Program Associate

Join a vibrant team making a difference in the world! Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) is the non-profit umbrella organization for affordable housing and community development activities in Massachusetts. Formed in 1967, CHAPA has a diverse and active membership of more than 8,000 people, working to make sure that everyone in Massachusetts has a safe, healthy, affordable place to call home. For more information, please visit www.chapa.org.

CHAPA serves as a monitoring agent for numerous mixed-income housing developments in Massachusetts. We are seeking a Program Associate to assist low and moderate income individuals and families comply with the requirements of affordable housing programs, including the sale process of affordable homes, both existing and new construction. This includes working with fellow CHAPA team members, owners, buyers, real estate industry partners, and other lottery agents to ensure all procedures are followed, transactions move forward smoothly, and fair housing goals achieved. The Program Associate will be responsible for processing lottery applications, certifying income-eligible applicants who want to purchase an affordable home, and assisting other team members with document preparation, follow-up, and file management. Their work will also involve conducting audits of several rental developments throughout the state to certify the income eligibility of the tenants residing in the affordable homes.

CHAPA is seeking a Program Associate to carry out the following responsibilities:

1. Process and log applications for affordable home lotteries, following-up with applicants as necessary prior to the lottery
2. Draft and send documents, invoices, and instructions for affordable home closings
3. Assist fellow team members with follow-up on affordable home sale transactions, communicating with the various parties to the transaction, helping transactions move forward efficiently
4. Conduct income and asset eligibility calculations to support resale and initial sale buyer approvals
5. Provide affordable homeowners information about their affordable home, including current deed restricted sale prices
6. Help maintain the program database and file system for the team
7. Assist with program reporting obligations to municipalities and state agencies
8. Support the team with other various monitoring obligations and meetings, as needed
9. Conduct file reviews and audits of affordable rental housing developments’ tenant eligibility documentation

This position will report to the Programs Director.

Qualifications:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and organizational abilities
• Ability to multi-task and work independently
• Support of and enthusiasm for CHAPA’s mission, including sensitivity to the needs of families and individuals with lower incomes
• At least 2 years professional experience working in a team environment
• Familiarity with the home buying and selling process and working with stakeholders in the real estate industry helpful

It is not necessary to have direct monitoring experience, as we will train the Program Associate. The position would be well-suited to someone looking for an entry point into the housing and community development field, with exposure to the real estate industry, housing policy, legal documents and procedures, regulatory compliance, and fair housing requirements.

Salary: The salary is $65,000-$75,000, commensurate with experience. CHAPA also provides a generous package of benefits including vacation and sick time, health insurance, short-term disability insurance, life insurance, and retirement benefits.