The mission of the Housing Specialist will be to work closely with the Housing Supervisor(s) to manage the affordable programs for an assigned portfolio from waitlist to move out.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Become a subject matter expert on the affordable programs within an assigned portfolio.

• Coordinate activities related to assigned programs including leasing, move-ins, lease renewals and recertifications.

• Manage lease expirations and deadlines as they relate to recertification for individual residents and/or quarterly/annual community recertifications.

• Assist in the management of the community affordable waitlists.

• Track and manage all BMR vacancies, effectively work the appropriate wait lists, market available apartments and work with the cities/counties/programs to ensure vacancy remains below 30-days.

• Be customer focused to achieve maximum occupancy and resident retention.

• Maintain program compliance for programs within the assigned portfolio.

• Report on trends, causes of issues, and provide resolution insights.

• Timely and accurate record keeping ensuring compliance and correct reporting.

• Maintain delinquency at or below budgeted parameters.

• Understand and remain attuned to program, local, state, and national legal requirements.

• Visit assigned properties as needed to ensure compliance for program audits, resident concerns, or assistance.

• Embody Essex Values; act with integrity, care about what matters, lead at every level, do right with urgency, seek fairness.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

• High school diploma or GED is required.

• 2 years of experience in affordable housing program management.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

• Strong organization and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• YARDI experience strongly preferred.

• Certification as a Tax Credit Specialist (TCS) is preferred. Members of the Housing team are encouraged to earn the certification within one year of hire.

WHAT THE JOB REQUIRES:

• Work is primarily conducted in an office setting. Requires sitting at a desk or workstation for extended periods. Involves the use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and printers.

• Operates in a fast-paced work setting. Requires the ability to multitask and adapt quickly to changing priorities. May involve tight deadlines and high-energy work situations.

• Requires the ability to sit or stand for extended periods. Minimal physical effort in the day-to-day tasks.

• Requires flexibility to travel based on business needs.

• This role demands availability for five days each week, with the potential for including weekends or evenings in the schedule as necessary.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE TABLE:

• Ability to comprehend and interpret instructions, short correspondence, and ask clarifying questions to ensure understanding. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from clients, co-workers, and/or supervisor.

• Ability to understand and carry out general instructions in standard situations. Ability to solve problems in standard situations. Requires basic analytical skills.

• Decisions made with general understanding of procedures and company policies to achieve set results and deadlines. Errors in judgment may cause short-term impact to co-workers and supervisor.