Occupancy & Recertification Specialist

Related • Chicago, IL

7d

About The Position

The Occupancy & Recertification Specialist is responsible for the recertification process at a 124-unit affordable housing community in Chicago, Illinois. The role requires knowledge of recertifications, program compliance, and resident relations. It involves collecting and processing resident information, including third-party verifications; determining eligibility for continued occupancy; processing interim certifications; and ensuring accurate calculations of income, assets, and rent levels.

The specialist supports team members with compliance guidance and training, maintains EIV records and reports, monitors adherence to affordable-housing regulations, and prepares documentation for audits and compliance reviews. The position also works with property management to address resident concerns and ensures required forms and documentation are submitted on time.

Related Affordable works to preserve and enhance the nation's affordable housing supply. It has more than 50 years of experience in affordable housing acquisitions and development and manages one of the largest affordable housing portfolios in the United States.

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to complete recertifications accurately and within established time frames.
• Familiarity with HUD, Public Housing, and Tax Credit policies and procedures.
• Highly detail-oriented and able to manage a deadline-driven schedule.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• COS (Certified Occupancy Specialist) certification is required.
• Leasing License or ability to obtain one within 120 days of hire.
• Extensive knowledge of affordable housing, LIHTC, HUD, Section 8, and federal, state, and local housing regulations.
• Passion for social action, quality service delivery, and preservation of affordable housing.
• Accountability and reliability, including ownership of projects and outcomes, precision, resilience, proactive problem-solving, and ongoing learning and development.

Nice To Haves

• Notary Public certification is preferred.
• Proficiency in housing management software; RealPage is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance and training to team members on compliance processes and best practices.
• Maintain and update EIV binders and generate monthly and quarterly EIV reports on time.
• Monitor and enforce adherence to LIHTC and HUD regulations.
• Prepare and process documentation for audits and compliance reviews.
• Process initial, annual, and interim recertifications, including calculating retroactive rent, in compliance with HUD regulations and HPD guidelines.
• Accurately determine tenant rents for annual and interim recertifications.
• Maintain detailed transaction records to ensure compliance with housing policies.
• Collaborate with property management to address resident concerns related to recertifications.
• Ensure timely submission of required forms and documentation.
• Collect and process resident information, including third-party verification.
• Determine eligibility for continued occupancy and process interim certifications as needed.
• Ensure proper calculation of income, assets, and rent levels.

Benefits

• More than 19 days of paid time off.
• Customizable medical, vision, and dental options.
• Life insurance and an Employee Assistance Program.
• 401(k).
• FSA and HSA.
• Employer-paid life and AD&D insurance.
• Paid leave and disability programs.
• Mental health resources, including counseling.
• Fertility benefits, including surrogacy and adoption assistance.
• Paid time off to volunteer.
• Matching for charitable donations.
• Learning and training programs.
• Tuition and certification reimbursement.
• Internal advancement opportunities.
• Annual performance bonus.
• Overtime pay eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed