Housing Inspector

Detroit Housing Commission•Detroit, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Housing Inspector is responsible for conducting housing quality inspections to ensure assisted units meet HUD’s Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and/or National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE), as applicable. This position plays a critical role in ensuring safe, decent, and sanitary housing for program participants while maintaining compliance with HUD regulations.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required
HQS inspection certification required
Valid state driver’s license
Must pass federal, state, and local criminal investigation clearances, and pass a drug screening test administered by the Commission or its designated provider
Must be insurable under the agency’s insurance policy
Knowledge of HUD rules and regulations that apply to property management: Fair Housing Laws, Michigan Real Estate Landlord-Tenant Law, OSHA Standards, Local and State Building Codes.
Knowledge of organization’s structure, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of standard office procedures, filing, and standard office equipment, including computer, fax, copier, telephone system.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of automated information systems, and data processing
Knowledge of the operation of commission and HUD computer system and software
Knowledge of basic office practices, procedures, and equipment.
Knowledge of MS 365 Productivity Apps (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, MS Teams, OneDrive)
Knowledge of HUD regulations and guidelines relating to Housing Quality Standards (HQS)/NSPIRE (or successor programs and State and Local building and occupancy laws or regulations
Knowledge of HUD HCV program regulations, principles, and practices
Knowledge of DHC’s Administrative Plan and related policies and procedures
Knowledge of principles and practices of urban development and housing management
Knowledge of principles and practices of community programs and organizations
Knowledge of Business English; punctuation, arithmetic, and spelling
Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures; departmental policies and procedures
Knowledge of record keeping methods and procedures
Knowledge of report preparation techniques
Act independently
Analyze situations
Attend to details
Verbally communicate
Communicate in writing
Concentrate
Empathize
Identify problems
Initiate
Manage pressure
Motivate
Multi-task
Organize
Problem solve
Think creatively
Interpret HUD Regulations, policies, and technical guidance
Analyze situations, review available actions, and determine the best course of action
Calculate, compute, summarize and/or tabulate data and information
Communicate effectively orally or in writing with relevant stakeholders, internal and external, from a variety of backgrounds
Compile data and prepare reports
Develop and maintain recordkeeping systems and procedures
Exercise tact, discretion and diplomacy
Interact effectively in a complex, dynamic environment
Interact with public and private agencies and residents to accomplish organizational goals
Interpret and understand community housing needs as it pertains to inspections
Investigate problems or issues and resolve effectively
Operate standard office equipment
Maintain confidentiality
Manage conflict effectively
Manage multiple priorities and demands within established requirements
Master position-specific software
Plan, organize, complete or assign work and special projects in order to meet organizational goals
Prepare written documents/reports with proper sentence structure, grammar and overall completeness
Provide high level, quality customer service both internally and externally
Provide information and feedback in a courteous, diplomatic manner
Read and understand department specific documentation, and policies and procedures
Research issues using a variety of sources to obtain data and information
Respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints
Review and edit documents for accuracy and completeness
Troubleshoot problems and apply preventative or corrective measures
Understand and apply local, state and federal rules and regulations related to subsidized housing and housing quality standards

Nice To Haves

NSPIRE inspection certification required within three (3) months of employment.
Associate or bachelor’s degree in construction management, building inspection, housing, or a related field. A combination of education and work experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

Conduct initial, annual, special, and complaint-based inspections for HCV and Project-Based Voucher (PBV) units
Perform inspections in accordance with HUD HQS and/or NSPIRE standards and local PHA policies
Identify health and safety deficiencies and determine required corrective actions
Document inspection results accurately and timely in the PHA’s housing software system
Verify completion of repairs and reinspect units as required
Ensure inspection activities comply with HUD regulations, PIH Notices, and PHA Administrative Plan
Maintain detailed inspection records, photographs, and reports
Communicate inspection outcomes clearly to landlords, tenants, and internal staff
Support audit, monitoring, and quality control reviews related to inspections
Educate landlords and residents on inspection requirements and standards
Respond professionally to resident’s and owner inquiries related to inspection findings
Coordinate access to units with residents, property owners, and management agents
De-escalate tense situations and enforce standards consistently and respectfully
Collaborate with Housing Specialists, supervisors, and management to resolve inspection-related issues.
Assist with landlord outreach and retention efforts by providing clear guidance on compliance expectations.
Participate in training related to HUD inspection standards and regulatory updates.
Critical thinking and problem-solving ability.