Occupancy Specialist
Location: New York, NY
Employment Type: Full-time
Requisition ID: 1921
About the Employer
The mission of WSFSSH is to provide safe, affordable, senior housing that integrates compassionate property management with supportive services to enhance the independence and dignity of each resident. WSFSSH creates and preserves affordable housing while supporting the development of healthy neighborhoods.
Role Summary
The Occupancy Specialist is a key member of the Leasing and Compliance team, reporting to the Assistant Director of Occupancy. 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.
What You'll Do
- 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, including 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
Required Qualifications
- High School Diploma/GED
- 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 and/or other areas related to WSFSSH's Leasing and Compliance function
- Certified Occupancy Specialist or LIHTC Compliance Specialist certificate
- Familiarity with HUD, Homeless programs, and Section 8 subsidy
- Working knowledge of NYC service programs such as NYC 15/15, ESSHI, DHS SRO Supportive Services, SPC CoC, and 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
- 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 and maintain professional relationships and boundaries
- Ability to uphold standards of diversity, equity, and inclusion in provision of services
- Commitment to supporting underserved communities who have experienced systemic oppression and bias
Preferred Qualifications
- Bilingual (Spanish)
- Experience with property management software; RealPage's OneSite
- Experience with NYC's Housing Connect
- Experience working in government entitlements
- Experience with older adults and people with mental illness and/or substance use
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
Must be able to sit, stand, walk, and bend. Must be able to lift 25 lbs. Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm (35 hours).
Compensation
$27.00/hr–$30.00/hr
Benefits
Medical, Dental, Vision, 403(b) retirement savings, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Life & Disability, Short-term and Long-term Disability, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), commuter benefits, 11–12 paid Federal Holidays, accrued Vacation and Sick Time, and voluntary benefit options.
Equal Opportunity Statement
WSFSSH is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer; employment is based upon employees' qualifications without discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, citizenship status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.
