HAP Specialist

Fairstead ESC LLC•New York, NY

About The Position

Fairstead is a purpose-driven real estate firm dedicated to building affordable communities across the country. Headquartered in New York, with offices in Colorado, Florida, and Washington DC, Fairstead owns and manages a portfolio of more than 27,000 apartments across 28 states. As an integrated owner, operator, and innovator, Fairstead brings development, construction, and property management under one unified platform to deliver high-quality affordable housing that serves our residents at scale. At Fairstead, we believe affordable housing should be thoughtfully designed, professionally managed, and responsibly operated. We seek to create and preserve housing that serves residents while delivering long-term value to communities, partners, and stakeholders. Fairstead challenges industry norms through our tech-forward, entrepreneurial approach to affordable housing. In addition to core real estate capabilities, we operate innovative service lines designed to improve resident outcomes, strengthen communities, and drive operational efficiency. We embrace digital transformation, data-driven decision-making, and emerging technologies, including AI, to build scalable systems that support sustainable growth, grounded in a culture of entrepreneurship, innovation, partnership, dedication, and integrity. The HAP (Housing Assistance Payments) Specialist supports the submission of vouchers and troubleshoots voucher issues for assigned properties. They support new properties transitioning to the portfolio.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or similar work experience required.
At least 3+ years of affordable housing experience (e.g., Section 8/202/811/LIHTC/Bond/multilayered programs).
Review, interpret, and apply federal, state, and local housing regulations.
Ability to provide empathy and cultural humility to diverse populations.
Ability to multi-task and complete multiple assignments.
Demonstrate professional written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Yardi software, RealPage and HUD (Housing and Urban Development) Web Access security system.
Expert knowledge of the principles, techniques, and practices of HUD subsidized housing programs; specifically Housing Choice Voucher program.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in Spanish/English communication preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepares and submits vouchers.
Completes special claims.
Provides personalized customer service to vendors, contractors and coworkers regarding property requests, payments, and obligations.
Provides outstanding customer service and answers any questions about billing statements and refund payments.
Investigates and resolves outstanding travel pay issues.
Implements policies to improve efficiency.
Prepares, interprets, and presents financial statements for senior management.
Perform other assigned duties.

Benefits

Generous employer contribution for Medical Insurance through Meritain Health.
Employer Paid Vision Plans.
Company Matched 401(k) Retirement Plan: 100% of the first 3%; 50% of the next 2%.
12+ paid Holidays.
15 days of PTO.
7 Sick days.
Employer Paid Life Insurance.
Flexible Spending Account.
Nationwide Pet Insurance.
Disability Insurance.
Laser Correction Discount.
Employee Discounts on appliances, apparel, and more.