Occupancy Specialist Job Opportunity in Pittsfield, MA

Location: Pittsfield, MA

Job Type: Direct Hire

Salary: $40k

Schedule: Mon – Fri 8:00a – 4:30p

Flexible with Remote Work WHEN NECESSARY

TEC is recruiting for an Occupancy Specialist with a local nonprofit. The Occupancy Specialist will be responsible to and supervised directly by the Occupancy & Compliance Manager who will assign specific programs and/or projects to the Occupancy Specialist. The Occupancy Specialist will be responsible for and assist in the daily administration of various leased housing programs/projects for our client. It is essential that the Occupancy Specialist keep current with all changes in the rules and regulations of leased housing programs administered by this organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Applications & Waiting lists: Accept applications and determine eligibility or ineligibility for all leased housing programs/projects, maintain waiting list for leased housing programs/projects; develop a full understanding of the waiting list including data entry and all subsequent updating.

• Customer Service: Explain program eligibility requirements, regulatory and procedural information, apartment availability and waiting list procedures to potential and existing clients. Be responsive and timely to questions and concerns raised. Make referrals for other programs and services to appropriate staff or outside agencies.

• Leasing Functions: Perform all leasing activities in accordance with the policies and procedures; prepare all required documents for signatures, arrange for appointments; monitor, prepare and submit reports as requested, set up unit showings; perform move-in, annual and interim income recertifications; process rent increases; initiate and coordinate rent-up

• Leasing Functions Continued: procedures for assigned properties; calculate tenants' rent; approve or reject applicants, perform all applicant screenings based on Tenant Selection Plans; coordinate apartment availability with property managers and/or resident managers, track and monitor vacancies; complete unit transfer certifications, understand and comply with 504 Reasonable Accommodation rules, monitor, and sustain property/building compliance at all times.



• Marketing: Work in conjunction with the Director of Community Engagement to develop marketing programs aimed at reducing vacancy loss. Develop specific project plans for properties experiencing a greater than 5% vacancy loss. Become familiar with and visit sites, conduct open houses and informational sessions. Review all phone, email and internet inquiries and follow-up accordingly with each.

• Other:
• Gain a complete understanding of computer software programs used for the various programs.
• Submit all required vouchers to HUD or MHFA utilizing secure systems; develop a complete understanding of, secure systems, the voucher process & voucher reconciliation and process vacancy claims.
• Perform peer audits of all tenant move ins, recertifications, and interim recertifications.     
• Process all needed audit paperwork & corrections. Ensure programs/projects are in compliance with all funding sources by maintaining compliance data and responding to and preparing all external audit inquires.
• Develop an understanding and working relationship with all team members.
• Obtain the Certified Occupancy Specialist Designation and Tax Credit Specialist Designation within one year of employment.
• Attend all meetings and seminars as required
• Assist as necessary with all other job-related functions
   
  

The Occupancy Specialist must develop an understanding of the relationship this position has to the overall objectives of the company and individual owners (i.e., vacancies, late recertifications). This position may include all other job functions normally associated with a position of this type in the housing management industry.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma: Associates Degree Preferred
• Prior human service experience
• Valid Driver’s License
• Reliable Transportation to Out of Town Seminars & Trainings
• Working Knowledge of Microsoft Word & Excel
• Basic Internet Understanding
• Prior Multi-task Office Environment Experience
• Excellent Verbal and Written Communication Skills
• Bilingual (Spanish and English) preferred