Job Description

Compliance Specialist

New York State adopted an amendment to the New York Executive Law 296(5)(a)(1), enacted on April 12, 2019, to prohibit housing discrimination based on lawful sources of income in all communities' statewide, including whether their rent is fully or partially paid by a federal Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher ("HCV"). The New York State Division of Human Rights ("DHR") has enforcement authority for this law and is now seeking a dynamic leader for a newly formed Source of Income Discrimination Enforcement Unit ("the SOI Unit"). This new team will bolster the State's efforts to ensure that HCV recipients can locate housing without being discriminated against based on their source of income. The SOI Unit will intervene quickly to educate landlords and real estate professionals while assisting voucher participants in securing rental housing free of discrimination. Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted this initiative in her 2024 State of the State address. DHR is establishing the SOI Unit in partnership with the NYS Housing Trust Fund Corp. ("HTFC").

Under the direction of the Director of the SOI Unit, the Compliance Specialist is responsible for ensuring adherence to the terms and conditions of settlement between all parties in connection with a pre-complaint intervention. This includes monitoring and enforcing compliance of said agreement, investigating potential violations, and serving as a point of contact for landlords and tenants regarding Section 8 program rules and obligations.

Primary duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Establish and maintain relationships with public housing authorities, community organizations, real estate professionals and housing providers to help facilitate a seamless application and approval process through Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher rules and regulations.
• Represent the SOI Unit at community events, meetings, presentations, and other relevant functions related to housing providers and real estate professionals.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the agency, landlords, tenants, and other stakeholders regarding the enforcement of conciliation agreements.
• Investigate alleged breaches of conciliation agreements, gather evidence, and prepare findings and recommendations for agency leadership and legal counsel.
• Maintain accurate and complete records of all monitoring activities, communications, and enforcement actions in accordance with agency protocols.
• Provide ongoing education and training for landlords on Section 8 program requirements, lease compliance, and lawful source of income protections.
• Learn, track, and troubleshoot potential barriers to Section 8 program participation and stakeholder feedback.
• Prepare periodic reports on compliance trends, systemic issues, and programmatic and policy recommendations for agency leadership.
• Perform administrative support tasks as needed to ensure smooth unit operations, including but not limited to, data entry, phone reception, department inbox management and other clerical duties.
• Perform other functions to support the operations of the SOI unit as necessary.

Associate's degree. Preferred qualifications:

• 3-5 years of experience in public relations, housing programs, real estate management, compliance, constituency affairs, fair housing advocacy, social work, or related field.
• Strong interpersonal and public speaking skills.
• Experience working with diverse populations and stakeholders.
• Ability to engage effectively and maintain positive working relationships with different stakeholder groups who have different and at times opposing interests, viewpoints, and priorities.
• Highly organized and able to work independently and manage multiple responsibilities and priorities.
• Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion and maintain professionalism in challenging situations.
• Knowledge of the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, the New York State Division of Human Rights and/or New York State Human Rights Law is strongly preferred.
• Strong relationships with organizations focused on fair housing, real estate, and property management a plus.
• Spanish language fluency is a plus.

All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. This position is eligible for location pay of $4,000.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

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