Housing Inspector I

DC Housing Authority • Washington, District of Columbia, United States • $28 / hour • 6d ago

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The statements below are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.

Conducts HQS inspections of units proposed for assistance and other inspections, including annuals, complaints and resulting re-inspections, as required by HCV Program guidelines, including difficult inspections of occupies units where expertise is required. Uploads inspections results in automated system as scheduled;
Determines compliance with federal and local housing codes and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) HQS for both interior and exterior inspections; Takes photographs of unit conditions as required;
Accurately documents unit conditions for all inspection types and clearly describes fail conditions;
Coordinates with scheduling team to ensure that inspections and/or re-inspections occur within required timeframes;
Reviews daily routes to maximize use of time and minimize travel and other expenses;
Reports cases of suspected emergency violations (i.e. no heat, no water, no gas, etc.) to ensure scheduling appropriate follow-up;
Performs pre-inspections; advises landlords as to necessary repairs for units to be accepted into Housing Choice Voucher Program;
Conducts final inspection reviews after abatement has been made;
Completes HUD and DCHA forms and reports as required;
Gathers data for rent reasonableness determination, including unit conditions and utilities to establish comparability;
Testifies in court on occasion;
Responds to inquiries from tenants, landlords and property owners;
Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service;
Performs other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Competencies

Comprehensive knowledge of policies, procedures, goals, objectives, operational entities, requirements and activities as they apply to the assigned area of responsibility in the DCHA
Knowledge of all applicable federal and local building and property maintenance codes, HUD’s HQS and Rent Reasonableness regulations as well as HCV Program regulations, guidelines and procedures
Expertise in inspection methods and techniques to ensure the adequacy of residential properties
Strong oral and written communication skills
Strong analytic and problem solving skills
Strong customer services skills

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field and at least two (2) years’ related experience as a housing inspector; or other equivalent combination of education and experience which meet the minimum qualifications requirement may be substituted. Such experience may have been gained in administrative, professional technical, investigative or other related work.

A valid driver’s license must be obtained within six (6) months of employment.

The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) conducts pre-employment screening on specified positions, which may include but is not limited to a criminal background check, drug and alcohol testing, verification of academic credentials, licenses, and certifications, and/or verification of work history.

This position has been designated by the department to require a drug and alcohol screening and background check. Finalist(s) for this position will be subject to drug and alcohol testing and will be required to consent to a pre-employment background check as a condition of employment.

Technical Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be familiar with computer software such as MS Word, Excel, Outlook, etc. Must be able to learn other computer software programs as required by assigned tasks

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The incumbent works under general supervision and receives assignments for which objectives, priorities and timeframes have been pre-established by the supervisor. Incumbent plans and conducts each inspection. This includes the approach to be taken, issues to review, and specific questions to be asked, and notifies the supervisor or higher graded inspector of any usually difficult or sensitive situations encountered during the course of the investigation.

Work is reviewed for technical accuracy and to ensure that proper application of inspectional methods have been carried out.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines used include, instructions, governing policies, procedures, technical references, manuals, governing laws, regulations and directives of the District of Columbia Housing Authority, applicable federal and municipal building and property maintenance codes and (HUD’s) regulations, and requirements.

The Inspector must use good judgment in interpreting and adapting the guidelines for appropriate application to specific situations encountered.

COMPLEXITY

The Housing Inspector performs inspections which includes exterior and interior initial inspections and re-inspections of housing units and buildings. The details of the inspections vary, and the work consist of different and unrelated methods and processes depending upon the extent of compliance or non-compliance and the courses of action needed to analyze and assess the issues involved.

SCOPE AND EFFECT

The purpose of the work is to provide HQS inspections of assisted units under the purview of the District of Columbia Housing Authority’s Housing Choice Voucher Program. The work contributes to the effective enforcement of governing Authority and HUD housing laws, regulations and other requirements; and ensures that the dwelling units are safe, decent, sanitary and in good repair.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

Personal contacts are with HQS enforcement and inspection staff and management officials and staff throughout the agency; owners/landlords, and tenants, court personnel such attorneys, witnesses, judges, interest groups, etc.

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

The purpose of the contacts is to observe and document repair needs and housing code violations; to exchange and clarify information; and to persuade and influence individuals and groups to cooperate and comply with governing housing laws, rules, regulations, codes and other requirements.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requires standing, stooping, bending to examine the exterior and interior conditions of units and buildings; and sitting, walking, and carrying of light objects. The work also requires travel to the neighborhoods to inspect the buildings and units. The employee must be able to legally operate a motor vehicle. The physical emands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

The work is performed primarily in the field and also in an office setting. The work involves exposure to moderate discomforts such as dust, hot or cold climates; or neighborhoods with high crime rates. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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