Occupancy Specialist

The Occupancy Specialist will be responsible to and supervised directly by the Vice President of Development. The Vice President of Development 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 Berkshire Housing Services, Inc.  It is essential that the Occupancy Specialist keep current with all changes in the rules and regulations of leased housing programs administered by Berkshire Housing Services, Inc.

General responsibilities are as outlined below:

1. APPLICATIONS AND 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.
2. CLIENT 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 quest ions and concerns raised.  Make referrals for other programs and services to appropriate staff or outside agencies.
3. PROPERTY MANAGEMENT/LEASING FUNCTIONS. Perform all rental activities in accordance with Berkshire Housing Services, Inc. policies and procedures; prepare all required documents for signatures and arrange for appointments; monitor, prepare and submit monthly reports on vacancy loss; submit required reports to HUD and/or MHFA; show apartments when necessary; perform annual and interim income recertifications; initiate and coordinate rent-up procedures for assigned properties; calculate tenants' rent; approve or reject applicants; coordinate apartment availability with property managers and/or resident managers.
4. MARKETING PROGRAMS.  Assist in developing marketing programs to reduce 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.
5. ASSIST WITH TRAINING OF ON-SITE STAFF AS NEEDED.
6. PROCESS ALL NEEDED AUDIT PAPERWORK & CORRECTIONS.
7. GAIN A COMPLETE UNDERSTANDING OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE PROGRAMS USED FOR THE VARIOUS PROGRAMS.
8. SUBMIT ALL REQUIRED VOUCHERS TO HUD OR MHFA UTILIZING THE TRACS SYSTEM.  DEVELOP COMPLETE GRASP OF TRACS.
9. SUBMIT CONTRACT RENEWALS TO HUD AND OR MHFA.
10. PROCESS RENT INCREASES.             
11. SUBMIT CREDIT DATA TO PROPER AGENCY FOR TENANTS WITH ACCOUNT BALANCES
12. ENSURE BERKSHIRE HOUSING SERVICES PROGRAMS/PROJECTS ARE IN COMPLIANCE WITH ALL FEDERAL AND STATE FAIR HOUSING LAWS.
13. DEVELOP AN UNDERSTANDING AND WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH ALL TEAM MEMBERS.      
14. OBTAIN CERTIFIED OCCUPANCY SPECIALIST DESIGNATION AND TAX CREDIT SPECIALIST DESIGNATION WITHIN ONE YEAR.
15. ATTEND MEETINGS AND SEMINARS AS REQUIRED.
16. ASSIST AS NECESSARY WITH ANY OTHER RELATED JOB 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.

Job Classification:                   Full Time

Work Schedule:                       Monday - Friday

                                                   8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Requirements:                        

• 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