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, many of whom live with mental illness and/or have experienced homelessness.

Position Description

The Occupancy Specialist is a key member of the Leasing and Compliance team. They will report to the Assistant Director of Occupancy and work closely with Leasing and Compliance colleagues and Property 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.

Please Note: This is a full-time position (4) days a week on-site, (1) day a week working from home.

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

Required Skills / Abilities

• 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)
• 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
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma/GED required
• 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
• Certified Occupancy Specialist or LIHTC Compliance Specialist certificate preferred
• 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.

Physical Requirements 

• Long periods of sitting at a desk in front of a computer monitor

Benefit Overview

Westside Federation for Senior & Supportive Housing offers full-time employees a comprehensive choice of benefits that include Medical, Dental, Vision, 403(b) retirement savings, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Life & Disability, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), commuter benefits and more. Voluntary benefit options and time off includes 11-12 paid Federal Holidays as well as vacation and sick time.

EEO Statement

WSFSSH is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO); employment is based on 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 characteristics as established by law.