Compliance Specialist

Job Summary: The Compliance Specialist ensures that the regulatory and compliance requirements are met for each property and reports to the Compliance Manager. The position requires a person with knowledge of local, state, and federal affordable housing requirements. The Compliance Specialist performs on-site file reviews/audits, assists on lease ups, and provides periodic training to property management staff. S/he must thrive in a stressful and active team environment. 

Status: Full-time, Nonexempt 

Location: Chinatown neighborhood, San Francisco 

Hours: Monday through Friday 8:30AM – 5:00PM 

Salary: DOE; Comprehensive benefits 

The Organization: A private non-profit founded in 1977, Chinatown Community Development Center believes in a comprehensive vision of community. We own and/or manage approximately 30 affordable housing buildings serving over 3,800 low-income seniors, single adults, formerly homeless adults, and families of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds in San Francisco’s Chinatown, Tenderloin, Western Addition, and Polk Gulch neighborhoods. We also build housing, develop grassroots leadership, and engage low-income residents and youth. Our employees are passionate about the mission; thrive in a family organizational culture; and embody values of empowerment, teamwork, and compassion. Chinatown CDC serves a diverse population and is committed to hiring practices that provide culturally competent services. We encourage people of color to apply. 

General Job Responsibilities:   

• Schedule and coordinate on-going file reviews and ensure files for accuracy and compliance with income limit, rent limit, utility allowances based on regulatory requirements, partnership agreements, other program requirements, and resident selection criteria
• Keep current on all updates and changes in regulatory of government agencies e.g. TCAC, HUD, MOHCD, HCD, etc. Distribute this information to property management staff both on-site and in the main office
• Update forms/documents/resident selection criteria at the property management portal for the division’s portfolio
• Assist Compliance Manager in preparing reports and correspondence for funders, investors and regulatory agencies
• Maintain ongoing communication with Compliance Manager, Property Supervisors, Property Managers, and Asset Managers regarding compliance issues
• Coordinate with Compliance Manager to ensure that all first year tenant files are in compliance
• Follow Chinatown CDC’s file review standards and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory agreement for each property
• Provide Compliance Manager with overall reporting on the compliance status of entire portfolio
• Participate in Lease-Ups and/or marketing at new and existing properties
• Assist Compliance Manager in developing and organizing corrective action plans based on internal or external audit findings
• Attend HUD industry meetings and other compliance workshops as required
• Bring non-compliance issues to the attention of the Compliance Manager for corrective action

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:   

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Familiarity with affordable housing management principles, including funding and regulatory requirements, landlord/tenant law, and fair housing regulations
• Sensitivity to challenges facing low-income and monolingual residents
• Ability to work collaboratively with different levels of management and government agencies
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Capacity to work independently and exercise own judgment in problem-solving
• Must be willing and able to travel to different sites to carry out duties and responsibilities associated with compliance and occupancy issues
• High level of motivation, initiative and flexibility
• Being accurate and highly detail-oriented with excellent follow-through skills

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Two (2) years of experience in compliance or property management
• Knowledge of HUD, TCAC, HOME, HCD, MOHCD, and other guidelines/programs
• Demonstrate knowledge of Fair Housing Laws as well as other regulations and rules
• Excellent organizational, administrative, financial, and communication skills (written and oral)
• Demonstrated experience with low-income populations
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and/or Property Management Software

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual in Chinese and English
• Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS) or Tax Credit Specialist (TCS)
• Experience working in affordable housing properties with multiple layers of funding
• Experience working in the nonprofit sector