Compliance Specialist

This class is responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance with federal regulations and agency policies and procedures for the Public Housing and the Housing Choice Voucher Programs. This technical work involves oversight of agency compliance with public housing (HUD) regulations, Section 504, the Fair Housing Act, grievance procedures, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Architectural Barriers Act, and the relevant accessibility and fair housing state and federal regulations. This position also serves as liaison and technical advisor to the RRHA Resident Tenant Councils. Work is performed with considerable independence and reports directly to the Compliance Officer.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The position duties and responsibilities listed below describe the general nature and scope of work. Other responsibilities, duties, and skills may be required and assigned, as needed.

• Assist the Housing Compliance Officer with ensuring agency compliance with Federal, State and Local regulations in all aspects of agency operations. Low Income Public Housing (LIPH) and Housing Choice Voucher Programs (HCVP) are in compliance with HUD and other related regulations
• Assist with the development of Fair Housing and Reasonable accommodation policies and procedures that address housing applicants, residents, participants, and community members' specific needs as related to Fair Housing, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the American with Disabilities Act and Uniformed Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS).
• Maintain a monitoring/tracking system to ensure conformity with applicable Fair Housing regulatory controls and Reasonable Accommodation requests from Assisted Housing Programs
• Update policies and procedures as needed.
• Will assist the Compliance Officer with conducting on-site LIPH and HCV audits
• Evaluates Inter Transfer requests. Reviews and verifies Tenant Data System (TDS) information received from AMP Managers, regarding 504 transfer requests, on a monthly basis and will work closely with the Transfer Committee to ensure timely transfers.
• Prepares and ensures ADA/Section 504 needs assessments; evaluates the authority's compliance with HUD-approved Reasonable Accommodations Policy and Procedure.
• Will prepare the HUD quarterly reports as needed.
• Work with RRHA Resident Councils to ensure compliance regarding HUD regulations and requirements of Resident Council operations - election of officers, audits, general counsel operations and reporting. 
• Attends community and resident council meetings as required.
• Will assist the Housing Compliance Officer with special projects, will conduct reviews and evaluations of topics of a technical, administrative or program nature.
• Contacts residents, AMP staff and Assisted Housing staff to ensure completion of reasonable accommodation requests.
• Will assist with providing information (via presentations), training agency staff and public housing community members (and stakeholders) on fair housing compliance, grievance policies and procedures.
• Prepares correspondence and various technical and status reports to keep management informed and for use as reference material for meetings, presentations, and conferences.
• Maintain records and reports as needed.
• Will serve on committees as assigned.
• Participates in professional development training courses/activities to stay abreast of Fair Housing, LIPH and HCVP regulations related to property management and program compliance.
• Communicate and coordinate with other internal departments on special initiatives and projects.
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; keeps abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of housing assistance programs, continuing changes in detailed U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) policies and procedures relating to Housing Authority programs, and local sector housing market conditions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Behavioral Competencies

This position requires the incumbent to exhibit the following behavioral skills:

Effective Communication:

• Leads important presentations/meetings for clients or staff
• Coaches other team members on improving communication skills

Customer Service:

• Confirms client needs are being met through ongoing, candid communication
• Coaches others how to improve customer relationship issues
• Ensures team is regularly recognized for providing high-quality customer service

Initiative:

• Creates a work environment that invites diverse points of view and effectively manages productive conflict

Job Knowledge:

• Delivers ongoing, honest feedback to team members
• Provides constructive feedback on team member contributions to management
• Facilitates knowledge transfer within the team
• Allows others to make learning mistakes, intervening when necessary to avoid serious errors

Responsiveness and Accountability:

• Guides team and holds members accountable for incorporating functional or Authority initiatives into everyday actions

Teamwork:

• Identifies team-related problems and collaborates with team members to design solutions

Promotes an open flow of information within the team and with other teams so all are well informed

Job Competencies

• Knowledge of the general provisions, objectives, and philosophy of HUD's rental assistance programs - Low Income Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher
• Considerable knowledge of Fair Housing Laws, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Americans with Disabilities Act and Uniformed Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS)
• Ability to analyze, research, evaluate and interpret applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures regarding Assisted Housing.
• Ability to develop comprehensive training material and present effective training sessions.
• Ability to prioritize
• Ability to evaluate situations, make sound judgments and act independently.
• Ability to apply interviewing and problem-solving techniques
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of employees and the public from a variety of economic and cultural backgrounds
• Ability to quickly gain a working knowledge of specific RRHA computer tools/resources, such as YARDI Voyager system or other centralized Property Management software.
• Ability to complete a Full Day (minimum) Fair Housing and Reasonable Accommodation Training and receive Certification of Completion, within a year of employment.
• RRHA Employees must have the technical aptitude to be able to use a variety of software and equipment, including but not limited to: Yardi, ADP/UKG, Microsoft 365, etc. on an as-needed basis.

Education and/or Experience (The following requirements may be used to evaluate applicants for employment. When applicable, equivalent substitution will be allowed for differences in experience and education.)

Education: Associates Degree in public administration, urban studies, rehabilitation, or related field.

Experience: Two years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications: Working knowledge of HUD regulations as it relates to Assisted Housing. Knowledge of Federal and State Fair Housing Laws. Working knowledge of RRHA policies and procedures. Mediation or hearing officer experience. Experience using YARDI or other centralized Assisted Housing management software and proficient computer skills (Microsoft Suite and Pivot Tables).

Strength Requirements

Sedentary Work: Sedentary Work involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs may be defined as Sedentary when walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other Sedentary criteria are met. Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This is an office environment. The noise level in the work environment is moderate.