Occupancy Specialist

OUR STORY

The West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing, Inc. (WSFSSH) is a community-based organization whose mission is to provide safe, affordable housing with supportive services within a residential setting which enhances the independence and dignity of each person. WSFSSH develops, manages, and provides housing for low-income older persons, individuals living with serious mental illnesses, homeless individuals, and families. Today we house over 2,500 people in 30 buildings located on the Upper West Side, Harlem, Chelsea, and the Bronx. All WSFSSH housing is developed and run by WSFSSH.

JOB SUMMARY

The Occupancy Specialist is a key member of the Leasing and Compliance team. They will report to the Assistant Director of Occupancy, while working closely with their Leasing and Compliance colleagues and Building Management. 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.

RESPONSIBILITIES

* 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. Lease up activities can include 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

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (IF APPLICABLE?)

* Ability to work on site at Central Office at least 4 days a week and travel to other WSFSSH sites as needed

* Ability to bend and lift boxes weighing up to 35 lbs.

* Ability to sit for an extended period of time

COMPETENCIES/SKILLS

* 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)

* Bilingual (Spanish) preferred

* 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 liaise effectively with WSFSSH employees throughout the organization to achieve the WSFSSH Leasing & Compliance Team's goal

* The ability to maintain professional relationships and boundaries

* Ability to uphold standards of diversity, equity, and inclusion in provision of services

* Maintain a commitment to supporting underserved communities who have experience systemic oppression and bias

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

* 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

* High School Diploma/GED required

* Certified Occupancy Specialist or LIHTC Compliance Specialist certificate required

* Experience with property management software; RealPage's OneSite 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

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) POLICY STATEMENT

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental principal at WSFSSH, where 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.

Compensation details: 27.47-30.22 Hourly Wage

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