Occupancy Specialist

Sail • St. Paul, MN

13h • $58,000 - $65,000 • Onsite

About The Position

This is a technical role for an experienced Occupancy Specialist in a 287-unit project-based Section 8 community located on St. Paul's East Side. The role requires deep knowledge of HUD occupancy work, including certifications, recertifications, EIV, TRACS submissions, waitlist integrity, and audit readiness. The specialist will be responsible for owning HUD occupancy compliance, working closely with the on-site management team and SAIL's centralized compliance team. This is a specialist track focused on HUD program expertise rather than people management, with opportunities for growth and experience in a tax credit recapitalization project.

Requirements

• Two or more years of affordable housing experience, including recertifications, income verifications, and resident file management.
• Working knowledge of project-based Section 8 requirements and HUD Handbook 4350.3.
• Demonstrated accuracy with income and asset calculations.
• Exceptional organization and the discipline to work a recurring deadline calendar without being chased.
• Patient, clear communication with residents, and a steady professional tone with agency and third-party contacts.
• Comfort handling sensitive resident information confidentially and with care.
• Working knowledge of Fair Housing regulations.
• Ability to work on-site full-time.

Nice To Haves

• COS certification, or the willingness to earn it within the first year with SAIL's support.
• Hands-on experience with EIV and TRACS submissions.
• Experience preparing for or responding to a Management and Occupancy Review.
• Experience with LIHTC, tax credit certifications, or a property with layered HUD and tax credit programs.
• Experience at a community undergoing rehabilitation or recapitalization with residents in place.
• Proficiency in Yardi or similar property management software.
• Ability to speak Somali is a plus, and valuable in serving the residents of this community.

Responsibilities

• Complete initial certifications, annual recertifications, and interim recertifications in accordance with HUD Handbook 4350.3, including accurate income and asset calculations, obtaining third-party verifications, and preparing the HUD-50059 and supporting documentation.
• Manage the notice schedule to ensure certifications are effective on time.
• Run and review required EIV reports, including income discrepancy, new hires, and zero income reports.
• Research and resolve EIV discrepancies, document resolutions, and take corrective action.
• Prepare and submit certifications through TRACS, monitor for errors and rejections, and clear them promptly.
• Maintain the waitlist with precision and process applications in the order required by the tenant selection plan.
• Verify eligibility, complete screening within policy, and coordinate move-ins to minimize vacancy loss, while protecting Fair Housing standards.
• Conduct certification interviews with patience and clarity, helping residents understand the process.
• Follow up on outstanding documentation persistently and respectfully.
• Handle sensitive household and income information with complete confidentiality.
• Keep resident files organized and audit-ready at all times.
• Support Management and Occupancy Review (MOR) preparation, respond to file review findings, and partner with SAIL's compliance team on corrective action and program reporting.
• Partner with SAIL's compliance team and ownership on file work related to tax credit recapitalization, including certifications, income limits, and agency and investor documentation.
• Keep residents informed and supported throughout the recapitalization process.
• Maintain accurate resident data in the property management system.
• Track the certification calendar and report status weekly.
• Surface risk early with documentation.

Benefits

• Base salary $58,000 to $65,000 DOQ, plus quarterly bonus potential
• Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, company holidays, MN Earned Sick and Safe Time
• Paid certification support, including COS, and continuing education to maintain it
• A centralized compliance team behind you for second reads, regulatory questions, and audit preparation
• Hands-on experience with a tax credit recapitalization, on a live deal, with support
• A specialist career track, for people who want deeper program expertise rather than a management title
• Meaningful work in a firm that treats compliance as craft rather than paperwork

What This Job Offers

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