Job Listing

Housing Quality Standard (HQS) inspector

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
In addition to the following, performs other related duties as required.
Performs inspections for Housing Choice Voucher Programs and processes paperwork involved with inspections; maintains statistical data and provides reports on inspections; handles landlord and tenant inquiries related to Housing Quality Standards (HQS) issues.

QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of training and work experience which indicates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below.

An example of an acceptable qualification for this position:

Completion of secondary education (high school or GED), plus two (2) years or more of experience in home maintenance, building rehabilitation, building inspection, or equivalent.

LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Must possess a valid State of Ohio driver’s license and remain insurable in accordance with the agency’s vehicle insurance policy; must possess certification as a Housing Quality Standard (HQS) inspector or obtain such certification within the first six (6) months after hire; must possess certification as a lead paint assessor or obtain such certification within six (6) months after hire.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION

• Schedules initial, annual, special, and vacated unit inspections on a timely basis, utilizes computer and available software to send inspection schedule letters to tenant and landlord on a timely basis; keeps appointment book up to date at all times.
• Conducts inspections and re-inspections of buildings/units for physical condition and structural soundness to determine feasibility for Housing Choice Voucher Program; ensures compliance with federal, state, and local building, health, and safety codes; prepares detailed unit inspection records and reports; describes in detail repair/rehabilitation requirements necessary to bring the property into compliance and up to an acceptable condition; certifies units in accord with established compliance standards.
• Completes inspection booklets for annual, move-in, and special inspections and reinspections; maintains inspection booklets in accordance with established procedures; files inspection booklets in tenant file; provides a transcript of inspection results for those units that failed the housing quality standard (HQS) inspection in order to assist in the preparation of letters to tenants and landlords.
• Communicates with landlords and realtors to secure standard housing for Housing Choice Voucher Residents.
• Determines and documents violations and fails any units in violation of standards; processes failed inspections accurately and timely; sends letters to tenants and landlords; schedules reinspections.
• Prepares weekly staff reports on work performed, SEMAP audit, and other Section 8 issues; prepares other documentation related to Section 8 inspections.
• Performs rent reasonableness comparisons and calculations utilizing proscribed methods and data from the private rental market, etc.
• Investigates and verifies or denies verification of complaints of non-compliance of leave agreements.
• Receives and responds to inquiries about the available Section 8 programs; serves as liaison between the agency and other governmental, housing, and service organizations in order to facilitate the delivery and coordination of services to tenants and applicants.
• Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance.
• Meets all job safety requirements and all applicable OSHA safety standards that pertain to essential functions.
• Maintains required certification.

 

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Attends training programs.
• Establishes and confirms dates housing units meet Housing Quality Standards and/or tenant move-in dates to assist with the processing of Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contracts.
• Develops and maintains contacts within private rental landlords to collect and maintain data and information for an up-to-date rent reasonableness comparison data base for all parts of Lake County.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or directed in order to promote, further, and ensure the effective and efficient operation of the Lake Metropolitan Housing Authority.

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE CHARACTERISTICS: (*indicates developed after employment)
Knowledge of: agency policies and procedures;* rules and regulations governing Housing Choice Voucher Program housing quality standards; English grammar and spelling; inspection techniques; basic construction, plumbing, and electrical standards; applicable national, state, and local codes; office practices and procedures.

Skill in: computer operation; use of modern office equipment; use or operation of tools or instruments used in housing inspections (e.g., circuit tester, tape measure, etc.).

Ability to: recognize unusual or threatening conditions and take appropriate action; define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; exercise independent judgment and discretion; understand, interpret, and apply laws, rules, and regulation to specific situations; communicate effectively; handle sensitive inquiries from and contacts with officials and the general public; develop and maintain effective working relationships; prepare accurate documentation; travel to and gain access to work sites.

 

 

 

 

 

EQUIPMENT OPERATED
The following are examples only and are not intended to be all inclusive.
Computer and other standard business office equipment; automobile.

INHERENTLY HAZARDOUS OR PHYSICALLY DEMANDING WORKING CONDITIONS
The employee: is exposed to chemicals found in an office environment (toner, correction fluid, etc.); may be exposed to unsanitary conditions at inspection sites; may be exposed to irate or emotionally distraught individuals; must be able to go up and down stairs; is exposed to damp basements.

Note: In accordance with the U.S. Department of Labor physical demands strength ratings, this is considered light work.

To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Commitment: Sets high standards of performance; pursues aggressive goals and works hard/smart to achieve them; strives for results and success; conveys a sense of urgency and brings issues to closure; persists despite obstacles and opposition.

Customer Service: Meets/exceeds the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; identifies, understands, monitors and measures the needs of both internal and external customers; talks and acts with customers in mind. Recognizes work colleagues as customers.

Effective Communication: Ensures important information is passed to those who need to know; conveys necessary information clearly and effectively orally or in writing. Demonstrates attention to, and conveys understanding of, the comments and questions of others; listens effectively.

Responsiveness and Accountability: Demonstrates a high level of conscientiousness; holds oneself personally responsible for one's own work; does fair share of work.

Company Profile
Lake Metropolitan Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer