Compliance Specialist - San Francisco Corporate Office

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. SUMMARY OF THE POSITION: Under the direction of the Regional Compliance Director, 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. Responsibilities 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. Understand HUD Form 9834 and assist properties in preparing for Management and Occupancy Reviews (MORs). Maintain required access and complete security training necessary to access all properties listed in EIV for the regional office. Track EIV monthly reports and coordinate with the Corporate Office to update EIV requirements and owner authorizations. Understand and implement all EIV policies and procedures required by HUD and JSCo throughout the region. 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, and 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 Minimum of two years of experience in property compliance and file review, including HUD and Tax Credit occupancy compliance, as well as planning, scheduling, and completing major projects with minimal supervision. Demonstrated experience in identifying problems, analyzing issue