Compliance Occupancy Specialist bei Abode Communities

Description

Company Description

Abode Communities is a regional non-profit real estate development and property management firm. Abode Communities Property Management manages over 40 multifamily residential communities serving some 6,200 low-income people throughout California. The organization offers a full range of professional services to ensure our residential portfolios, and housing portfolios of similar community development organizations, remain physically solvent and in compliance with regulatory requirements. Property management staff members go above and beyond to ensure each property managed becomes a pillar within its community. This is accomplished through the creation of vibrant, connected spaces that support each resident’s emotional, physical and financial ability to thrive.

Position Summary

The Compliance/Occupancy Specialist reports to the Leasing and Recertification Manager and is responsible for ensuring Abode Communities' portfolio remains in compliance at all times with the requirements of various local, state and federal agencies including, but not limited to, the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (TCAC), the California Debt Limit Allocation Committee (CDLAC), the California Department of Housing & Community Development (HCD), the US Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD), the County of Los Angeles Community Development Commission (LACDC), and the Housing Departments and Housing Authorities of various cities.

Responsibilities

• Perform annual and interim recertifications in compliance with LIHTC, HOME, PBV, Section 8, and other applicable program regulations.
• Collect, review, and verify third-party documentation of household income, assets, and composition.
• Accurately prepare and process Tenant Income Certifications (TICs) and all related program-specific forms.
• Track recertification schedules and ensure timely completion to maintain full compliance.
• Conduct annual recertification file audits to confirm accuracy and identify training needs.
• Follow up with on-site staff and supervisors regarding outstanding or incomplete recertifications.
• Train new Community Managers on compliance requirements, including how to accurately complete resident recertifications.
• Ensure consistent understanding and enforcement of recertification policies, procedures, and regulatory guidelines across all assigned properties.
• Serve as a point of contact for Community Managers regarding questions or challenges related to the recertification process.
• Enter and update resident data in property management/compliance systems such as Boston Post, MRI Affordable, and RealPage.
• Maintain and update compliance calendars to track deadlines for reports, inspections, and audits.
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of PSRs, rent rolls, and other reports from on-site staff to agencies; review for completeness and accuracy prior to submission.
• Manage and routinely update property waiting lists, ensuring each listed applicant is matched with their original application.
• Review and purge inactive applications from waiting lists with documented justification.
• Conduct site audits to assess waiting list practices and verify compliance with policies and funding regulations.
• Communicate with residents to explain income and recertification requirements, assist with completing paperwork, and provide regular status updates.
• Collaborate with property management and the compliance team to resolve eligibility issues and documentation discrepancies.
• Stay current on program guidelines, funding updates, and compliance changes; implement revised procedures as directed by the Leasing and Recertification Manager or VP or Compliance and Regulatory Affairs
• Conduct pre-audit file reviews and assist in preparing for agency monitoring visits, including those from TCAC, HCD, HUD, Urban Futures, and local jurisdictions.
• Attend site audits and contribute to post-audit responses and follow-up documentation.
• Ensure all requested audit/inspection materials are collected from staff and submitted accurately and on time.
• Assist with applicant interviews, file reviews, and approvals during lease-up periods.
• Coordinate and facilitate compliance and occupancy training for on-site staff.
• Serve as a resource for staff compliance-related inquiries.
• Attend relevant training seminars and events to stay informed on regulatory and funding program changes.
• Assist the Leasing and Recertification Manager and VP of Compliance with special projects and management tasks beyond routine occupancy work, as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• 3+ years of verifiable training and hands-on experience in LIHTC and related programs, including TCAC, CDLAC, State HCD, and local requirements (HUD, County/City of Los Angeles); strong understanding of compliance practices and mixed-funding programs such as HOME, PBV, and Section 8.
• AA or BS Degree in related field a plus
• Strong knowledge of Fair Housing laws and regulations, with the ability to apply them appropriately in all resident interactions and compliance processes
• Ability to accurately review and interpret income, asset, and household documentation (e.g., pay stubs, benefit letters, bank statements)
• Experience preparing and submitting Tenant Income Certifications (TICs) and maintaining compliance-ready files
• Experience in using property management and software preferred (e.g., Boston Post, MRI Affordable,  RealPage)
• Computer literate, with the ability to produce compliance reports, write correspondence to regulatory agencies, and maintain digital file systems
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex compliance requirements to residents clearly and respectfully
• Outstanding attention to detail and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Professionalism, discretion, and the ability to handle sensitive resident information with confidentiality
• Ability to travel to multiple properties regularly for compliance-related duties
• Bilingual skills (e.g., Spanish) a plus
• Industry certifications such as Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS), Tax Credit Specialist (TCS), or equivalent preferred
• Sensitive to the needs and concerns of low-income persons and possess a commitment to affordable housing.
• Experienced in working with Urban Futures a plus.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus

Equal Opportunity Policy 

Abode Communities embraces equal opportunity and diversity is a core value. We define diversity as “Fostering an organizational culture of inclusion, where different experiences and perspectives of those we serve and those with whom we work are respected and valued.” Abode Communities fosters a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment, whether based on race, national origin, gender, gender expression, religion, ethnic background, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other criterion prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We seek to recruit, develop, and retain talented people from diverse candidate pools. Applications from traditionally underrepresented communities are encouraged.