Housing Specialist - Inspector (Western NC)

Vaya Health•Sylva, NC

3d•Remote

About The Position

The purpose of the Housing Specialist-Inspector is to support the implementation of Vaya Health’s Transitions to Community Living Voucher (TCLV) Program by providing consistent Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and/or National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) Inspection services so that Vaya members are assured quality and decent living conditions. This is done by following Housing and Urban Development regulations, Transitions to Community Living Subsidy Administration policies and procedures, North Carolina’s Transitions to Community Living Initiative Housing Fund guidelines, and by working with other Vaya Health personnel to coordinate essential agency functions with various stakeholders. The employee, in collaboration with Vaya’s Housing Supervisor and Manager, ensures that all housing activities are delivered in accordance with the terms and conditions of the DMH/DD/SAS Contract, and guidelines/manuals/protocols/procedures established by the Department of Health and Human Services, federal rules and regulations, best practices, standards, and internal Vaya policies/procedures/manuals/guidelines.

Requirements

Highly motivated, team player, self-starter and able to work independently with little or no direction
Ability to problem solve and provide practical, thorough and creative solutions to work tasks
Strong knowledge of federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and program practices/requirements applicable to Vaya Health’s operation in North Carolina
Ability to adhere to strict confidentiality requirements
Experience in leading a performance relationship with external stakeholders
Proficiency in analyzing, understanding and communicating network needs
Strong customer service skills paired with a positive demeanor – a “can do” attitude
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to speak clearly and concisely, conveying complex or technical information in a manner that others can understand, as well as ability to understand and interpret complex information from others, including but not limited to reimbursement policy standards
Exceptional business acumen
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
High level of knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and adept at learning software applications – expert level preferred
High School diploma/GED and 5 years’ service experience
Associate degree and 3 years’ experience
Bachelor’s degree and 2 years’ experience

Nice To Haves

Strong knowledge of federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and program practices/requirements applicable to Vaya Health’s operation in North Carolina, particularly those impacting the TCL Program and TCL members, is beneficial
Demonstrated knowledge of the assessment and treatment of mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorder, sometimes co-occurring, is helpful

Responsibilities

Perform Housing Quality Standards inspections including initial inspections, annual re-certification inspections, special inspections and all re-inspections of failed units, emergency and special inspection within specified time frames.
Assure that program participants have a safe, decent, and sanitary place to live by conducting inspections consistently
Remain familiar and current with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development federal regulations and state and local building codes and ordinances as they relate to Vaya’s subsidy administration for Transitions Community Living Voucher (TCLV) program
Perform inspections based on Lead-Based Paint regulations as they pertain to the TCLV Program
Ensure all acceptability criteria and performance requirements for all dwelling units comply both at commencement of assisted occupancy and throughout the assisted tenancy (sanitary facilities, food preparation and refuse disposal, space and security, thermal environment, illumination and electricity, structure and materials, interior air quality, water supply, lead-based paint, access, site and neighborhood, sanitary conditions and smoke detectors)
Research other programs for best practices on a regular basis to ensure Vaya Health’s inspections are efficient
Maintain a business process with the Transitions to Community Living (TCL) unit, manager and director to fulfill subsidy administration contract requirements between the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA)
Implement the following housing administration themes: pre-leasing; leasing; ongoing tenancy; annual activities; and tenancy termination, but are not limited to the following: conducting HQS inspections; calculating subsidy/payment; negotiating Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) agreement; conducting annual inspections; executing HAP renewals; conducting move out or termination inspections; and assisting with special claims/risk mitigation resources
Collect data and enter information electronically into NCHFA’s Community Living Integration and Verification system (CLIVe)
Maintain required reports and statistics on a monthly and annual basis as required
Provide excellent customer service to program participants and landlords by explaining and consistently enforcing program guidelines and regulations
Treat all participants and landlords in a respectful non-judgmental manner
Respond to inquiries, phone calls, correspondence in a timely and responsive manner
Mediate and negotiate communication with participant and landlord as needed concerning failed inspections and condition of unit inspections
Participate in other assigned duties as it relates to Vaya’s Transitions to Community Living Voucher program and initiative
Attend and actively participate in required Housing and TCL staff meetings and trainings
Provide training to service providers as requested
Participate in Vaya activities and committees at the request of Vaya’s Housing Supervisor and Manager
Assist in Housing Team coverage, as identified by your Supervisor
Crosstrain in other Housing Team skills, as identified by your Supervisor