Housing Code Inspector

City of New Haven, CT•New Haven, CT

54d

About The Position

This is responsible fieldwork to ensure compliance with housing code regulations within the City of New Haven. Work involves the investigation of complaints and the routine conduct of inspections upon assignment. This role plays a pivotal role in upholding minimum standards for dwellings, ensuring they are safe, sanitary, and fit for human habitation. Operating under the Livable City Initiative (LCI), the Housing Code Inspector works collaboratively with property owners, tenants, and various city agencies to facilitate corrective measures and maintain the overall livability and quality of housing in the community. Work is performed under the supervision of the Deputy Director Housing Code Enforcement and is reviewed through conferences, reports and evaluation of results.

Requirements

An Associate's Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Real Estate, Community Development or a related field; a minimum of 1 year of experience in housing inspection, construction trades, real estate, inspection and investigative fieldwork, or related fieldwork experience, enforcement, legal or paralegal roles, community development or nonprofit work, social services or advocacy, or related experience.
In lieu of college degree, an additional 2 years of experience in these or related fields may be substituted.
Familiarity with and ability to keep current with state, local, and municipal housing codes and ordinances, including an understanding of the specific regulations governing housing in the City of New Haven.
Ability to conduct housing inspections in accordance with the New Haven Housing Ordinance; evaluating various aspects of residential buildings' overall conditions, identify violations, and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
Ability to coordinate responses with various City departments related to code violations, including Fire, Police, Health, and the Building Department.
Ability to prepare accurate reports and to maintain case records.
Ability to refer residents to a variety of social services in City departments or agencies as needed.
Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from members of the community.
Ability to work collaboratively with property owners, tenants, city agencies, community organizations, and public/private enterprises to address housing-related concerns and to implement initiatives.
Ability to prepare and process complaints that may result in case referrals to court.
General knowledge of building construction practices, safety standards, and compliance with codes.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to explain housing code regulations, goals, and responsibilities of the code enforcement program clearly to property owners, tenants, and other stakeholders.
Skilled in conflict resolution and negotiation.
Ability to adapt to various situations and solve complex problems related to housing conditions.
Ability to work independently under general supervision.
Ability to effectively manage time and prioritize tasks to ensure timely response to complaints, completion of inspections, and issuance of corrective orders.
Demonstrated commitment to ethical conduct, professionalism, and integrity in all interactions and decision-making.
Familiarity with relevant software and technology tools for record-keeping, reporting, and communication.
Must possess and maintain a valid Connecticut driver's license.
Must obtain Housing Quality Standards Specialist Certification within 6 months of hire.
Must obtain Nspire Certification within 6 months of hire.

Nice To Haves

Understanding of urban planning principles, community development strategies, economic development, and factors influencing housing conditions and community revitalization efforts is desirable.

Responsibilities

Investigates and inspects housing conditions in response to complaints or by assignment; initiates corrective measures; undertakes all follow-up work.
Documents and reports any violations of the housing code and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
Works with property owners and tenants to clarify areas of responsibility and to explain the means of compliance with corrective orders.
Refers residents to a variety of social services in City departments or agencies as needed.
Makes referrals to and coordinates responses with other departments when appropriate, such as Fire, Police, Health, and the Building Department.
Collaborates with other city agencies, public stakeholders, and enterprises to address complex housing issues and promote community development.
Prepares and maintains records related to assignments, both in the field and in department office.
Recommends summons hearings as necessary; recommends issuance of arrest warrants as necessary.
Testifies in court hearings as required.
Participates in training programs to stay updated on changes in codes, regulations, and enforcement procedures.
May conduct outreach and awareness campaigns to inform the public about code requirements and available resources.
Performs duties and responsibilities related to the City's work zone safety program and the enforcement of ordinances/regulations concerning on and off street parking, obstruction and right of way permits1.
Performs related work as required.