Job Details

Occupancy Specialist

Plaza East Apartments is an affordable housing community in San Francisco's historic Fillmore district. Our mission is to provide safe, quality housing and ensure compliance with federal, state and local housing programs for the diverse families we serve.

The Occupancy Specialist ensures that all applicants and residents meet eligibility requirements for affordable housing programs and that the property remains in full compliance with Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and Public Housing Authority (PHA) regulations. Working closely with the Property Manager and corporate compliance teams, this role maintains accurate waiting lists, processes applications and recertifications, monitors regulatory compliance and helps keep occupancy levels high. The Occupancy Specialist also supports marketing and lease-up activities, contributes to resident retention efforts and provides exceptional customer service.

Key Responsibilities

Administration & Compliance

• Apply the Resident Selection Policy consistently and comply with current leases, addenda and regulatory forms.
• Process, complete and maintain accurate resident files at move-in and throughout tenancy, ensuring documents meet HUD, IRS and company standards.
• Calculate rents for annual and interim recertifications; identify income discrepancies and make adjustments.
• Stay current on changes in affordable-housing regulations and attend training as required.
• Communicate compliance issues to the Regional or Property Manager and help develop solutions.

Marketing & Lease-Up

• Maintain high occupancy by implementing an approved marketing plan that meets federal, state and local requirements.
• Maintain and update the waiting list in accordance with company policy and applicable regulations.
• Review rental applications for accuracy and completeness and verify conformance to selection policies.
• Show units and conduct property tours for prospective residents.
• Ensure resident selection program compliance across LIHTC, Section 8, HOME and other programs.
• Obtain required documentation, complete certifications and collect deposits and rents.
• Prepare market surveys and marketing reports as requested.

Resident Relations & General Duties

• Maintain positive relationships with residents, adhering to Fair Housing and Equal Housing Opportunity requirements.
• Schedule move-ins and prepare lease agreements and other paperwork.
• Prepare daily, weekly and monthly reports and assist co-workers with day-to-day leasing office operations.
• Process resident program recertifications and renewals.
• Ensure residents comply with lease terms, rules and regulations, report property issues to maintenance or janitorial staff.
• Assist with rent collections, deposit slips, work-order entry, legal proceedings and risk-management issues.
• Perform other administrative, compliance, marketing or lease-up duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of direct experience with LIHTC and PHA programs, including strong knowledge of affordable-housing compliance and regulations.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Solid understanding of HUD, IRS and Fair Housing regulations related to occupancy management; familiarity with admissions and continued-occupancy policies.
• Administrative Skills: Strong ability to apply company policies and government regulations; proficiency in calculating rents, completing certifications and maintaining detailed files.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with property-management software (e.g., Yardi, RealPage, MRI) and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook). Smartsheet or similar reporting tools are a plus.
• Communication & Customer Service: Excellent written and verbal communication skills; proven ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds, including those with special needs. Must be able to exercise good judgment, maintain confidentiality and deliver responsive, empathetic service.
• Organizational & Problem-Solving Skills: Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to identify issues, analyze options and implement solutions. Experience in marketing and sales is desirable.
• Education & Certifications: High-school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor's degree in business, public administration or a related field preferred. HUD Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS), Tax-Credit Specialist (TCS), Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP) or similar designations are highly desirable.
• Additional Requirements: Ability to travel independently to property locations; willingness to adapt to changing environments and manage occasional interactions with difficult residents or applicants.

This role involves regular interaction with residents and applicants via phone, email and in person. The work location alternates between office and outdoor settings during site visits, and occasional travel between properties is required. The job requires sitting and standing as needed; lifting up to 20 lbs.; and the ability to adapt to frequent interruptions and changing priorities.

Bell Properties offers a competitive salary based on experience along with a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental and vision insurance, a retirement plan with company match, paid time off and holidays, and professional development opportunities.

Bell Properties, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or veteran status.

To apply, please submit your rsum and a brief cover letter outlining your LIHTC and PHA experience via the Paylocity career portal.