Section 8 Housing Inspector

Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority•Portsmouth, VA

3d•$35,000 - $42,000

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Inspection Supervisor/Director of the HCV Program, the HCV Housing Inspector helps ensure program compliance and safe living conditions. The role conducts comprehensive physical condition and quality-standard inspections of occupied and vacant dwellings participating in or applying to participate in the Housing Choice Voucher Program, in accordance with NSPIRE protocols. The inspector performs pre-occupancy, initial, annual, follow-up, and special inspections; documents deficiencies and recommended corrective actions; communicates compliance matters to property owners and management agents; and compiles information for rent reasonableness analysis and utility allowance adjustments. The position also maintains information on available units, builds working relationships with owners and property managers, prepares required reports and correspondence, maintains program-compliant records and confidentiality, and observes safety rules. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Fundamental knowledge of HUD NSPIRE or Housing Quality Standards protocols and standards, and general working knowledge of Portsmouth local occupancy and housing standards.
Comprehensive knowledge of Housing Choice Voucher program regulations, policies, and procedures.
Computer literacy, including personal computer operations, electronic communications, and specialized housing inspection or management software.
Good verbal and written communication skills and the ability to handle tenant-landlord relations professionally and present information to others.
Ability to work independently with initiative and sound judgment, with minimal supervision; dependable attendance and punctuality.
Strong organizational and multitasking skills, including planning, scheduling, and completing work to meet deadlines and performance measures.
Ability to work under pressure and time constraints and make independent field decisions in accordance with policies, procedures, and NSPIRE guidelines.
Generally available for occasional after-hours or weekend activities and accessible during emergencies, preferably by phone or other designated communication channels.
Must be bondable and successfully complete drug screening and criminal history background checks.
Exceptional interpersonal and human relations skills and ability to maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers, social agencies, participants, property owners, management companies, and city agencies.
Ability to conduct field inspections in varying weather and environmental conditions and access all areas of dwellings, including basements, attics, and tight spaces.
Ability to stoop, kneel, bend, stretch, crawl, and climb ladders or stairs as needed.
Ability to operate automated office and field equipment, including computers, tablets, mobile devices, printers, and communication tools.
Ability to lift, move, and carry inspection files, reports, and portable testing equipment.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle, remain insurable by the organization's automobile insurance carrier, and maintain a valid Virginia driver's license throughout employment.
Education equivalent to high school graduation with two years of college or university attendance, or vocational study in one or more building trades.
HUD NSPIRE Inspector Certification or equivalent Section 8 inspector training certification is required.

Nice To Haves

Basic working knowledge of residential maintenance and construction trades, including masonry, carpentry, concrete, roofing, sheet metal, landscaping, and plumbing.
Two years of experience in a responsible position directly related to construction or building-trades maintenance, with comprehensive knowledge of applicable building and sanitation codes.
Previous experience in federally assisted property management, HUD/Section 8 programs, or real estate.

Responsibilities

Perform pre-occupancy, initial, annual, and follow-up inspections of potential and participating properties.
Conduct special inspections to resolve complaints from program participants or landlords.
Prepare and submit reports documenting inspection deficiencies and recommended corrective actions.
Communicate orally and in writing with property owners and management agents about units’ compliance with housing quality standards.
Compile data needed for rent reasonableness analysis and utility allowance adjustments.
Maintain a current listing of available units throughout the City for program participation.
Establish working relationships with property owners and property management companies involved in the program.
Prepare reports and correspondence and maintain records in compliance with program regulations.
Maintain confidentiality of landlord, participant, and business-related information.
Observe all safety rules and regulations and perform other duties as assigned.