills are required, including navigating in a Google environment. Experience with spreadsheets, email and residential management systems preferred..

License/Certifications:

• Candidates holding certifications as a Certified Occupancy Specialist, Tax Credit Specialist, HCCP or C3P are highly desirable.

Salary: $31.00 - $38.00 per hour ;

The successful candidate's starting pay will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, and qualifications.

Highlights of the wellbeing benefits for Full-time employees include:

• Physical Wellbeing: Medical, dental, vision care and wellness programs
• Social Wellbeing: Paid holidays, annual vacation time, paid sick leave, new parent benefits, adoption assistance
• Financial Wellbeing: Competitive Compensation, 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan, Rent Discounts, FSA/HSA, and company-paid life & disability insurance
• Community Wellbeing: Paid Community Service Hours
• Career Wellbeing: Leadership Development, Tuition Assistance

Learn more about our Total Wellbeing program

Equity Residential is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity for all job applicants and employees. No job applicant or employee will be discriminated against because of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, sexual/gender identity, age, disability, pregnancy, national origin, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Equity Residential is committed to hiring a diverse workforce.

Equity Residential has a smoke-free workplace environment.

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