Leasing & Certification Associate

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Non-Exempt
Compensation: $21.06 - $29.47 per hour, depending on experience
Start your career at Bellwether Housing as a Leasing and Certification Associate in the vibrant city of Seattle, WA!
Who We Are:
Established in 1980 with a vision to create urban housing opportunities, Bellwether Housing has been a trailblazer in transforming lives. By breaking down housing barriers, we've empowered individuals and families, especially those from marginalized communities. As we continue to make a lasting impact, we're embarking on an ambitious mission to build and acquire 2,500 homes by 2025. This is your opportunity to be part of our dynamic team and help shape the future of affordable housing!
Position Overview:
The Leasing and Certification Associate will act as the primary leasing agent and provide compliance assistance at assigned properties by responding to phone, email, and in-person requests for information on vacancies and resident qualification requirements. This role will actively assist with the certification processes by preparing annual notices, compiling certification paperwork, and assisting in the completion of certification corrections requested by Compliance.
This role will also include prescreening potential applicants for eligibility, assisting applicants in completing rental applications, submitting completed rental applications to Compliance for processing, and preparing resident leases and resident move-in materials. The Leasing and Certification Associate will also utilize property management software to track applicants and assist with the lease-up of new properties.
Work Schedule: Onsite Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm at Arbora Court
Your Impact:

• Provide professional, responsive, unbiased, caring, and knowledgeable interactions with applications and current residents.
• Possess knowledge of Bellwether policies, landlord/tenant law, fair housing laws, and property management software procedures.
• Act in a calm, rational, and professional manner in problem-solving with tenants and staff.
• Maintain confidentiality of applicant and tenant information.
• Assist residents with SHA paperwork, reviewing for accuracy before submitting to SHA on their behalf.
• Post on advertising platforms including Craigslist, SHA, neighborhood businesses, and bulletin boards.
• Track all sources of traffic for all prospects in Yardi.
• Assist with marketing of available units and work with the Site Manager and Portfolio Manager to develop and implement marketing strategies.
• Evaluate vacant units to determine potential leasing hurdles, working with Site Manager and Portfolio Manager to establish concessions or adjust rent levels.
• Collaborate with the Resident Services staff, maintaining relationships with partnership agencies regarding set aside units, initiating contact on vacancies, assisting with client application process, and communicating residency issues with current clients.
• Complete applications and move-ins in accordance with departmental operations manual.
• Respond to prospects interested in housing; screen prospects for housing eligibility, schedule intake appointments, explain income qualification guidelines and other funding guidelines or restrictions and assist applicants with completion of rental applications.
• Process and submit housing applications, obtain third-party verification of income, assets, and other eligibility requirements, and enter application information into property management software.
• Coordinate with applicants regarding move-in date, time, and move-in costs. Prepare and complete move-in lease documents, collect move-in payments, and establish resident accounts in property management software.
• Develop and maintain a collaborative system with Site Managers for applications in process, with detailed communication logs to ensure that application files are current.
• Manage central leasing email account; outreach and prescreen prospects, provide information on leasing a Bellwether unit.
• Assist with the completion of annual recertification and interim certification of income for residents. Compile the completed files and submit to Compliance.
• Engage and collaborate effectively with Portfolio Manager, Property Management department, and other Bellwether departments.
• Collaborate with supervisor, providing information and updates on challenges and seeking input and direction.
• Work with social service agencies and resident services coordinators to meet applicants' and prospects' needs and resolve problems.
• Represent Bellwether as an ambassador to the communities and neighborhoods in which Bellwether is involved.
• Attend training courses and meetings and complete additional duties that are assigned.

Requirements
Who You Are:

• You bring 1+ years of work experience in apartment leasing or high-volume customer service roles.
• You have excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• You're highly organized with a strong attention to detail, are capable of taking personal initiative on projects as needed, and ensure all work is complete and of a high quality.
• You exercise discretion and confidentiality at all times.
• You have exceptional customer service aptitude, including problem-solving skills and the ability to respond quickly and tactfully to customer requests.
• You can work independently and as part of a team.
• You have experience working with Microsoft Office user applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• If you have experience with low-income tax credit properties, Section 8 and tenant-based programs, or have completed the WSHFC Fundamental and Advances training workshops - that's a great plus, but not required.

What We Offer: Bellwether Housing is your platform for growth, empowerment, and purpose. When you join our team, you will receive:

• Competitive compensation ranging from $21.06 - $29.47 per hour, accompanied by a generous benefits package.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• A 403(b)-retirement plan with an employer match, guiding you toward a prosperous future
• Fuel for your personal and professional development with up to $1,500 in employer-paid continuing education per year.
• An ORCA Transit Pass to navigate the city with ease.
• Up to 27 paid days off in your first year and 8 paid office closure days.
• The chance to be part of a transformative mission, leaving a mark on the lives of those we serve in our communities.

At Bellwether Housing, you will elevate your career in a role that's as rewarding as it is impactful, where you'll be part of a movement that is helping shape the future of affordable housing in Seattle and where diversity, equity, and inclusion are the pillars of our success.
Note: This role requires successful completion of a background check in accordance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance.
Bellwether Housing is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We support the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to reasonably accommodate all qualified applicants [and employees] by providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. To request Reasonable Accommodation for the application or interview process please contact recruiting@bellwetherhousing.org . Bellwether Housing is dedicated to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We value having employees whose skills, experiences, and backgrounds reflect the populations we serve. We are committed to being an anti-racist organization, while acknowledging we have a long way to go. You can learn more about our DEI work on our website.
Any candidate, whether internal or external, that is selected for this position will be subject to a 90-day probationary period.
Salary Description
$21.06 - $29.47 per hour, depending on experience