Compliance Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Compliance Specialist will be responsible for all aspects of housing compliance including reporting, policy and procedures, and onsite file reviews for Boulder Housing Partners portfolio of projects. This position reports directly to the Compliance Manager and supports the entire property management team with compliance matters working collaboratively with site managers and the entire Leadership Team. The PM team manages about 1600 affordable homes and will expand to 2,100 homes by the end of 2025. The Compliance Specialist is central to the effective operations across all of BHP and supports the implementation of BHP’s Strategic Plan with special attention to operational objectives.  Primary responsibility will be ensuring BHP is in compliance include but are not limited to Tax Credit, HOME, Project Based Contracts-Sec 8, Project Based Vouchers-Sec 8 and a City of Boulder Local Program.  Able to understand use Covenants, LURAs, 8609’s and local government regulations. This position is also the primary provider of compliance and property management training for onsite property managers and their staff, Regional Property Managers, and the Director of Property Management. Areas of concern and non-compliance issues will be discussed with the Deputy Director for correction. The individual in this position will follow a work plan provided by the Director of Property Management and the Deputy Director and must be organized, detail-oriented, well-versed in interpreting rules and regulations, and compliance minded. 

HIRING RANGE AND BENEFITS: 

$60,000 - $68,000 annually DOQ 

Applications will be accepted through June 28th 2024. 

WHAT IT'S LIKE TO WORK WITH US: 

We know our employees are our most important resource, in addition to rewarding and meaningful work we enjoy: 

• Medical, dental, vision health plans. 
• Retirement benefits that include PERA defined benefit plan plus 401k and 457 plans. 
• Paid life insurance. 
• Employee wellness program. 
• Long term disability 
• 13 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave. 
• Five paid Summer Fridays off 
• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training opportunities, and more. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

OCCUPANCY:  

1. Monitor tenant files and properties to ensure compliance with all rules and regulations.  
2. Ensure there is a secondary review to approve all tenant move-ins for income and program eligibility. Ensure contractors are satisfactorily performing the secondary review as needed and audit their work for compliance.  
3.  Review move-out files for proper procedures and timely security deposit reimbursement to the tenant.  
4. Act as Section 504 Agency Officer, if needed, for issues regarding Reasonable Accommodations and accessibility issues.  
5. Ensure all applications, forms and leases, are compliant with Federal, State and Local landlord-tenant laws, and with program requirements.  
6. Monitor federal and state laws regarding the Violence Against Women Act, Tax Credit Program, and other governing regulatory developments related to affordable housing and incorporate changes into policy and procedure. Ensure Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan and required plans are up to date and available.  
7. Ensure annual recertifications are completed timely by pulling reports and sending reminders as needed.  
8. Prepare annual compliance reports for funding agencies and other entities as required and create a schedule to ensure all reports are submitted timely.  
9. Ensure LIHTC properties are in incompliance with all LURA terms.  
10. Review voucher adjustments.  
11. Reconcile the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).  
12. Monitor EIV Compliance including TRACS submissions. 
13. Review the waiting list of all properties for compliance.  
14. Conduct regular on-site file reviews.  
15. Work with site staff to correct file deficiencies.  
16. Verify the accuracy of electronic records prior to any file review submission.  
17. Be present for all file reviews and compliance audits.  
18. Work with on-site management to correct findings and prepare a response. Jointly create and maintain a master calendar to ensure all reporting to the appropriate agencies and/or asset managers are completed and delivered by the required deadlines.  
19. Review all regulatory agreements prior to lease-ups and ensure lease up is performed in accordance with all rules and regulations.  
20. Provide Regional Property Manager and on-site Property Manager with lease-up support as needed.  
21. Be knowledgeable in the areas of Fair Housing laws: Federally, the State of Colorado and the City of Boulder.  
22. Be knowledgeable in Landlord Tenant Law.  
23. Other duties as assigned.  

 CONSULTATION:  

1. Provide Property Management Team with advice and information regarding property operations, compliance, leasing, legal documents, legal processes and other aspects of tenant relations and property management.  

2. Monitor overall portfolio performance in regard to timeliness and accuracy of reporting.  

3. Provide Director of Property Management and Deputy Director with insight and advice on issues related to property operations and portfolio performance.  

4. Provide background for Regional Property Managers and the Director of Property Management on staff performance issues.  

TRAINING:  

1. Inform property management team of all external compliance training available.  

2. Create and maintain master calendar of all completed internal and external training workshops, classes, and seminars for all property management staff.  

3. Provide training classes as needed, and at least quarterly, to staff with updates, new regulations, or review of identified weak areas in regard to HUD, Tax Credit, Landlord Tenant Laws, Fair Housing.  

