Lead Inspector

Public Health•New Haven, CT

About The Position

Introduction The mission of the New Haven Health Department is to ensure and advocate for the health and well-being of all New Haven residents. The Bureau of Environmental Health maintains as its principal goal the preservation and protection of the environmental quality of the City of New Haven. Work includes: Utilize and enforce applicable sections of the State Public Health Code, State Statutes, and Municipal Ordinances Resolve cases of childhood lead poisoning; provide educational outreach activities and assist with distribution of federal lead abatement funds to prevent lead poisoning. Investigate and resolve public health nuisances and infractions of applicable statutes and/or ordinances Assist in preparing for and responding to public health emergencies Lead is a poisonous substance found in most homes in New Haven, especially those built before 1978. In fact, over 80% of New Haven homes are likely to contain lead . When exposed to lead, children or adults can have permanent and severe health problems. PRIMARY FUNCTIONS This is a technical position under the general supervision of the Environmental Health Program Director or designee in the Department of Health to perform investigations, education, and outreach for the prevention of childhood lead poisoning. Work includes inspections for the purpose of determining the presence of lead-based paint and surface coverings and lead in soil, dust and drinking water. Work is performed within the framework of existing laws, ordinances, policies, and regulations.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelors’ degree in Public Health, Environmental Science, Occupational Health and Safety, or directly related field, and
A minimum of one (1) year of hands-on experience in environmental health inspection and enforcement,
Or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, abilities and skills:
Considerable knowledge of policies, procedures, methods, and industry standards relating to environmental health.
Considerable knowledge of lead poisoning, its effects on children, and long-term health implications.
Knowledge of lead hazard identification, assessment, and effective abatement strategies.
Considerable knowledge of current issues, research findings, and regulatory decisions regarding childhood lead poisoning.
Demonstrated ability to conduct thorough investigations of buildings and dwellings to identify hazards.
Competency in utilizing specialized instruments to test for surfaces containing lead paint.
Excellent record-keeping skills, including accurate documentation of inspection findings, supported by other media as needed.
Ability to prepare detailed written reports, summaries, analyses, recommendations, and charts that interpret test results.
Ability to assist with development and implementation of effective lead abatement plans for properties with confirmed lead hazards.
Ability to coordinate abatement efforts, including liaising with property owners, contractors, and relevant stakeholders.
Strong interpersonal skills for conducting educational workshops and outreach activities aimed at raising awareness about lead poisoning prevention.
Ability to use standard Microsoft Office with adeptness and ease, with the ability to learn new emerging technologies.
Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers, other City agencies, the public, property owners, and other stakeholders.
Ability to remain current on relevant literature, training, research findings, and industry advancements in the field of environmental health.
Commitment to ongoing professional development, including attendance at conferences, workshops, and training sessions to stay updated on advancements in lead inspection and abatement techniques.
Proven ability to work collaboratively with other city and state agencies involved in environmental health and lead abatement efforts.
Ability for self-driven initiative, coupled with strong time management and organizational skills, enabling efficient and independent execution of tasks and responsibilities.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively and sensitively in a diverse community, recognizing and respecting cultural differences, and fostering an inclusive environment conducive to achieving common environmental health goals.
Must obtain State of Connecticut Lead Inspector Certification within 6 months of appointment, and maintain throughout course of employment (Certification training sponsored by the City) .
Must obtain State of Connecticut Lead Risk Assessor Certification within 6 months of appointment, and maintain throughout course of employment (Certification training sponsored by the City).
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license throughout the course of employment.
Working knowledge of assessing individual and community health needs.
Ability to collect reliable data and analyze.
Ability to plan, implement and evaluate health education strategies, interventions and programs.
Demonstrate the ability to evaluate the effectiveness of all prevention and promotion programs and outreach efforts.
Good knowledge of the complexity of Connecticut State / City of New Haven laws and regulations, monitor them for changes and have the ability to independently adapt to changes.
Good working knowledge of the appropriate use of technology in health prevention and promotion and ability to independently adapt to the fast-changing landscape of technology.
Ability to learn about and work with all cultures, ethnicity, social economic statuses being respectful and non-judgmental.
Ability to facilitate/coordinate community stakeholder groups.
Ability to present, understand and relay all points of view on issues.
Good knowledge of the principles, practices and terminology of public health and chronic disease epidemiology.
Good knowledge of disease prevention and health promotion programs.
Working knowledge of communicable diseases, diagnoses, spread containment and treatment options.
Basic understanding of budgets
Demonstrate leadership and management skills.
Ability to independently manage projects while providing supervisory / oversight to diverse groups of community members.

Responsibilities

Inspects buildings and dwellings for possible sources of lead poisoning.
Conducts investigations, following established protocols, of home environments of children exhibiting the symptoms of blood-lead poisoning.
Performs inspections using special instruments to identify surfaces containing lead paint.
Collects samples of paint, dust, water, and soil from dwellings and delivers samples to laboratory.
Document findings accurately and take photographs or videos, as necessary.
Follows procedures to ensure abatement of all areas containing lead paint which may pose a direct hazard to the health of a child.
Reinspects dwellings after completion of repairs to ensure compliance with regulations.
Confers with individual property owners relevant to service of notices and violations.
Fosters a cooperative working relationship with other city and state agencies.
Records test data and prepares reports, summaries, or charts that interpret test results.
Prepares reports, analyses and recommendations concerning inspection duties and outcomes.
May conduct special surveys relating to general environmental health disciplines.
May assist in coordinating duties with other concerned agencies.
Develops and implements lead abatement plans for properties with confirmed lead hazards, including coordinating with property owners, contractors, and other stakeholders.
Assists with providing educational workshops and outreach activities to raise awareness about lead poisoning prevention and provide information on available resources for lead abatement.
Performs related work as required.