Housing Inspection Coordinator

Lighthouse•Pontiac, MI

About The Position

Lighthouse MI is a growing non-profit, established in 2019 when Lighthouse of Oakland County and South Oakland Shelter joined forces to offer a stronger collective response to poverty in our Metro Detroit community. With over 80 years of combined experience, Lighthouse serves as a beacon of hope to our neighbors who need it most by offering assistance with emergency basic needs alongside housing programs and supportive services designed to support long-term economic stability. Lighthouse owns and operates Spero Housing Group, a subsidiary non-profit dedicated specifically to developing and operating high quality affordable and supportive housing for persons of low and moderate income, as well as HandUp, a community and crowdfunding platform serving 100+ homeless service agencies and their clients across the United States. Lighthouse is hiring a full-time Housing Quality Inspector. The Housing Quality Inspector will play a critical role supporting Lighthouse’s various supportive housing programs by ensuring that all housing units are safe and secure prior to client move-in and meet program and industry standards. Housing inspections assess the safety and livability of rental properties, particularly those receiving government assistance. The purpose of housing inspections is to ensure that housing meets the minimum health and safety standards to protect the welfare of tenants within Lighthouse’s various residential and supportive housing programs. Inspections include ensuring all units have adequate plumbing, heating, and electrical systems; an absence of hazards such as lead paint, mold, or structural issues; and that units are appropriate and sufficient living spaces with secured entrances. All units must pass a housing inspection prior to lease signing and client moving in. Lived in units must also pass annual inspections. Most inspections are completed on individual, scattered-site apartment units, though single family homes and duplexes are sometimes inspected as well as Lighthouse's emergency shelter facilities. This position reports directly to the Facilities Manager and works across teams and departments. The ideal candidate will be familiar with housing quality standards, able to complete minor repairs, able to track and monitor the status of repairs, comfortable engaging with landlords and property managers, organized, able to work positively with a diverse group of individuals, and a clear communicator.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED
1+ year of experience in property management, facilities, maintenance, inspection, construction, housing programs, or a related field
Basic knowledge of residential housing systems (plumbing, electrical, heating) or willingness to learn quickly
Ability to identify safety hazards and assess general housing conditions using a checklist or standard
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple inspections, deadlines, and documentation requirements
Reliable transportation, maintenance of automobile insurance, and ability to travel regularly between inspection sites
Valid driver’s license, Lighthouse reserves the right to require a driving record check with respect to any employee where driving is an essential function of the position.
Comfort working with a diverse population, including clients, landlords, and internal teams
Clear and professional communication skills, both written and verbal

Nice To Haves

Lived experience with homelessness
Professional experience in supportive housing, homelessness services, or nonprofit settings
Proficiency with basic computer systems (e.g., Google Suit or similar systems)
Familiarity with HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS) or similar inspection frameworks
Housing Quality Standard (HQS) Certified
An understanding of Fair Housing practices and Tenant Rights
Experience completing HQS inspections from start to finish
An appetite for innovation and creative problem-solving
Ability to work across teams.
Ability to listen and accept feedback constructively.
Ability to work in a fast paced, demanding, and constantly changing environment

Responsibilities

Work across departments and teams to ensure proper coordination and prioritization of various housing inspections.
Conduct an estimated 15 housing inspections weekly on individual scattered-site apartment units, single family homes, duplexes, and other Lighthouse residential facilities.
On occasion, assist program clients in completing minor, preventative repairs, when feasible
Communicate the passing or failing of units with landlords, property managers, and Lighthouse team members.
Document and communicate needed repairs by landlords and property managers.
Communicate and track the timeframe in which the repairs must be completed.
Follow-up with landlords and re-inspect units.
Serve as the master record keeper for all housing inspections. Keep digital and paper files. Complete and file all paperwork within 48 hours.
Keep an inspection schedule of new units that need to be inspected prior to client move-in, as well as annual renewals.
Work with supervisor and teammates to determine inspection priorities.
Maintain consistent communication with team members and implement a reporting dashboard.
Maintain compliance with required trainings and certifications to meet program and industry standards.
Maintain approval to drive.
Help to enforce program rules, policies, and procedures and uphold agency values to maintain a safe, client-centered, and inclusive environment for clients, staff, interns, and volunteers.
Participate in appropriate staff and team meetings.
Attending in person and virtual training sessions, presentations and meetings.