Blended Occupancy Specialist (BOS) Training

Course Description

Managing affordable housing properties with multiple funding sources, particularly those combining HUD assistance with Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), presents unique and complex compliance challenges. The Blended Occupancy Specialist (BOS) certification program is specifically designed to equip housing professionals with the knowledge and skills to expertly navigate these intricate scenarios.

This intensive training focuses on the critical interplay between HUD program regulations and LIHTC rules. As a blended occupancy specialist, you will learn how to correctly determine tenant eligibility, calculate rents, and maintain compliance when faced with overlapping or sometimes conflicting requirements from different funding streams.

The BOS certification is vital for site managers, occupancy specialists, compliance officers, and any professional dedicated to the successful management of mixed-finance properties. This program will empower you to reduce errors, ensure regulatory adherence, and maintain the long-term viability of these important affordable housing communities.

Please Note: BOS is an advanced course that focuses on the management of multiple compliance-related functions. For this reason, COS or TCS certification or its equivalent is required for registration.

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What you’ll learn:

• Fundamentals of Blended Programs (HUD, LIHTC, HOME): Gain a thorough overview of the basic mechanics including program design, administration, affordability periods, funding sources, eligibility requirements, and key compliance documents—for HUD, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), and HOME programs to effectively manage them in a blended context.
• Navigating Conflicting Program Rules: Learn to identify and strategically manage conflicts and overlaps between HUD, LIHTC, and HOME requirements to close compliance gaps and ensure seamless property operations.
• Fair Housing in Blended Properties: Understand and apply Fair Housing laws correctly within the complex framework of blended occupancy, ensuring equal opportunity across all programs.
• Compliant Tenant Selection & Leasing: Develop and implement compliant tenant selection plans and leases that cohesively address the distinct requirements of all applicable funding sources.
• Mastering Blended Tenant Eligibility: Tackle the challenges of accurately determining household income, making correct student eligibility determinations, conducting proper verifications, and appropriately setting rents when navigating between different program rules.
• Addressing Specific Program Complexities: Understand and correctly apply rules unique to programs like LIHTC (e.g., Next Available Unit Rule, Vacant Unit Rule) and HOME when layered with HUD assistance.
• Managing Unit Mix & Ongoing Eligibility: Learn strategies for achieving the correct unit mix in blended properties and maintaining ongoing tenant eligibility, including handling household status changes after initial certification.
• Recertifications & EIV in a Blended Context: Effectively manage annual and interim recertification processes and correctly utilize HUD’s Enterprise Income Verification (EIV) system in properties with multiple subsidy types.
• Audit Preparation & Professional Response: Prepare thoroughly for audits from multiple regulatory entities by understanding what to expect and learn how to respond to findings professionally and effectively.
• Strategic Compliance & Resource Optimization: Develop advanced compliance strategy skills to successfully manage blended properties, thereby saving time, reducing financial risks, and ensuring long-term viability.

Why NCHM?

NCHM is the Gold Standard

Our focused training ensures participants receive dedicated attention, gain a comprehensive understanding of complex layered compliance, and develop the confidence needed to excel in managing mixed-finance properties. We also provide an eHotline to all with an active NCHM certification, allowing for quick answers to any questions on the job.

Only Organization Created by the US Government to Provide Affordable Housing Training

As the sole organization initially established by the U.S. government specifically for affordable housing training, NCHM brings an unparalleled depth of knowledge and authority to its certification programs, including specialized training for blended occupancy specialists.

One Stop For Training and Certification

NCHM provides everything needed for Blended Occupancy Specialist (BOS) certification—registration, comprehensive training, and testing—in one convenient spot, simplifying the process for individuals and employers.

This streamlined approach ensures staff receive comprehensive training to become a proficient blended occupancy specialist, minimizing frustration and quickly integrating valuable team members without bottlenecks. Get your BOS certification effectively with less time, hassle, and confusion.

The BOS course is delivered over four half-days (1PM-5PM Eastern each day). Complete the online exam within a week post-class and receive your results promptly, achieving certification efficiently.

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