HQS Housing Inspector - HA High Point NC

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF HIGH POINT
500 E. Russell Avenue, High Point, NC 27260
www.hpha.net | 336.887.2661

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Position Title: HQS Housing Inspector
Department: Section 8
Application Deadline: Until Filled

To apply for the HQS Housing Inspector position, please click here.

SUMMARY
Responsible for conducting required inspections for the Section 8 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. Responsible for the Agency receiving at least a satisfactory rating concerning HUD agency scoring systems such as Section 8 Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) and other future HUD required evaluation systems. The duties listed below are illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The statements below are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.

Inspects properties for compliance with all applicable regulations and policies including HUD and HQS local building codes and zoning ordinances.
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. Ensures the program is landlord-friendly without sacrificing duty to participants and to HUD.
Makes home visits as scheduled or as required.
Photographs all housekeeping inspections to document conditions at time of inspection.
Reports to the Senior HQS Inspector all violations that occur that may be life threatening and/or not in compliance with preset standards.
Informs the Senior HQS Inspector of situations and/or conditions of participants' non-compliance with housing assistance contract and Agency policies.
Notifies owners and program participants in writing of unit code/HQS violations so that deficiencies can be corrected within specified time; notifies participants of trash or debris that needs their attention; and notifies participants when employees or contractors will need access to their units.
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 Senior HQS Inspector in the preparation of termination of assistance. Sends letter of abatement notice to owner/tenant within specified time period.
May conduct utility and rent reasonableness comparability analysis on Section 8 units and may recommend amount of initial contract rent and rent adjustments based on comparable unassisted housing. May maintain Rent Reasonableness comparable information for single-family dwellings, apartments, and duplexes.
Performs, documents, and logs participant-complaints and owner damage-claim inspections. Advises parties of results and ensures actions are taken to comply with HQS.
Assists in mediation between contractor and client to resolve differences of opinion and provides building code interpretations and applications as required.
Works to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.
Maintains complete records/files for area of responsibility in an accurate and timely manner.
Handles documents on a variety of general, personal, and technical topics of a highly confidential nature and maintains the confidentiality of all documents and information received by or in the possession of the employee.
Participates in job and certification training; attends continuing education classes for certifications and to stay abreast of current codes, regulations, and laws governing area of responsibility.
May greet the general public and explains the HQS/HUD rules and regulations.
Accountable for consistent adherence to strong Agency standards regarding the ethical, responsible, and appropriate use, care, and safeguarding of Agency materials, supplies, resources, and other assets.
Performs other duties as required including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise balance the workload.

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

Commitment: Sets high standards of performance; pursues aggressive goals and works efficiently to achieve them; strives for optimal results and success; conveys an appropriate sense of urgency and brings issues to closure; and persists despite any obstacles and/or 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; and recognizes working 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; and listens effectively.
Analytical Skills: Synthesizes complex or diverse information; collects and researches data; and uses knowledge and experience to complement data.
Quality: Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; applies feedback to improve performance; monitors own work to ensure quality.

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each competency satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job competencies.

Job Competencies

Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations pertaining to HCVP and Agency policies and procedures on leased housing and HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and inspection procedures.
Thorough knowledge of general architectural, engineering, construction, real estate and inspections techniques, principles, and procedures applicable to all types of residential structures including foundations, framing, plumbing, HVAC, interiors, and insulation; federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations pertaining to Housing Agency policies and procedures on Housing Quality Standards.
Working knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of HCVP housing management; private rental market, client rights and city code standards.
Thorough knowledge of business English, and general office practices and procedures; building maintenance and construction methods, and materials and the operation of appropriate peripherals, hardware, and software packages.
Must be able to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, owners/landlords, participant, and other business contacts; and deal effectively with situations requiring tact and diplomacy, yet firmness.
Ability to use math with speed and accuracy and prepare clear and concise narrative and statistical reports and maintain accurate records.
Must maintain the confidentiality of the Agency's operations.
Ability to inspect and determine necessary repair for units to meet City Code and HQS.
Ability to detect defects and faults in construction and to assess compliance with established standards.
Ability to work effectively with all types of people and to maintain composure under pressure.

Education and/or Experience
Associate degree or Vocational/Technical degree with training emphasis in construction with at least three (3) years' experience in Housing Quality Standards and residential and multi-family building maintenance and inspections or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

The following Certifications must be obtained within one (1) year of employment or other allowable period of hire as authorized by the Chief Executive Officer or his/her designee:

Rent Calculation
Enterprise Income Verification System (EIV)
Fair Housing
Housing Quality Standards (HQS)

Language Skills
Ability to read and understand written directions, policies, and procedures. Ability to write business correspondence, basic reports, and other documentation. Ability to convey information and respond to questions from program participants, landlords, management and the general public.

Mathematical Skills
Knowledge of general mathematical concepts such as the ability to calculate decimals, percentages, and fractions; ability to apply concepts in the workplace.

Reasoning Ability
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with routine problems. Ability to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, and schedule form. Ability to exercise judgment within established guidelines, and where guidelines are absent, can determine a reasonable course of action.

Computer Skills
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have strong computer skills (Microsoft Office, Outlook, project management software, spreadsheet programs, contact management systems, accounting programs, and the Internet). Must be able to learn other computer programs as required by assigned tasks.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Prefer HQS Certification obtained prior to employment; must be obtained within one year of employment. Possession of a valid, North Carolina driver's license and the ability to be insurable under the Agency's automobile insurance plan at the standard rate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to maintain a standing position. Daily movements include standing; walking; sitting; operating computers and other office equipment; repetitive keyboarding; stooping and crouching; reaching and grasping; moving about the office; and attending onsite and offsite meetings. The employee must be able to exchange information in person, in writing, and via e-mail and telephone. The employee must occasionally transport weight up to 30 to 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Position generally works either in a standard, climate-controlled, office environment or on-site at HPHA properties. The noise level in the office environment is usually moderate, but loud noises, temperature extremes or other unforeseen conditions may occur at HPHA properties.

Equal Opportunity Employer

SUBMITTED BY:

Human Resources
The Housing Authority of the City of High Point is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Housing Authority of the City of High Point will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.