Compliance Specialist - St. Paul, MN

About The Community Builders (TCB) · Join a growing organization that is strengthening neighborhoods across the nation The Community Builders, Inc. (TCB) is one of America's leading nonprofit real estate developers and owners. Our mission is to build and sustain strong communitie ...

Job description

About The Community Builders (TCB)

Join a growing organization that is strengthening neighborhoods across the nation The Community Builders, Inc. (TCB) is one of America's leading nonprofit real estate developers and owners. Our mission is to build and sustain strong communities where all people can thrive.

Position Description:

The primary purpose of this position is to help ensure on-going affordable housing program(s) compliance and adherence to TCB�s Operations policies. The Compliance Specialist assists in and helps lead the preparation and delivery of affordable housing compliance and TCB Operations policies trainings for staff at established properties to help foster staff skill development.

The Compliance Specialist has the overall responsibility for compliance monitoring, conducting audits, overseeing reporting and record keeping, assist with audit preparation and audit response close-out as well as training staff. In this role, the Compliance Specialist will work in collaboration with other TCB Operations support functions (training, IT, leasing, etc.) as well as TCB Operations management (SVP, VPO, RDPM).

The Compliance Specialist must be very well versed in affordable housing, including the consideration of marketing needs, and have an excellent in-depth content knowledge and ability to train staff on HUD Multifamily programs, HUD PIH, HOME, IRS Section 42 (LIHTC program), as well as all compliance functions, including but not limited to: eligibility, waiting list processes, citizenship rules, student rules, income, assets, allowances, next available unit rule, vacant unit rules, transfer rules, reasonable accommodations, earned income disallowance, EIV reporting and discrepancy functions, fair housing, limited English proficiency, multiple building project rules, LIHTC credit deferrals, HAP processes, rent schedules and utility allowance processes.

Essential Functions:

• Approve all move-ins and transfers, including market resident rentals, for all properties within the portfolio. Randomly test to ensure approvals are obtained prior to MI, even for sites using third party approvals for tax credit MI�s
• Assist Compliance Manager in coordinating with new LIHTC properties to obtain copies of first year files, review for completeness and arrange for proper electronic and/or off-site storage
• Review at least monthly for each property supported using Yardi reports and dashboards items that affect program compliance such as the status of vacant units; completed late and outstanding recerts; past due scheduled MI�s, �Calculate Compliance�, etc. Provide guidance and follow up, as needed.
• Report potential non-Compliance issues to the Compliance Manager, Director of Compliance and appropriate Property Operations staff.
• Conduct regular desk audits and/or site visits to review a sampling of MI, AR certifications, MO and waitlist activity to help ensure proper use of current forms, that system information matches physical file, documentation is completed, signed and properly stored, etc.
• Monitor utility allowance to help ensure UA in use is current, actual and review and approve updates that are not dictated by an approved HUD Rent Schedule prior to implementation.
• Lead the on-going information management and data collection associated with TCB�s Key Date Tracker.
• Assist, as needed, with physical inspections of units, grounds and common areas focusing on curb appeal, marketing, snow & ice removal, landscaping, maintenance shop safety, turnover of vacant units, and community rooms reporting items of concern to Operations management
• Train site staff, as applicable, in program regulations including but not limited to those of LIHTC, HUD Multifamily, HUD Public Housing, HOME and NSP2 as well as Compliance related TCB policies and procedures
• Lead the year-end annual reporting process for assigned portfolio and ensure that they are completed properly and submitted on time
• Conduct internal audits (files and physical) in preparation for state agency, investor, HUD and other program compliance related audits, as needed
• Assist sites in responding to all audit reports in a timely and complete manner
• Assist sites with completing past due Annual Recertifications, if necessary
• Assist sites with completing Initial Certifications, if necessary
• Develop constructive, responsive and diplomatic relationships with state and/or government agencies, investors as well as internal stakeholders of the properties supported
• Assist, as needed with the completion of the Tenant Selection Plan (TSP), Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan (AFHMP) and Language Assistance Plan (LAP) for established properties as well as any other documents as required
• Travel
• Prioritize the need for site visits and schedule accordingly coordinating with input from supervisor
• Arrive with necessary tools to complete assigned tasks at destination such as use of/access to of computers, forms, templates, on-line training, webinars, etc.
• Organize and schedule travel booking in advance whenever possible to maximize cost efficiency
• Be able to arrive independently at specific locations in a timely and cost-efficient manner using internet, maps, GPS, car rental, air travel, etc.
• Submit employee reimbursement expenses in accordance with TCB�s Travel and Expense policies in a regular and timely manner
• Assist with projects and/or other Property Management Operations activities as needed and/or required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must have a valid driver�s license
• Must be willing to travel as necessary, including overnight travel and travel by plane
• Must possess an in-depth knowledge of the LIHTC and HUD Multifamily and HUD PIH programs
• Interpret and understand tenant file information
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word and Outlook
• Communicate clearly both verbally and in writing, including the ability to provide technical assistance on reporting complex compliance issues in a simple, straightforward manner
• Ability to read and interpret complex documents, such as regulatory agreements, compliance and program regulations
• Able to work as an effective member of a team and in a collaborative manner with other staff, peers and supervisor
• Ability to work in a complex and changing organization and adapt to changes in structures and work priorities

Education & Experience

• 2-5 years in property management, affordable program compliance monitoring role.
• 1-2 years on site property management experience in leasing and/or certification processing and/or management role
• Proven experience in overseeing compliance for multiple program types and in multiple states, preferred
• Current compliance certifications for HUD and LIHTC programs required
• Experience in the use of Yardi is required

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 12 Paid Holidays & tenure-based PTO accruals
• Employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts
• Company paid Life & Disability Insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with company match
• Tax-advantage accounts: commuter/parking, medical & dependent care FSA
• Hospital & Critical Illness Insurance
• Confidential, 24/7 Employee Assistance Program
• The salary range $52,400-$72,400.

The Community Builders is an equal opportunity employer.