Affordable Housing Compliance Specialist

We’re Hiring!

Join our Team and Make a Difference!

At Rochester’s Cornerstone Group, we value our employees and foster a positive and supportive work environment, where integrity is our guiding principle. If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow with a passionate and dynamic team, we’d love to hear from you.

RCG offers 401k with 6% company match and profit sharing, Paid Time Off, Generous Health and Life Insurance, 56 hours of sick time, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program, Professional Development, weekly cell phone reimbursement, 10 paid holidays, including a bonus paid holiday for employees’ birthdays!

We're looking for an experienced and motivated Regional Compliance Specialist to join our growing team!

Compensation : $68,000 - $75,000/annually (based on experience). Full Time Exempt, with hybrid work schedule

The Compliance Specialist assists in managing, monitoring and maintaining compliance of CPM managed properties. Reviews site files and performs internal compliance audits. Prepares necessary documentation and assists with all file reviews and agency audits along with monthly/quarterly/annual reporting to HUD, DHCR, HFA, or other governing agencies, investors and owners. Specialists will oversee property compliance and provide support to site staff for a specific region/portfolio of properties.

Essential Functions:

File Compliance:

• Provides oversite for all site prospect/resident certifications including but not limited to annual recertification, move-in certifications, initial certifications and interim certifications.
• Ensures all move-ins are reviewed and approved by 3rd party compliance when applicable.
• Reviews Rent Roll Report, sorted by Annual Recert Date, and reviews the recertifications due for the given month as provided by site staff.
• Works in collaboration with Area/Regional Managers and Directors to escalate concerns and enforce timely completion of recertifications with site staff.

Audits:

• Schedules and conducts annual internal compliance audits with regional and site staff to ensure that appropriate forms, file order, waiting list, and applications are being used as per CPM rules
• Monitors annual investor file audits as required
• Assists in preparation and participation of regulatory agency inspections (HCR, HFA, HUD, and RD), or other inspections with lender, investor, or owner as needed
• Responds to and collaborates with regional managers audit questions or concerns during audits and when preparing responses to agency audits
• Prepares responses to internal and external audits and file reviews.
• Maintains computerized file audits and checklists to ensure that each audit has been completed within the required time frame.
• Communicates with regional managers regarding file audit correspondence
• Communicates with regional managers regarding any findings or recommended clarifications
• Monitors correspondence to ensure that all submissions and responses/corrections are completed in a timely manner

Monitoring:

• Assists in monitoring/maintaining regulatory compliance with company policies, procedures, and industry regulations with appropriate regulations (i.e., LIHTC, HUD, HOME, HTF, RD) on behalf of owner/agent
• Tracks and monitors all EIV income reports. Provides training as needed.
• Assists in the preparation and maintenance of all Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plans (AFHMPs)
• Ensures site compliance with annual AFHMP marketing requirements
• Updates rents in software for each property
• Maintains up-to-date Fact Sheets for each property
• Completes/Compiles Third-Party, Bank, Regulatory Agency, Syndicator monthly/quarterly/ annual compliance reports.
• Completes Annual Owner Certifications
• Prepares and submits monthly site reports to District Managers, detailing information regarding accuracy in compliance for all affordable sites.
• Prepares and submits an Annual Site Management Audit report.
• Research federal and state web sites and informational distribution communication to stay abreast of changes.
• Maintains computerized file audits and checklists to ensure that each audit has been completed within the required time frame.
• Updates property management software including specific features such as letters and forms.
• Maintains all corporate office binders and documentation folders with required information and provides copy to Community Managers.

Training:

• Trains all CPM site staff on compliance requirements through a variety of methods (virtually/in-person) and assists new managers by providing direction regarding forms and file order clarification as needed
• Provides site and regional manager refresher training as needed, based on annual internal compliance audit results
• Debriefs with site managers at the end of an audit as to any concerns or repeat findings, and to offer clarification or training regarding appropriate methods or forms
• Provides documentation and prepares training materials to facilitate training meetings for all new and/or updated compliance requirements.
• Attends training seminars to obtain certifications as necessary for all CPM affordable sites, to include but not limited to, HUD Section 236, Mitchell Lama, Project Based Section 8, PRAC, LIHTC. Attends training seminars with intent to become certified trainer in like areas, as necessity arises.

