Sr. HUD Occupancy Specialist (Affordable Housing)

Related•New York, NY

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sr. Compliance Specialist (Contract) will be a key member of the Willets Point New Development team, supporting the affordable housing lease-up and ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local housing requirements. This position will work closely with applicants, Compliance Managers, property management teams, and government agencies to determine resident eligibility, maintain accurate documentation, and achieve lease-up and occupancy goals. The Willets Point project is a transformative mixed-use development in Corona, Queens. This multi-phase initiative will bring vibrant residential, retail, and public spaces to one of New York City’s most dynamic boroughs, with a strong focus on affordable housing, community engagement, and environmental sustainability. At Related, we are committed to developing communities that not only elevate the urban landscape but also enhance the lives of the people who live and work in them.

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 uphold standards of diversity, equity, and inclusion in provision of services
Maintain a commitment to supporting underserved communities who have experienced systemic oppression and bias
High School Diploma/GED required
Minimum of 2 years of experience in NYC’s affordable housing real estate market, with experience in leasing and compliance, affordable housing programs, income certifications

Nice To Haves

Certified Occupancy Specialist or LIHTC Compliance Specialist certificate preferred
Experience with property management software; yardi 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

Ensure compliance with applicable affordable housing requirements, tenant selection plans, Fair Housing laws, and established program procedures.
Maintain current knowledge of affordable housing regulations, subsidy requirements, and program guidelines.
Manage waiting lists in accordance with applicable tenant selection plans and Fair Housing requirements.
Maintain and update applicant referrals through HRA’s Coordinated Assessment and Placement System (CAPS), when applicable.
Run Enterprise Income Verification (EIV) reports, background checks, and other required screenings, when applicable.
Comply with all confidentiality requirements, exercising discretion and integrity when handling applicant and resident information.
Serve as a primary point of contact for applicants throughout the eligibility and lease-up process.
Prequalify and interview applicants to determine eligibility under program procedures and affordable housing requirements.
Request and track third-party income, asset, and employment verifications.
Review applicant documentation for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with applicable program guidelines.
Prepare income certification packages and submit completed files to the Compliance department and applicable city agencies for review and approval.
Address file deficiencies and obtain additional documentation as needed to support timely approvals.
Analyze occupancy and vacancy rates across the assigned portfolio to determine the appropriate number of interview and appointment notices.
Perform all file qualification functions associated with an affordable housing lease-up.
Support lease-up activities, including Housing Connect 2.0 tracking, eligibility reviews, apartment showings, lease package preparation, and lease signings.
Finalize initial leasing and subsidy documentation and submit completed paperwork to the appropriate property management team.
Coordinate with property management and building teams to ensure apartments are ready for scheduled move-ins.
Prepare for and lead weekly vacancy meetings with designated building and portfolio staff.
Partner with Compliance Managers, Compliance Administrators, and other internal stakeholders to meet lease-up, occupancy, and conversion goals.
Enter, maintain, and update applicant and leasing information in Housing Connect 2.0, Affordable Rent Café, Yardi, and other property management systems.
Maintain accurate, detailed, and organized applicant files, eligibility records, approvals, and correspondence.
Track applicant progress and promptly escalate issues that may affect eligibility, approval, or move-in timelines.
Field housing inquiries and route applicants, residents, and external partners to the appropriate contact when necessary.
Attend supervision sessions, team meetings, staff meetings, training programs, and conferences as required.
Work collaboratively with Compliance, property management, development, and other internal teams to support an efficient and compliant lease-up.
Assist with additional compliance, leasing, and occupancy responsibilities as needed.