Occupancy Specialist - Thrive Communities

Feel Seen at Thrive!

Company Information: Learn more about Cascara here.

Salary: $28 - $31 per hour DOE 

Schedule: Full-time; Monday - Friday 9 am - 6 pm

Our purpose is to create a community where people feel seen, because we believe when people feel seen, they thrive. By cultivating award-winning workplaces, we foster an environment of connection, compassion and fun that our personnel extend to everyday life at their communities. Happy, inspired associates lead to happy, supported residents. We are dedicated to our boutique, at-scale approach to property management and building communities that flourish, which stems from hiring strong associates to grow with Team Thrive! Voted one of Washington's best workplaces 8 years in a row, and Portland’s best workplaces 2 years in row, Thrive builds on its culture by offering the following benefits: 

• 32 Paid Days off Per Year (PTO, Paid Holidays, Paid Personal Day, Paid Days of Service)
• Paid Birthday Off
• Generous Employer Matched 401k plan!
• 30% Housing Discount with Ownership and Regional Manager Approval
• Medical benefits effective 1st of the month following your start date!
  • 100% employee medical & dental insurance paid for non-tobacco associates, 80% covered for tobacco using associates
  • Optional HMO dental plan including adult and child orthodontics
  • Vision option
  • $20,000 life insurance policy
  • Long-term disability coverage
• 24 hour Employee Assistance Program/Hotline
• Discounted Pet Insurance rates + additional voluntary benefit options
• $300 annual professional development/tuition reimbursement
• Training opportunities and career progression/growth plans! 

Occupancy Specialist Purpose: 

The Occupancy Specialist assists in the preparation and delivery of affordable housing files for the property to ensure on-going affordable housing program(s) compliance and adherence according to local and state operations policies.

The Occupancy Specialist has the overall responsibility of processing MFTE files adhering to Office of Housing and Thrive Compliance standards, which includes, uploading files for review to our auditing partner, generating MFTE leases once approved by our auditing partner, and ensuring completed files are archived for future Office of Housing audits. In this role, the Occupancy Specialist will work in collaboration with other Thrive Compliance and property management.

The Occupancy Specialist must be well versed in affordable housing, including the consideration of marketing needs, and have an excellent in-depth content knowledge and ability to support staff on MFTE programs including but not limited to: Eligibility, student rules, fair housing, limited English proficiency, rent schedules and utility allowance processes. 

Occupancy Specialist Job Responsibilities:

• Process and submit for review all MFTE files assigned within the property.
• Complete move-in and audit Yardi for accuracy.
• Obtain copies of first year files, review for completeness and arrange for proper electronic storage.
• Manage the electronic storage of MFTE agreement files in Yardi and Thrive software.
• Report potential non-compliance issues to Community Manager.
• Assist, as needed with the completion of the Tenant Selection Plan (TSP), Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan (AFHMP) and Language Assistance Plan (LAP) for the property as well as any other documents as required.
• Support the Community Manager during audits and annual reporting as needed.
• Ensure our third-party compliance software is being used properly at the property. Train team members as needed.
• Oversee and manage as-needed extended vacancies.
• Assist with projects and/or other Property Management Operations activities as needed such as touring, unit QCs and property walks, picking up trash, general cleaning, answering questions and escorting vendors around the property.

Desired Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in meeting affordable program requirements, specifically Seattle MFTE & other affordable programs.
• 1-2 years on site property management experience in leasing and/or certification processing.
• Experience in the use of Yardi/CRM and On-Site preferred

Desired Competencies

• Able to interpret and understand tenant file information and complex documents like regulatory agreements and program regulations.
• Detail oriented with the ability to provide accurate and timely documents and reports. 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and customer service oriented environment. 
• Understanding of industry terms and their meaning.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Demonstrates strong judgement and critical thinking skills.
• Communicate clearly both verbally and in writing, including the ability to provide technical assistance on reporting complex compliance issues in a simple, straightforward manner to residents.
• Takes instructions and feedback from supervisors and is able to follow direction, learn and grow with a positive attitude. 
• Exercises strong problem-solving skills.
• Interacts with co-workers, supervisors, guests and the public in a professional and pleasant manner.
• Strong time management, organizational and prioritization skills.
• Strong attention on resident retention.
• Ability to de-escalate conflict and remain calm and courteous at all times.
• Respects and understands diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Communicates effectively, builds trust, and addresses community challenges with cultural awareness and equity.
• Specific and thorough in communication with residents, vendors, subordinates, support departments, ownership and leadership.
• Proactive problem solving and resourcefulness.

If you do not fully meet the qualifications listed above but feel you have the skills and experience to be able to be successful in this position we welcome your application! Whether this or another position within Thrive, we would love to help you find the right role in our organization. 

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• May require a driver's license and insurance.
• Stand and walk or sit alternatively depending on specific needs of the day. Estimated 70% of time is spent sitting at a desk and 30% standing/walking
• Constant need (66% to 100% of time) to perform the following physical activities:
  • Writing/Typing – Laptop/Keyboard, notes
  • Grasping/Turning – Telephone, doorknob use
  • Finger dexterity – Typing, operation of office equipment
  • Lifting/Carrying (paperwork, deliveries, files, miscellaneous):
  • 20 – 25 lbs (Occasional need, 1% to 33% of the time)
  • Less than 20 lbs (Frequent need, 33% to 66% of the time)
  • Under 10 lbs (Constant Need, 66% to 100% of the time)
• For more information regarding the work environment, physical, and mental requirements, please contact Careers@thrivecommunities.com.  

Equal Employment Opportunity

Diversity is celebrated at Thrive as we believe it makes us a better company. Our hope is that each associate feels welcomed, respected, and appreciated for their unique contributions. From our hiring practices, performance reviews, raise decisions, and opportunities for promotions, Thrive follows consistent and fair practices to ensure all Thrive employees and potential employees have an equal opportunity for employment and advancement based on merit, and are not discriminated against because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or on any other legally protected basis. Our Human Resources department works with teams to make reasonable accommodations for those that require assistance in being able to participate in the interview process or meet the requirements of their position.

Background Check & Drug Screen Policy

Thrive Communities conducts background checks and drug screens for onsite property associates after the conditional offer of employment is accepted, in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Candidates will be asked to authorize these screenings and results will be reviewed by a designated HR representative. For questions about what will be reviewed on the criminal history, please contact careers@thrivecommunities.com.

The 4-panel drug screen tests for the following:

• Amphetamines including Methamphetamine
• Cocaine Metabolites
• Opiates including Codeine and Morphine
• Phencyclidine ("PCP")

Thrive Communities reserves the right to modify this policy at any time without notice.