Compliance Specialist - LA Region

About the Role

Under the supervision of the Regional Compliance Director, the Compliance Specialist determines initial and ongoing eligibility of program participants for affordable housing programs, ensuring compliance with requirements imposed by Tax Credit, HUD, and other regulatory agencies. This role involves performing on-site audits, preparing for Management and Occupancy Reviews (MORs), assisting with marketing plans and Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plans (AFHMP), and interacting with regional and property staff. The position requires regular travel to various locations, primarily by personal automobile, with occasional visits to sites in Southern California (approximately once per quarter).

Responsibilities

• Implement compliance tracking and reporting systems to monitor adherence to all applicable laws and regulations governing assigned properties.
• Stay current on updates and changes in Tax Credit, HUD, and other affordable housing programs.
• Schedule and coordinate ongoing file reviews and audits, including verification of tenant income, recertification compliance, and fair housing standards.
• Ensure timely compliance with regulatory agreements, contracts, company policies, and federal, state, and local laws.
• Implement on-site file audit procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory agreements for each property.
• Collaborate with managers and directors to ensure HUD move-in tenant files are compliant.
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of all HUD, Tax Credit, and other required forms.
• Prepare reports of findings, identify corrective actions, and assist in making corrections or clarifications to files.
• Provide training and consultation on compliance processes and programs, including LIHTC/HUD regulations.
• Assess and recommend training needs for property managers and occupancy specialists.
• Maintain compliance databases, tracking regulatory agreement details, inspection trends, MORs, and REAC scores.
• Prepare properties for Management and Occupancy Reviews (MOR) and understand HUD Form 9834 Reviews.
• Assist with EIV (Enterprise Income Verification) system access, including obtaining WASS User IDs, assigning roles, and maintaining certifications.
• Track EIV Monthly Reports, Security Tests, and Authorization Forms, and coordinate updates with the corporate office.
• Implement and maintain EIV policies and procedures as required by HUD and the company.
• Update regional managers, vice presidents, and property staff on compliance changes and provide regular training.
• Handle notices, vouchers, forms, payment plans, reconciliations, and other administrative tasks.

Requirements

• A minimum of two years of property management experience.
• Previous experience in occupancy compliance, project planning, scheduling, and execution with minimal guidance.
• Demonstrated ability to identify problems, analyze options, and develop logical, workable solutions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Ability to read, understand, and communicate complex information in writing and verbally.
• Strong mathematical skills, including prorating, payroll estimating, and calculations required by regulatory agencies.
• Ability to develop and maintain computer records using Word, Excel, and other required software.
• Knowledge of company policies, federal, state, and local laws, and government regulations, particularly HUD programs, Section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code, and Public Housing programs.

Qualifications

HUD and Tax Credit certifications are desirable.

Skills

• Strategic planning, resource allocation, and leadership techniques.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking to identify issues and evaluate alternative solutions.
• Effective communication with supervisors, managers, residents, government agencies, and clients.
• Ability to develop tracking and reporting tools in Word and Excel.

Benefits

For employees working 30+ hours per week:

• Medical, dental, and vision care; preventative medical care paid at 100%.
• Up to 10 days of vacation leave per year in the first year.
• Up to 80 hours of sick time per year.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for Health Care and Dependent Care.
• Company-paid Life, AD&D, and Long-Term Disability insurance.
• Free, confidential counseling through the Employee Assistance Program.
• Commuter benefit program.
• Discounts for AT&T and ClassPass.
• $100 annual Wellness Reimbursement.
• Matching 401(K) Retirement Savings Plan of up to 2% of compensation.

For employees working less than 30 hours per week:

• Free, confidential counseling through the Employee Assistance Program.
• Commuter benefit program.
• Discounts for AT&T and ClassPass.
• $100 annual Wellness Reimbursement.
• Matching 401(K) Retirement Savings Plan of up to 2% of compensation (for employees working 20+ hours per week).
• Up to 80 hours of sick time per year.