Senior Compliance Investigator

Job Notice

Internal Only

Date Posted: November 29, 2023 Position: Senior Compliance Investigator

Starting Rate: $70,000-$ 90,000.00/year Job # 33-23

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: December 15, 2023

The Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) is looking for a motivated candidate to join a team that provides affordable housing and services to families and individuals in need of stable housing. The qualified candidate is responsible for ensuring program compliance involving rental integrity and criminal activity for the Project Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) and Housing Choice Voucher Programs (HCV). This position tracks and addresses or reviews referrals, complaints and/or tips promptly and determines if there is sufficient evidence of fraud, non-compliance, or criminal activity to warrant further investigation. This position also serves as the main back up for the hearing officer as needed and acts as the Director of Compliance in their absence. HACA has been a leader in affordable housing in the City of Austin for more than 85 years. In partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, local government entities, and numerous non-profit agencies, HACA provides access to safe, stable housing to over 20,000 individuals.

What you will do in this position:

• Oversees Compliance Oversight activities and performs executive administrative activities in the absence of the Director.

• Conducts investigations and compiles detailed evidence of fraud, criminal activity, or program noncompliance. Resolves income disparities between tenant-reported income, upfront income verifications, and third-party verifications. Consults with tenants to resolve criminal violations, income verification disparities, and to provide tenant the opportunity to dispute Investigator's findings. With approval, may perform home visits or field visits to determine lease or program compliance.
• Acts as hearing officer on cases where no conflict of interest exists.
• Provides written recommendations to program Director, Vice Presidents and CEO. Completes investigations and provides notification to clients and staff, submits recommendations for case disposition that may include termination letters to be approved by appropriate Vice Presidents.
• Writes policies and procedures regarding all aspects of income integrity and criminal activity initiatives. Keeps abreast of regulatory changes related to income integrity and criminal activity, and updates policies as needed. Writes and updates policies and procedures.
• Makes risk management recommendations and formulates corrective actions. Issues recommendations to improve internal controls, policies, procedures, program efficiencies and program compliance.
• Trains staff on upfront verification procedures, methods to detect fraud, enforce program compliance, execute repayment agreements, and complete termination recommendations.
• Promptly responds to all incoming complaints either orally or in writing.
• Acts as a liaison to other agencies, such as Texas Workforce Commission, Department of Human Services, Attorney General's Office, Travis County Attorney or City of Austin District Attorney's office, HUD's Office of Inspector General, and Austin Police Department;

• Develops, interprets, and applies procedures to maintain required records. Screens, audits and maintains database of referrals, complaints and cases. Completes a monthly report that summarizes information such as complaints received, status of cases in process, and cases closed, with a summary of results. Other periodic reports may also be required as assigned.
• Communicates HACA and HUD rules to program participants and other HACA clients. Prepares informative fact sheets or other notices regarding income integrity and criminal activity initiatives. Distributes and/or presents program integrity information to staff, applicants and tenants at meetings or orientations.
• Conducts periodic audits of the Assisted Housing tenant files for compliance of Subsidy Standard and reasonable accommodation application, and audits of the Project Based Rental Assistance tenant files. Writes audit reports, makes recommendations, and tracks corrective action.
• Communicates audit procedures, findings and recommendations effectively and diplomatically.

More about this position:

Qualified candidates must possess:

• Bachelor's degree in social science or business from a four-year college or university; OR
• Ten(10) years or more of related experience; OR
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred candidates will also possess the following skills and abilities:

• • Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university and ten years related experience and/or training. Degree in Accounting, Public Administration, Social Services or a related field. Experience in auditing, monitoring and project management.
  • Strong computer skills (Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, DocuSign, Emphasys ELITE, and LaserFiche)
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills

• • Ability to establish, cultivate, and maintain effective working relationships with clients, and coworkers
  • Advance knowledge of HUD regulations and policies, procedures, and practices pertaining to housing programs, fund accounting, finance, and federal procurement.
  • Spanish language proficiency

Certification and Licensure:

• Occupancy Certification(s) in Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher, and Project Based Section 8 HUD Programs.
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA), COSO Internal Control Certificate,
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), or other audit-related certification a plus.

Benefits:

• Paid sick leave, annual leave, birthday leave & federal holidays
• 100% of employee health insurance premiums paid by the agency
• Supplemental health, dental, vision, and life insurance options for employees and family
• 457b retirement plan with employer contributions, tuition reimbursement
• Short and long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program

Schedule:

• • Hybrid Work from home eligible
  • 8 hour shift, predictable schedule
  • Monday - Friday, 8:00 - 5:00

APPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT: Application for the open posted position must be submitted via online at the following website: https://hacanet.applicantpro.com/ However, we will accept applications at the Housing Authority of the City of Austin, 1124 S. IH-35, Austin, Texas 78704. No applications will be accepted after the noted closing dates on the job announcement. We encourage you to visit our website often to view and apply for vacant positions with the Housing Authority of the City of Austin or sign up for job alerts at our career site. The HACA is a drug-free workplace. A Criminal Background Check including a sex offender registry check. A Driving Record, Texas Driver's License, and a Physical/Drug Screening will be required upon offer of employment. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

A Criminal Background Check including a sex offender registry check. A Driving Record, Texas Driver's License and a Physical/Drug Screening will be required upon offer of employment.