4. Create and maintain master calendar to monitor staff attendance with new hire and Human Resources training.   

FISCAL MANAGEMENT:  

1. Monitor annual rent & income increase publications for each program and immediately alert the yardi specialist and property management team to implement new rates .  

2. Monitor annual utility allowance changes and immediately alert the yardi specialist and property management team of new rates.  

COMPETENCIES: 

• Interpersonal Skills –  Effectively manages and motivates staff with diverse backgrounds along with the ability to assess their strengths and weaknesses. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships based on mutual trust, respect, and cooperation. 
• Peer Relationships – Can quickly find common ground and solve problems for the good of all, can solve problems with peers easily, gains trust and support of peers, encourages collaboration, can be candid with peers. 
• Dealing with Ambiguity – can effectively cope with change, can shift gears comfortably, can decide and act without having the total picture, isn’t upset when things are up in the air, doesn’t have to finish things before moving on, can comfortably handle risk and uncertainty. 
• Self-Knowledge – is personally committed to and actively works to continuously improve him/herself, understands that different situations and levels may call for different skills and approaches, works to deploy strengths, works on compensating for weakness and limits. 
• PM Skills- Advanced PM program knowledge. Housing programs include Low Income Housing Tax Credit; Project Based Vouchers; Project Based Contract; ; HOME; City of Boulder Affordable and Market Rate properties. 
• Customer Service – Commits to providing exemplary customer service. Able to show empathy, patience, and possess a positive attitude. Able to evaluate situations and find effective solutions. Unshakeable levels of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality. 
• Communication Skills - Able to convey verbally and in writing complex information in a professional, clear, and concise fashion using correct grammar and punctuation.  Able to navigate conflict and have difficult conversations with staff, peers, and residents.  Understands and practices the principles of active and effective listening.  Strives to constantly improve communication skills. High level of attention to detail and accuracy. 
• Time Management - Strong organizational and prioritization skills. Practices regular, predictable attendance. High level of attention to detail and accuracy. Self-motivated, proactive, and resourceful. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

1. BA or equivalent work experience in a related field.  

2. Requires five years’ experience working with HUD 50059 and LIHTC compliance funding programs, financial eligibility determination. 

3. Working knowledge/experience with HUD 4350.3 handbook and IRS section 42 compliance. 4. Understanding of basic multifamily property management concepts.  

5. Working knowledge of the Landlord/Tenant Act and Fair Housing Policy.  

6. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.  

7. Ability to shift priorities in an atmosphere where interruptions are frequent.  

8. Ability to meet all timelines and target dates with complete and accurate reporting.  

9. Proficiency with computers (especially Windows and MS Office), and ability to learn property management software.  

10. Must successfully pass required background checks prior to an offer of employment.  

11. Self-motivated with ability to work independently in addition to working as a member of a team.  

12. Demonstrates the necessary attitudes, knowledge, and skills to deliver culturally competent services and work effectively in multicultural situations. Maintain integrity of compliance, rules and regulations, while working collaboratively with colleagues. 

13. Support and uphold the mission and values of Boulder Housing Partners.  

14. Valid Driver License  

SUBSTITUTE QUALIFICATIONS: COS,TCS, BOS or comparable certifications plus work experience related to funding or compliance for low-income housing may substitute for the educational requirement. Paralegal degree with extensive experience reading and interpreting rules and regulations.  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

1. YARDI experience.  

2. HUD training.  

3. LIHTC certifications.  

3. Knowledge of PBV, HOME, CDBG and their requirements. 

4. Background in diverse affordable housing types (Section 8, PBRA, HCV, LIHTC, PBV).  

CHAIN OF SUPERVISION:    

1. TITLE OF IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:  Compliance and Training Manager   

2. TITLE(S) OF POSITIONS OVER WHICH THIS POSITION HAS DIRECT SUPERVISION:  None  

MACHINES AND EQUIPMENT USED IN WORK INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:  

Personal vehicle, personal computer, telephone, photocopy machine, facsimile machine, and calculator.  

WORKING CONDITIONS:  

Physical Demands:  This position works equally in an office setting and at housing sites.  In the office it is primarily sedentary physical work requiring the ability to lift a maximum of 30 pounds; occasional lifting, carrying, walking and standing; frequent hand/eye coordination to operate personal computer and office equipment; vision for reading, recording and interpreting information; speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and residents.  At housing sites there may be an occasional need to work in inclement weather.  

Work Environment:  Works in a clean, comfortable environment in the office.  On housing sites, may on occasion encounter fumes and/or loud noise.  

Equipment Used:  Frequently uses standard office equipment including personal computers, calculators, printers, fax and copy machines.  

BHP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age 40 and over, race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and length, protective hairstyles), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, genetic information, marital status, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.