Compliance Specialist - LA Corporate

Overview COMPANY SUMMARY: The John Stewart Company is a full-service housing management, development and consulting organization that began in 1978 with a commitment to providing high quality service in the affordable housing sector. We work to enrich the lives of our residents and employees, while delivering our services cost‐effectively, efficiently and with the highest levels of professionalism, compassion, integrity and respect. GENERAL SUMMARY Under the direction of the AVP of Compliance, the Compliance Specialist determines applicants’ initial eligibility for affordable housing programs, monitors ongoing eligibility of program participants, and ensures compliance with requirements imposed by Tax Credit programs and HUD programs, including Section 8 and PRAC programs. - HUD, Tax Credit, and other affordable housing program. This is not a remote position. Must be able to independently travel to various property locations as needed.  Responsibilities PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS New Property Lease-Up Support: Lead and support the compliance setup and Lease-up of new properties by training property staff on lease-up tracking reports, applicant interview and verification procedures, and file preparation requirements; Establish effective processes for obtaining and reviewing required verifications; Coordinate the timely submission of complete applicant files to Corporate Compliance for approval, ensuring eligible applicants can proceed to move-in efficiently and in compliance with all applicable program requirements. Review and approve initial certification files to ensure applicants meet move-in eligibility requirements. Collaborate with Property Managers, Regional Managers, and Directors to ensure that all HUD, Tax Credit, and other affordable housing program tenant move-in files are compliant. Ensure the accuracy and completeness of all HUD, Tax Credit, and other required forms. Implement on-site file audit procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory agreements for each property. Prepare reports of findings, identify corrective actions, and assist in making corrections or clarifications consistent with governing agency requirements and company policies. Provide training and consultation regarding compliance processes and affordable housing programs. Effectively and professionally interact and communicate with supervisors, managers, employees, residents, senior staff, owners, government agencies, sponsors, and clients. Implement compliance tracking and reporting systems/processes to monitor compliance with all applicable laws and regulations governing assigned properties. Stay current on updates and changes to Tax Credit, HUD, and other affordable housing programs. Schedule and coordinate ongoing file reviews and audits, including testing tenant income verifications, reviewing periodic tenant recertifications for Tax Credit and HUD compliance, and verifying compliance with Fair Housing requirements. Assist in developing and delivering staff training on LIHTC, HUD regulations, and related compliance issues to ensure properties are operating and maintaining records appropriately. Respond to compliance-related questions from regional personnel. Assess and make recommendations to Compliance Managers, the Compliance AVP, Director, Regional Managers, and Vice Presidents regarding training needs for Property Managers and Occupancy Specialists. Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Demonstrated experience/training/certification that provides the necessary skills to complete all tasks described in the job description, with or without a reasonable accommodation. KNOWLEDGE Policies and Regulations — Knowledge of company policies, federal, state and local laws, government regulations and agency rules that pertain to properties involved specially Section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code, HUD Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Management of Financial Resources — Basic knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices for creating a realistic budget, banking, understanding financial reports and the ability to use mathematics to solve problems when acting as Property Manager. Sales and Marketing — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, and sales techniques when acting as a Property Manager. SKILLS & ABILITIES Business and Management Principles - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership technique, production and tracking methods, and coordination of multiple task and resources. Problem Sensitivity/ Deductive Reasoning — Ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong and then apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.  Use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems and considering the relative benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. Written Comprehension and Expression — Ability to read, understand and communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.  Demonstrate proficiency operating a personal computer and related software.   Oral Comprehension and Expression — Ability to listen to, understand and speak so others can understand ideas and information presented verbally. Math – Ability to complete basic math calculations including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.  Ability to perform all math calculations required under all agency regulatory restrictions including prorating, payroll estimating, etc. Computer – Ability to develop and maintain computer records in Word, Excel and other software required by JSCo and regulatory agencies (e.g. Boston Post, and Yardi).  Ability to develop tracking and report forms in Word and Excel as needed. EXPERIENCE