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Housing Inspector

INLIVIAN, Whitehall, NY, United States


Title:
Housing Inspector

Reports To:
Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) Inspections Manager

Office/Department/Division:
Operations/Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP)

FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt

Position Summary
Responsible for conducting required inspections for the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP), rehabilitation grants, new construction, and existing rental dwellings to ensure compliance with HUD's lead‑based paint, Housing Quality Standards (HQS), City Code, and ICC Building Code. Performs a variety of inspection and related administrative tasks.

Responsibilities

Performs, documents, records, and uploads into appropriate system initial, interim, move‑out, special, or recertification inspections of units for compliance with HQS and City Code.

Advises owners/landlords and program participants of inspection results, ensures required repairs are completed, and encourages proper maintenance of units.

Prepares all inspection‑related correspondence, documents, and reports in a timely and accurate manner.

Presents HQS information at applicant, tenant, and moving briefings.

Assists with landlord meetings to attract new and maintain current landlords, ensuring the program remains landlord‑friendly without sacrificing duty to participants and HUD.

Makes home visits as scheduled or as required.

Photographs all housekeeping inspections to document conditions at time of inspection.

Reports to the HCVP Inspections Manager any violations that may be life‑threatening or non‑compliant with preset standards.

Informs the HCVP Inspections Manager of participants’ non‑compliance with housing assistance contracts and agency policies.

Notifies owners and participants in writing of unit code/HQS violations for timely correction and informs participants of trash, debris, or required access needs.

Recommends code‑compliant solutions for rehabilitation/repair problems.

Assists in mediating disputes between landlords and participants.

Recommends abatement, detainment, and termination of HCVP housing assistance payment contracts and supports the HCVP Inspections Manager in preparing termination of assistance documentation.

May conduct utility and rent reasonableness comparability analysis on HCV units and recommend rent amounts based on comparable unassisted housing.

Performs, documents, and logs participant‑complaint and owner damage‑claim inspections, ensuring actions comply with HQS.

Assists in creating/maintaining landlord/owner and contractor pools.

Facilitates mediation between contractors and clients to resolve differences and provides building code interpretations as required.

Maintains complete, accurate records/files for area of responsibility.

Handles confidential documents and maintains confidentiality of all information received.

Participates in job and certification training and attends continuing education classes to stay current on codes, regulations, and laws.

May greet the general public and explain HQS/HUD rules and regulations.

Accounts for ethical use and safeguarding of agency materials, supplies, and resources.

Performs other duties as required to cover absences or relieve workload, or as assigned.

Education And Experience
Associate’s Degree with one (1) to three (3) years of experience in residential and multi‑family building maintenance and inspections or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and Fair Housing Certifications must be obtained within eighteen (18) months of employment or within another allowable period as authorized by the HCVP Inspections Manager.

Knowledge And Skills

Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to HCVP and HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS).

Knowledge of general architectural, engineering, construction, real‑estate, and inspection techniques for all residential structures.

Working knowledge of HCVP housing management practices and private rental market standards.

Proficiency in business English and general office practices, building maintenance and construction methods, and operation of relevant software.

Clear and concise communication skills, both oral and written.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees, owners/landlords, participants, and other contacts.

Ability to use math quickly and accurately and prepare clear narrative and statistical reports.

Ability to inspect and determine necessary repairs for units to meet City Code and HQS.

Skill in detecting construction defects and assessing compliance with standards.

Ability to work effectively with all people and maintain composure under pressure.

Supervision Controls
The Housing Inspector receives assignments and instructions from the HCVP Inspections Manager. Work is typically determined by procedures or supervisor direction. Routine tasks are performed with minimal supervision. Unusual situations are referred to the supervisor. Work is regularly reviewed for thoroughness and compliance. No supervisory responsibilities are required.

Guidelines
Guidelines include inspection manuals, checklists, and leased housing manuals. Independent judgment is frequently used where guidelines do not cover specific situations.

Complexity
Work is often routine but requires above‑average technical and communication skills. Sensitivity and objectivity are needed in interactions with owners, landlords, and participants. Inclement weather and unsanitary conditions may pose difficulty.

Scope and Effect
The role impacts a significant portion of units in the agency’s housing programs. Thorough inspections ensure safe, sanitary housing for participants and adequate compensation for owners.

Personal Contacts
Primary contacts are housing owners, landlords, and tenants. Long‑term relationships and clear communication are essential.

Physical Requirements

On‑site and in‑office work includes stairs, ladders, roofs, attics, basements, plumbing, electrical, heating, and air conditioning systems.

Stand or sit for up to eight hours while working.

Bend, stoop, push, and pull as needed.

Work around fumes, odors, chemical agents, and solvents.

Use fingers bilaterally and unilaterally with testing and office equipment.

Vision and hearing must be adequate and may require correction.

Maintain punctuality and attendance.

Employees may request reasonable accommodations for physical requirements.

Work Environment
Typical office environment with field visits that may expose workers to adverse weather, road conditions, and unsanitary dwellings. Regular travel throughout the area is required.

Other Requirements
Must possess a valid State of North Carolina or South Carolina driver’s license and commit to continuous improvement and education. Confidentiality is essential.

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