Occupancy Specialist

WEST SIDE FED SR.SUP•New York, NY

3d•$27 - $30•Hybrid

About The Position

The Occupancy Specialist is a key member of the Leasing and Compliance team. They will report to the Assistant Director of Occupancy and work closely with Leasing and Compliance colleagues and Property Management. The Occupancy Specialist’s chief responsibility is to maintain a high occupancy rate at buildings owned and/or managed by WSFSSH and conduct all duties in compliance with Low Income Housing Tax Credit guidelines, subsidy guidelines, and equal housing opportunity laws.

Requirements

Familiarity with HUD, Homeless programs, and Section 8 subsidy required
Working knowledge of NYC service programs such as, but not limited to: NYC 15/15, ESSHI, DHS SRO Supportive Services, SPC CoC, NYC’s supportive housing application (2010E)
Ability to manage substantial amounts of data such as annual contract rent increases, legal rents, income limit changes, etc.
Ability to prioritize and work independently with minimal supervision
Possess excellent organizational, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and Internet search/usage Office 365
Ability to maintain a high level of care and respect for applicants and tenants
Ability to liaise effectively with WSFSSH employees throughout the organization to achieve the WSFSSH Leasing & Compliance Team’s goal - The ability to maintain professional relationships and boundaries
Ability to uphold standards of diversity, equity, and inclusion in provision of services
Maintain a commitment to supporting underserved communities who have experience systemic oppression and bias

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (Spanish) preferred
Certified Occupancy Specialist or LIHTC Compliance Specialist certificate preferred
Experience with property management software; RealPage’s OneSite is preferable
Experience with NYC’s Housing Connect preferred
Experience working in government entitlements a plus
Experience with older adults and people with mental illness and/or substance use preferred.

Responsibilities

Analyze occupancy rate at sites in portfolio and determine the appropriate number of interview/appointment notices
Manage waiting lists in accordance with HUD tenant selection plans and Fair Housing Law
Coordinate with the management team to ensure the apartments are ready for move-in
Maintain and update applicant referrals through HRA’s Coordinated Assessment and Placement System (CAPS) (if applicable)
Pre-qualify applicants in accordance with the program procedures and housing requirements
Interview applicants for program and determine eligibility
Send third-party income verifications
Run EIV reports and background checks (if applicable)
Prepare income certification package and submit to WSFSSH’s Compliance department as well as the city for approval (if necessary)
Gather and Input information into the property management database
Finalize initial leasing and subsidy paperwork and submit to the building
Prepare and conduct weekly vacancy meetings with designated members of building staff in portfolio
Participate in lease-up of affordable housing developments by WSFSSH. Lease up activities can include Housing Connect log tracking, unit eligibility review, unit showings, lease package preparation, conducting lease signings, and other tasks as needed
Field housing inquiries and route them to the appropriate person
Attend training sessions and conferences as required for enhancement of job skills
Comply fully with all WSFSSH confidentiality guidelines with discretion and integrity
Attend supervision, team, and staff meetings
Assist with other duties as needed