Occupancy Specialist

Related • New York, NY

21h • $31 - $34 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Occupancy & Recertification Specialist at our 497 unit Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and HUD Project Based Section 8 community Marine Terrace in Astoria, NY. At Marine Terrace, we are proud to serve a diverse population, including multi-family residents and homeless veterans, providing a supportive environment for those who need it most. You will lead day-to-day leasing and income certifications for an affordable housing community, managing move-ins, renewals, and the recertification process in line with HUD, LIHTC, Section 8, and HPD rules.
Bring your eye for accuracy and commitment to great service to keep files compliant, residents supported, and occupancy on target.

Requirements

• 2+ years of experience in affordable housing, HUD programs, leasing, or property compliance.
• Strong proficiency in rent calculation methods, including HPD and HUD standards.
• HS Diploma/GED (bachelor’s preferred).
• Review and interpret financial documents like pay stubs, tax returns, and rent statements.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple deadlines, stay highly organized, and ensure compliance under regulatory frameworks.
• Strong financial, organizational, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to quickly build trust with teams and residents.
• Adaptable, proactive, and comfortable working in fast-paced, changing environments.
• Demonstrates accountability and resilience, with a commitment to resident-centered service and collaborative teamwork
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and navigate sensitive issues professionally.
• Demonstrates accountability and reliability by taking full ownership of projects and outcomes, prioritizing precision and attention to detail, and approaching challenges with grit, resilience, and proactive problemsolving, while continuously engaging in learning and development to enhance performance; fosters collaboration and a resident-centered environment, ensuring empathy, respect, and cross-functional success in all interactions.

Nice To Haves

• Certification in COS, TCS, or other affordable housing compliance training preferred (or willingness to obtain).
• Current State Real Estate License (preferred).
• Commissioned Notary Public preferred
• Experience with property management software (e.g., RealPage, OneSite, Yardi, JD Edwards), a plus.

Responsibilities

• Generate and manage prospect traffic and the waitlist; conduct property tours and convert qualified prospects.
• Qualify applicants, prepare program-appropriate lease documentation, and complete move-in files and procedures.
• Execute renewals in alignment with program rules and property objectives; maintain organized, audit-ready files.
• Manage initial, annual, and interim recertifications, including retroactive rent calculations, in compliance with HUD regulations, LIHTC standards, and HPD guidelines.
• Review and verify income, assets, and household composition; calculate program rents for diverse income sources, including self-employment and small businesses; identify and address income discrepancies, initiate necessary rent adjustments, and ensure all documentation is properly filed and recorded.
• Review applicant files for Section 8 eligibility, ensuring all required documents meet agency and program criteria.
• Maintain compliance with Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and Section 8 program guidelines.
• Serve as a liaison between residents and property management, offering support on recertification processes and income verification requirements.
• Maintain accurate resident folders; track deadlines and recertification pipelines to prevent non-compliance.
• Support agency audits, MORs, and file inspections; respond to findings with timely corrections.
• Partner with the Property Management and Compliance teams on rent collection follow-ups, lease enforcement, and renewals.
• Provide notary services as needed for official documentation.
• Collaborate with the property management team to support resident relations, rent collection, and lease renewals.
• Complete initial, annual, and interim recertifications, including retroactive rent calculations, in compliance with HUD, LIHTC, Section 8, and (if applicable) HPD standards.
• Enter and maintain data in property management/compliance systems (e.g., Yardi, RealPage, EIV/TRACS, iREMS), as assigned.
• Run periodic reports (traffic, occupancy, recert status, delinquency, compliance tasks) and support responses during audits and inspections.

Benefits

• Lots of paid time off (19+ days!) – we value your life outside of work.
• Customizable total rewards package – pick from our medical, vision and dental options, along with our life insurance and an Employee Assistance Program
• Financial wellness perks to set you up for success - such as 401(k), FSA & HSA, employer-paid life and AD&D insurance; paid leave & disability programs.
• Mental health resources, such as counseling, are available to our team members.
• Fertility benefits – such as surrogacy, adoption assistance and more!
• Parking available on-site
• Paid time off to volunteer and we will match your charitable donations! We are a passionate team making real impact on the world!
• Grow with us – learning & training programs; tuition & certification reimbursement; internal advancement opportunities are available…and so much more!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED