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Occupancy Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Occupancy Specialist

Chicago, IL

$20.75 - $25.75/hr

Additionally, the Occupancy Specialist II is responsible for creating training material, facilitating trainings, and performing user acceptance testing. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Waitlist ...

Occupancy Specialist

Decatur, GA · On-site

$19.75 - $24.50/hr

Position Summary The Occupancy Specialist is responsible for intake and eligibility of applicants and voucher management. He/She performs a variety of duties administering the Housing Choice Voucher ...

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Are you an experienced Occupancy Specialist with a strong background in Affordable Housing and Accounts Receivable ? We are seeking a detail-oriented professional to join a growing apartment ...

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Occupancy Specialist information

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$14

$22

$32

How much do occupancy specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for occupancy specialist in the United States is $22.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does an occupancy specialist typically collaborate with property managers and residents to address housing concerns?

Occupancy Specialists work closely with property managers to ensure that housing units are filled in accordance with program guidelines and that residents’ concerns are addressed promptly. They regularly communicate with residents to assist with eligibility verification, lease renewals, and resolving issues related to occupancy or compliance. This collaboration often involves attending meetings, coordinating inspections, and facilitating clear communication between all parties to maintain a positive living environment and ensure regulatory requirements are met.

How do I become a certified occupancy specialist?

To become a certified occupancy specialist, individuals typically need relevant experience in property management or housing programs and may pursue certifications such as the Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS) offered by industry organizations. Training programs often cover federal housing regulations, tenant screening, and occupancy policies, and passing an exam is usually required for certification.

What is an occupancy specialist?

Occupancy Specialists are professionals who manage and oversee the leasing, eligibility, and compliance processes for residential properties, often within affordable or public housing programs. Their main duties include processing applications, verifying tenant eligibility, ensuring compliance with housing regulations, and maintaining accurate records. They often serve as a point of contact between property management and residents, helping ensure that housing units are occupied by qualified tenants and that all regulatory requirements are met.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an occupancy specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Occupancy Specialist, you need a solid understanding of housing regulations, eligibility requirements, and property management practices, typically supported by experience in affordable housing or a related field. Familiarity with property management software such as Yardi or MRI, as well as certifications like Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS), is often required. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to communicate clearly with residents and colleagues set top performers apart. These skills are vital for ensuring compliance, efficient operations, and positive resident relationships in housing programs.

What is the difference between Occupancy Specialist vs Housing Coordinator?

AspectOccupancy SpecialistHousing Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer experience in housing or social servicesSimilar; often requires a high school diploma and experience in housing management or social services
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, community agencies, or housing facilitiesOffice-based, community outreach, or housing program sites
Employer & IndustryPublic housing authorities, non-profits, government agenciesHousing agencies, non-profits, government programs
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Occupancy Specialists and Housing Coordinators work within housing and social service environments, often requiring similar credentials and working for public or non-profit organizations. The main difference lies in their focus: Occupancy Specialists primarily handle tenant eligibility, leasing, and occupancy compliance, while Housing Coordinators oversee broader housing program operations and client services.

What does an occupancy specialist do?

An occupancy specialist determines the eligibility of applicants who are seeking affordable housing assistance covered by the Fair Housing Act. You screen applications and interview the candidates. Your duties and responsibilities are to collect information from applicants, such as income verification, perform background checks on each tenant, schedule showings of apartments or houses, and manage the database that tracks payments and outstanding debts. You may also help applicants with rent calculation and point them to any tax credit or benefit programs which may help them pay for their rent.

What cities are hiring for Occupancy Specialist jobs? Cities with the most Occupancy Specialist job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Occupancy Specialist jobs? The top employers for Occupancy Specialist jobs are:
What states have the most Occupancy Specialist jobs? States with the most job openings for Occupancy Specialist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Occupancy Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,167 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

$21 - $25.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago partners with mission-driven people and organizations across Cook and Lake counties to witness a message of mercy and hope to a world in need by improving lives, nourishing spirits; strengthening and empowering people, families, and communities; and committing to being present to our times through the eyes of faith.

Housing Occupancy Specialist

The Housing Occupancy Specialist provides client support and administrative services for the Bridge Subsidy Initiative, ensuring compliance, resolving issues, and assisting at-risk tenants.

Job Responsibilities

  • Provides direct service to clients by maintaining a caseload and responding to any inquiries and providing general information regarding the Bridge Subsidy Initiative Program;

  • Responsible for preparing correspondence, notifications, and internal paperwork for holds, reinstatements, and return of security deposits;

  • Works in collaboration with Occupancy Team to assist tenants at risk of eviction;

  • Is knowledgeable in and understands program regulations and Housing Agency Policies in order to effectively resolve general tenant/ landlord issues;

  • Handles all client complaints as well as crisis situations in consultation with his/her supervisory chain, in compliance with Agency/ Programmatic policies and procedures and treats each case with sensitivity and expedience;

  • Maintains up-to-date and accurate client files and databases, as required by agency/programmatic policies and procedures, professional standards, and external requirements of all relevant regulatory, licensing or accrediting bodies in the course of performing job expectations;

  • Handles a wide array of administrative tasks to ensure compliance with agency/programmatic policies and procedures, professional standards, and external requirements of all relevant regulatory, licensing or accrediting bodies in the course of performing job expectations;

  • Knows and complies with laws and regulations relevant to the position and services.

PLEASE NOTE: Essential functions include all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
XKneel and move from sitting, bending, kneeling or standing multiple times a day.
XPush and pull objects up to25pounds.
XClimb up and down up to4 or moreflights of stairs at a time.
XLift up to25pounds.

Other Requirements Comply with program and/or Agency requirements related to (check all that apply).
X Background check, including any program specific requirements.

Physical examination
TB Testing
Drug Testing

Driver's License and reliable transportation
Agency-specified automobile insurance

Immediate Supervisor:Occupancy Supervisor
Directly Supervises: N/A

Education and Experience Requirements:
Relevant Education:
Minimum: Bachelor's Degree
Preferred: N/A

Relevant Experience:
Minimum: 1-2 years in housing or related experience

Preferred: 3-4 years in housing or related experience

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Proficient in Excel.

Certification/Licensure:
Minimum: Must acquire NCHM Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS) certification within 1 year of employment.

Preferred: Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS) certification.