AH Associate

Position Summary

The Affordable Housing Associate (Mentor Program) is an entry-level, training-focused position designed for individuals who want to begin a career in the affordable housing industry. Associates participate in a structured mentorship program emphasizing hands-on experience in Occupancy and Compliance.

This program integrates on‑the‑job learning with guided mentorship, E‑learning modules from the RHF Training Menu, and department rotations that provide foundational knowledge of affordable housing operations, compliance standards, and resident service excellence.

 

Key Responsibilities

Occupancy & Compliance Support

• Assist with the intake, eligibility verification, and maintenance of applicant waitlists.
• Learn key principles of LIHTC and HUD compliance through supervised tasks and structured E‑learning (e.g., Getting Started: Introduction to LIHTC).
• Help organize and maintain resident files to meet regulatory and company standards.
• Observe and support leasing and compliance processes, including interviews, certifications, and audits.
• Aid in preparing compliance documentation for review by funding agencies.

Professional Development & Workplace Skills

• Attend weekly mentorship sessions and progress reviews with program supervisors.
• Uphold RHF’s values, ethical standards, and service philosophy.
• Complete assigned HR, safety, and workplace culture modules (e.g., Respect in the Workplace, Drug-Free Workplace).
• Engage in cross-training with staff from property management, accounting, and resident services departments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Income Qualification: Learn and assist in verifying applicant income, assets, and household composition for program eligibility.
• Tenant Recertification: Support processing of annual and interim recertifications to ensure compliance with HUD/LIHTC guidelines.
• Application Screening: Review applications, conduct preliminary checks, and maintain accurate waitlists.
• File Maintenance: Ensure documentation is well-organized and audit ready.
• Customer Service: Provide general information to residents on leasing, renewals, and compliance procedures.
• Lease Administration: Assist with move-in/move-out inspections, lease renewals, and documentation updates.

Mentorship & Training Commitment

Associates will complete assigned classroom and E‑learning coursework, including introductory LIHTC, Fair Housing, and Occupancy Specialist training. Employees are expected to pursue at least one certification track (e.g., Tax Credit Specialist or Certified Occupancy Specialist) within 12–24 months of hire under mentor supervision.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based with sedentary work.
• Occasional lifting (up to 20 lbs.) of files or supplies.
• May require limited local travel between sites for training or mentorship activities.

Competencies Developed During Program

• Knowledge of affordable housing program compliance (LIHTC/HUD).
• Customer service and resident relations best practices.
• Basic leasing processes and documentation management.
• Introduction to property operations, vendor coordination, and maintenance requests.
• Entry-level understanding of accounting, reporting, and budgeting fundamentals.
• Fair Housing, safety, and workplace professionalism standards.

Career Path Opportunities

Upon successful completion of the mentorship program, Associates may advance to roles such as:

• Occupancy Specialist clerk / Occupancy Specialist
• Occupancy Compliance Coordinator/ Specialist
• Assistant Property Manager
• Property Manager
• Regional Manager

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Demonstrated interest in property management, affordable housing, or community services.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills.
• Ability to follow procedures and learn within a structured, mentor-led environment.
• Basic computer literacy; ability to use email, Microsoft Office Word, and Excel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual in English and Spanish (helpful but not required).
• Previous experience in office administration, customer service, or socia