Community Development Compliance Specialist jobs in Chicago, IL

Overview:
The Community Builders, Inc. (TCB) is a nationally recognized nonprofit developer, owner and manager of affordable and mixed-income residential and commercial properties. Founded in 1964, TCB has developed over 25,000 residential units as well as office and retail properties and owns or manages over 11,000 rental units nationally. TCB strategic plan calls for continued growth in existing markets of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and the District of Columbia and expansion of our real estate development capacity, community life engagement and resident resource building, financial strength, and property management, all guided by our mission “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 Public Housing compliance and adherence to The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) and TCB’s Operations policies and procedures. The PHA Compliance Specialist assists in the preparation and delivery of public housing compliance and TCB Operations policies trainings for staff at established properties to help foster staff skill development.

The PHA 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 PHA Compliance Specialist will work in collaboration with other TCB Operations support functions (training, IT, leasing, etc.) as well as TCB Operations management (EVP, VPO, POM).

The Compliance Specialist must be well versed in CHA’s and Low Income Housing Tax Credit compliance requirements, including the consideration of marketing needs. This person must have the ability to train staff on all housing programs, as well as all compliance functions, including but not limited to: eligibility, waiting list processes, citizenship rules, income, assets, allowances, vacant unit rules, transfer rules, reasonable accommodations, earned income disallowance, EIV reporting and discrepancy functions, fair housing, limited English proficiency, HAP processes, rent schedules and utility allowance processes.

The PHA Compliance Specialist will be based in a regional or site office (or other location, as assigned), with the potential for telecommuting, and reports to the Compliance Manager.

Essential Functions:
-Ensure all facets of CHA requirements are monitored and in compliance, i.e. reviewing and monitoring CHA Yardi reports, monitoring waitlist, files, monitoring team members CHA access (EIV, Yardi) and monitoring required certifications

-Work closely with PHA asset manager to fulfill operations obligations

-Approve all move-ins and transfers, for Oakwood Shores.

-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. 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, IR 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.
-Train site staff, as applicable, in Public Housing program regulations as well as Compliance related TCB policies and procedures
-Conduct internal audits (files and physical) as needed
-Assist sites in responding to all audit reports in a timely and complete manner
-Develop constructive, responsive and diplomatic relationships with the Chicago Housing Authority 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

-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 valid driver’s license
-Must be willing to travel as necessary, including overnight travel and travel by plane
-Must possess a working knowledge of the 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:
-1-2 years on site property management experience in leasing and/or certification processing and/or management role
-Proven experience in overseeing and meeting the HUD PIH Program
-Current industry recognized HUD PIH Certifications

-Ability to pass required CHA trainings to access CHA systems

-Experience in the use of Yardi preferred

The Community Builders is committed to diversity in its workplace. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.