Mental and Physical Demands:

• Experiences frequent interruptions; required to meet inflexible deadlines; requires
• concentration and attention to detail; requires ability to problem-solve; requires a high level of organizational and prioritization skills
• Requires ability to maintain confidentiality of information received
• Required to sit for prolonged periods; exposed to visual display terminal for prolonged periods; dexterity and precision required in the operation of a computer
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
• Ability to perform other duties as, as assigned

Travel Demands:

• Travels to sites as necessary to assist in training, performing internal audits, or to assist in preparation for agency audits. The Specialist should expect to travel to sites up to 4 times per month as needed to assist in maintaining compliance within the portfolio.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• This position does not have any consistent supervisory responsibilities except those which may
• be assigned per assignment

Education Requirements:

• Associate degree from an accredited college or equivalent Real Estate education.
• Accredited Resident Manager (ARM) or Certified Property Manager (CPM) must be obtained within five years of employment.
• Additional requirements for Affordable Site Management.
• Must be a Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS).
• Must have C3P Tax Credit and LIHTC certification.
• Must have STAR certification.

Core Competencies/Qualifications:

• Commitment to the Companys mission
• Must have knowledge of financial operations and budgeting.
• Must have excellent interpersonal, organizational, time management, conflict resolution and verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be computer proficient in Microsoft Office. Ability to effectively navigate the Internet.
• Must be able to manage a flexible schedule and remain available for property emergencies.
• Regular travel between local residential sites required. Out-of-area travel to residential sites, as necessary.
• Must possess a valid drivers license and New York State motor vehicle insurance.
• Required use of personal cell phone.

Why join our team?:

• We are a regional leader in affordable housing and real estate development, consulting, brokerage services, and property management. We have been recognized as a winner of RBJ’s Excellence in Construction and Real Estate, as well as being recognized as a multiple winner of the Top Workplaces in Rochester.
• RCG/CPM is committed to ongoing principles of creating diverse, equitable and inclusive strategies when selecting our employees, collaborating with partners and engaging with tenants at the properties we manage.
• RCG/CPM is dedicated to assisting employees in managing their careers and reaching their professional goals through promotion and transfer opportunities. RCG/CPM encourages employees and supervisors to discuss job performance on a frequent and ongoing basis.

Our Mission: We are committed to developing, preserving and managing affordable housing that enhances the lives of our residents.

Our Values: We foster an innovative and inclusive environment where integrity is the Cornerstone.

Our People and Culture: RCG/CPM is committed to providing superior quality and unparalleled customer service in all aspects of our business. We believe each employee contributes to the success and growth of our Company.

It is the policy of RCG/CPM to maintain a harmonious and professional workplace environment that promotes efficiency, positive employee morale and promotes a professional image. RCG/CPM is committed to a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect.

RCG/CPM is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment opportunities at RCG/CPM are based upon one's qualifications and capabilities to perform the essential functions of a particular job. All employment opportunities are provided without regard to race, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Job descriptions are not an exhaustive list of duties; other tasks consistent with the scope and intent of the position may also be required.

About Rochester's Cornerstone Group, Ltd.:

Formed in 1990, Rochester’s Cornerstone Group has become a true leader in affordable housing development in New York State. Since being formed, Cornerstone has created or preserved more than 3,000 units of affordable housing across New York State and extending into Pennsylvania. These projects serve a wide range of people, including families, the elderly, individuals with mobility impairments or people with developmental disabilities. Cornerstone has also brokered dozens of commercial properties in the region, ranging from professional office space to vacant land to industrial parks, as well as developed multiple commercial properties, from new construction to historic renovation.