Housing Inspector

Housing Inspector

Under the direction of the Inspections Manager, and as part of EHA's housing inspections team, the Housing Inspector conducts inspections on properties subsidized with rental assistance from EHA, provides reports, and enforces compliance with EHA policy and regulationsof the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Housing Inspector is also responsible for conducting rent comparability analyses and determining utility allowances.

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

1. Inspect properties, including grounds, structures, building systems and equipment for compliance with HUD inspection standards. Complete inspections and reports, including quality control, complaint, initial, annual re-inspections, special inspections and other inspections as assigned.
2. Efficiently schedule inspections to minimize driving between inspections. Communicate effectively with owners, participants and EHA staff including constituents for whom English is not their first language.
3. Make independent judgments in the field in accordance with departmental policy and effectively communicate these decisions and findings to others to obtain compliance. Work is evaluated based upon results
4. Conduct analysis of market and property, recommend and/or negotiate contract rent and any prorated amounts within the scope of the rent reasonableness, Fair Market Rents, Payments Standards, Exception Rents, and/or Annual Adjustment Factors. Determine and explain calculations regarding how income, rent and abatements are derived.
5. Identify and cite inspection deficiencies, discuss and document deficiencies with owner/tenant, and prepare deficiency lists, memos, and reports, including data entry into agency software programs. Recommend preventative and corrective actions to owners and tenants to ensure housing units comply with requirements. Establish deadlines for the completion of work. Document efforts to bring properties into compliance
6. Identify, research, and analyze complex inspections-related issues; develop plans of action; negotiate and resolve inspections-related issues with maintenance field staff, residents, and others; oversee identified issues to resolution.
7. Interact with the public (individuals, groups and agencies) to present and provide program information, according to Rental Assistance procedures and regulations; proactively communicate with the management groups regarding NSPIRE inspections.
8. Coordinate special tasks/projects, as assigned, according to established procedures and regulations, including the completion of required reports for all customers, internal and external (i.e. Agencies, Maintenance, Property Management, Area Administrators, HUD, or Supervisors) as needed.
9. Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide seamless customer service to residents, landlords, and other agency departments.
10. Participate in the development and implementation of goals, work plans, performance measures, and continuous improvement of service delivery to assist in attaining the department initiatives and goals, agency core strategies, and mission through a spirit of service, teamwork, and respect.
11. Attend all required training and safety meetings; use, maintain and replace assigned personal protective equipment; report all injuries and illnesses to supervisor immediately; complete and submit incident/accident reports as required; report hazardous conditions or unsafe work practices to supervisor; follow all safety and health guidelines, practices, policies, and procedures; and actively support and participate in the Emergency Preparedness program and tasks.
12. Back-up other inspections staff on leave or vacant positions as assigned.
13. Maintain assigned EHA vehicle.

Knowledge and skill requirements include:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Knowledge of local and state building codes
• Skill in reading, understanding, interpreting, and explaining complicated rules and regulations
• Ability to remain calm under pressure
• Ability to work respectfully and courteously with other EHA employees, residents, landlords, and the public
• Knowledge of effective conflict resolution strategies an ability to effectively resolve disputes
• Ability to exercise independent judgment within organizational guidelines
• Ability to speak, read, write, and understand English and follow oral and written directions
• Proficiency in current office technology and software applications
• Ability to quickly and efficiently learn and use equipment in the field to document inspections
• Defensive driving skills and ability to drive and walk safely in inclement weather conditions
• Rent comparability analysis

Education and experience requirements include:

• Requires a high school diploma. Requires two years of college or vocational/technical school, or may substitute an additional Two (2) years of relevant work experience for the two years of college or vocational/technical school. Requires Five (5) years of experience in housing construction, maintenance, property management, housing program administration, or related fields, including Two (2) years of experience in building inspections, construction, property management, or in a technical trade such as plumbing, electrical, or HVAC. Prior experience in housing, building, or construction inspections preferred. Additional desirable qualifications include prior government work experience and fluency in Russian, Ukrainian, Vietnamese, Arabic, or Spanish language.

Competencies include:

• Adaptability and Flexibility: demonstrates a willingness to adapt to organizational change, new challenges, and demanding situations. Accepts constructive criticism and uses it to improve performance and teamwork.
• Communication: Communicates clearly and listens effectively. Responds appropriately to challenging questions or comments. Adapts communication to diverse audiences. Remains professional.
• Customer Service: Understands and strives to meet internal and external customer needs and expectations. Responds in a timely manner. Proactively works to resolve conflicts and misunderstandings. Is available, approachable, and respectful to all regardless of their background.
• Integrity and Accountability: Demonstrates high ethical standards and accountability. Follows policies and procedures. Asks for clarifications on assignments and help when needed. Practices EHA's values. Implements EHA's strategic plan.
• Productivity: Completes work on time and meets applicable EHA safety requirements, deadlines, and quality standards. Effectively prioritizes and plans workload. Masters new tasks and methods, learns and retains knowledge.
• Teamwork: Asks questions and readily shares their knowledge with others. Supports colleagues, team, department, and agency projects. Interacts professionally with team members and builds authentic relationships with colleagues of all backgrounds. Resolves conflicts constructively. Appreciates and recognizes contributions of others.

Required workplace standards include:

1. Works regular and reliable hours on site as required
2. Attendance must be punctual and consistent;
3. Works an agreed-upon schedule and works additional hours as necessary to complete work;
4. Works effectively, cooperatively and respectfully with co-workers, clients, and other contacts;
5. Follows all EHA Safety Policies and Procedures;
6. Follows all EHA Personnel Policies and Procedures;
7. Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical requirements to perform essential functions include:

• Sitting for extended periods of time
• Manual dexterity (Left, Right, Both)
• Listening and talking
• Repetitive arm/hand movement (LRB)
• Fine finger manipulation (LRB)
• Seeing and hearing
• Lifting and carrying 5# (LRB)
• Pushing and pulling 5# (LRB)

• Walking and standing
• Turning and twisting at waist
• Climbing stairs
• Bending and stooping
• Reaching and grasping (LRB)
• Lifting and carrying 10# (LRB)
• Pushing and pulling 10# (LRB)

• Kneeling and squatting
• Reaching above shoulders
• Operating foot controls (LRB)
• Lifting and carrying 20#
• Pushing and pulling 20#

Those interested can expect:

• A competitive salary
• Accrue up to 12 days of paid vacation in your first year of employment
• 13 days of sick leave each year
• 13 paid holidays each year
• A strong benefit package including robust health, dental, and life insurance as well as a pension plan (PERS).
• Vision and long term disability Insurance