HUD Compliance Specialist in Peoria, Illinois at M SHAPIRO REAL ESTATE GROUP

Company: M. Shapiro Real Estate Group

Location: On-Site

Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

M. Shapiro Real Estate Group is seeking an experienced and highly organized HUD Compliance Specialist to join our on-site property management team. This position combines HUD and affordable housing compliance responsibilities with leasing, resident relations, and day-to-day property management support.

The HUD Compliance Specialist will serve as a key resource for ensuring the property maintains compliance with applicable HUD and affordable housing program requirements while also supporting the overall operational success of the community. The ideal candidate understands that compliance, occupancy, collections, resident service, and property operations are interconnected and takes ownership of helping the property perform successfully in each of these areas.

This is a hands-on, on-site position requiring strong knowledge of HUD or other affordable housing programs, excellent attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with residents, applicants, coworkers, and management.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

HUD & Affordable Housing Compliance

• Maintain compliance with applicable HUD, Section 8, and other affordable housing program requirements.

• Process and review applicant and resident files to ensure required documentation is complete, accurate, and compliant.

• Complete initial certifications, annual recertifications, interim recertifications, and other required resident certifications within established deadlines.

• Verify household income, assets, deductions, student status, and other eligibility factors as required by applicable programs.

• Obtain and maintain third-party verifications and other required supporting documentation.

• Ensure tenant files, forms, notices, and supporting documentation meet HUD and company standards.

• Track upcoming recertifications and proactively communicate with residents to obtain required documentation.

• Identify incomplete, inaccurate, or noncompliant files and coordinate timely corrective action.

• Assist with preparation for MORs, audits, agency reviews, file reviews, and other compliance inspections.

• Maintain accurate compliance records and reports.

• Stay informed regarding changes to HUD regulations, policies, forms, and compliance requirements.

• Work closely with property and regional leadership to identify and resolve compliance concerns before they become findings.

Leasing & Occupancy

• Assist prospective residents throughout the application and leasing process.

• Respond to leasing inquiries, conduct property and apartment tours, and provide accurate information regarding availability, rents, eligibility requirements, and community policies.

• Process applications, eligibility documentation, screenings, and other required paperwork.

• Maintain regular communication with prospects and applicants to move qualified households efficiently through the leasing and approval process.

• Coordinate move-ins and ensure all required documentation is completed before occupancy.

• Assist in maintaining waiting lists and applicant records in accordance with applicable HUD requirements and company policy.

• Support property occupancy goals while ensuring that compliance standards are never compromised.

• Assist with resident retention and renewal efforts as needed.

Assistant Property Management & Resident Relations

• Support the Property Manager with daily property operations and administrative responsibilities.

• Serve as a professional and accessible point of contact for residents.

• Assist residents with questions regarding accounts, certifications, leases, property policies, and other community matters.

• Assist with rent collection efforts, delinquency follow-up, resident notices, and documentation as directed by property leadership and consistent with applicable regulations.

• Help maintain accurate resident records within the property management system.

• Assist with resident communications, notices, lease enforcement documentation, and other administrative functions.

• Coordinate with maintenance and property staff regarding resident concerns and operational priorities.

• Help identify recurring resident, operational, or compliance concerns and elevate them appropriately to property leadership.

• Provide additional operational support to the Property Manager as needed to ensure the community operates efficiently and professionally.

Compliance & Accountability

The HUD Compliance Specialist is expected to maintain a high degree of accuracy, confidentiality, and personal accountability. This position works with sensitive resident and financial information and is responsible for ensuring documentation is handled appropriately and in accordance with company policy and applicable regulations.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Meet certification and recertification deadlines consistently.

• Maintain organized, audit-ready resident files.

• Communicate potential compliance problems promptly rather than allowing issues to remain unresolved.

• Follow established company policies, procedures, and internal controls.

• Protect confidential resident, applicant, employee, and company information.

• Maintain accurate records of work completed and outstanding compliance items.

• Partner effectively with on-site, regional, and corporate leadership.

Qualifications

Required

• Previous experience with HUD, Section 8, affordable housing, or other regulated multifamily housing programs.

• Working knowledge of affordable housing eligibility, certification, verification, and documentation requirements.

• Previous multifamily property management, leasing, compliance, or related housing experience.

• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.

• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities simultaneously.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Professional and effective resident/customer service skills.

• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately.

• Comfortable working with property management software, electronic records, email, and Microsoft Office applications.

• Ability to work independently while functioning effectively as part of an on-site management team.

Preferred

• HUD, COS, TCS, HCCP, SHCM, or other recognized affordable housing/compliance certification.

• Experience working at a HUD-subsidized multifamily apartment community.

• Experience with property management software such as Yardi or similar platforms.

• Experience preparing for MORs, compliance audits, or agency file reviews.

• Experience with leasing, collections, resident relations, and general property operations.

Core Competencies

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Compliance Mindset: Understands the importance of doing things correctly, completely, and on time.

• Ownership: Takes responsibility for assigned responsibilities and follows issues through resolution.

• Attention to Detail: Recognizes that small documentation errors can create significant compliance problems.

• Organization: Effectively manages certifications, deadlines, applicant files, resident needs, and competing priorities.

• Communication: Communicates clearly, professionally, and proactively with residents and team members.

• Customer Service: Treats applicants and residents professionally while maintaining appropriate policies and boundaries.

• Problem Solving: Identifies issues early and works collaboratively toward practical solutions.

• Teamwork: Understands that compliance is part of the property’s overall operation and works collaboratively with leasing, maintenance, property management, and regional leadership.

Work Environment

This is a 100% on-site position within an active multifamily apartment community. The HUD Compliance Specialist will regularly interact with residents, prospective residents, vendors, coworkers, and management and must be comfortable balancing administrative compliance responsibilities with the day-to-day demands of property operations.

About M. Shapiro Real Estate Group

M. Shapiro Real Estate Group is a multifamily real estate management organization committed to providing professional property management, strong operational leadership, and quality service to the residents and communities we serve.

We believe successful property management requires accountability, communication, teamwork, and a willingness to take ownership. Every member of our team plays an important role in the performance of our properties and the experience of our residents.

M. Shapiro Real Estate Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.