Housing Application Specialist

Aeon•Minneapolis, MN

68d•$26 - $30•Hybrid

About The Position

Aeon is seeking a roving Housing Application Specialist to support housing application processing across its affordable communities in the Twin Cities. This role is crucial for managing housing applications from submission through eligibility determination and approval, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with program requirements. The specialist will gather and verify applicant information, calculate income and assets, obtain necessary documentation, identify discrepancies, communicate with applicants, and prepare files for approval to facilitate efficient lease signing and move-in. The position requires exceptional attention to detail, sound judgment, strong organizational skills, and the ability to learn and apply complex eligibility requirements. The specialist must be comfortable working in different communities, understanding property-specific needs, and independently managing multiple applications. This role collaborates with property teams, marketing & leasing, compliance, and other departments, reporting to the Director of Compliance.

Requirements

Previous affordable housing, property management, compliance, leasing, housing application processing, or closely related experience is required.
Experience processing affordable housing applications and determining household eligibility required.
Knowledge of affordable housing programs such as Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), Project-Based Section 8, HOME, or other income-restricted housing programs required.
Demonstrated ability to review detailed financial and household information and perform accurate income and asset calculations.
Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and complete documentation.
Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, including the ability to identify inconsistencies, missing information, and potential compliance concerns.
Ability to interpret and consistently apply policies, procedures, program requirements, and regulatory guidance.
Strong organizational and workload-management skills, with the ability to manage numerous applications at different stages while meeting deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to independently prioritize work, follow through on outstanding items, and drive work toward completion.
Ability to adapt quickly to different properties, teams, housing programs, and operational priorities.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex documentation requirements clearly and respectfully.
Strong customer-service skills and the ability to balance a positive applicant experience with consistent application of eligibility requirements.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and comfort learning and working within multiple technology platforms.
Demonstrated ability to communicate and provide service in a culturally responsive manner, with consideration for differing needs, experiences, and expectations.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive personal and financial information.
Commitment to Aeon's mission and to learning and participating in Aeon's diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
Must be a resourceful, problem solving, relationship-building, seeker of excellence, with a commitment to Aeon's mission.
Valid driver's license, reliable vehicle, and current vehicle insurance required.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Yardi, RentCafe, Fortress, or other property management or affordable housing compliance software strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage rental applications from submission through eligibility determination and approval, with a primary focus on affordable housing applications.
Gather, verify, calculate, and accurately document household income, assets, student status, rental history, household composition, and other information required to determine eligibility.
Obtain and follow up on third-party verifications and supporting documentation from employers, financial institutions, landlords, government agencies, applicants, and other sources.
Analyze application information for accuracy, consistency, and compliance, identifying discrepancies or information requiring additional clarification or documentation.
Apply applicable affordable housing program requirements, property-specific eligibility criteria, Aeon policies, and established procedures throughout the application process.
Maintain organized, audit-ready application files with clear and complete documentation.
Submit completed files for required review and approval and respond promptly to questions, corrections, or requests for additional documentation.
Track applications throughout the process, proactively addressing outstanding items and helping prevent avoidable delays in approval, lease signing, and move-in.
Maintain accurate application, prospect, and household information within Aeon's property management and compliance systems.
Protect confidential applicant and resident information and handle sensitive documentation appropriately.
Serve as a knowledgeable and responsive point of contact for applicants throughout the application process.
Clearly explain documentation requirements, application status, outstanding items, and next steps in a professional and accessible manner.
Provide consistent follow-up with applicants to obtain required information and keep applications moving forward.
Partner closely with property teams, compliance team members, and other Aeon staff to resolve application questions and barriers to completion.
Keep property teams informed of application progress, anticipated approvals, outstanding requirements, and issues that may affect leasing or move-in timelines.
Provide a high level of customer service while consistently applying eligibility requirements and established policies, following all Fair Housing guidelines.
Provide application-processing support at Aeon communities throughout the Twin Cities based on organizational and property needs.
Quickly become familiar with the affordable housing programs, eligibility requirements, workflows, and priorities of assigned communities.
Manage applications across multiple properties and housing programs while maintaining accuracy, organization, and appropriate follow-through.
Step into communities experiencing increased application volume, lease-up activity, staffing transitions, backlogs, or other operational needs.
Prioritize workload in partnership with property and portfolio leadership to address time-sensitive applications and support occupancy goals.
Build productive working relationships across different property teams and adapt successfully to varying community environments and workflows.