Housing Quality Standards Inspector

Housing Quality Standard (HQS) Inspector

 Division:                               Housing Choice Vouchers

Department:                          Programs Administration

Program:                               Housing Choice Voucher / Project Based Voucher

Position reports to:              Director, Programs Management

Hourly wage:                         $25.50 - (15% increase once fully trained, about 60 days)

Renton Housing Authority, an independent municipal organization, is a recognized leader in affordable housing.
 

Job Summary

We are currently recruiting to find a detail oriented and seasoned professional to fill the position of Housing Quality Standard (HQS) Inspector based  in Renton, WA.
The individual selected for this role will travel locally within the city of Renton, WA to privately owned properties and conduct inspections on Housing Quality Standards, which is determining eligibility for safe and sanitary housing in accordance with federal and local Housing Quality Standards (HQS).
The HQS Inspector schedules, inspects, prepares inspection and failure documentation, and will notify owners and landlords and HUD of results. This person is relied on to calculate the rent to ensure that it is reasonable as compared to similar properties in the surrounding market. The HQS Inspector will be a key point of contact for interpreting relevant policies and will negotiate with landlords and tenants on rent and/or required repairs. When required repairs are reported as completed, the HQS Inspector will follow up to verify that the improvements have been accomplished sufficiently to bring the property into compliance, and finally report the passing of all requirements.

Renton Housing Authority will provide online and on-the-job training in HQS and Quality inspection traning.

Essential Functions

This section serves to illustrate the more typical aspects of the work indicative of the HQS inspector position. The primary functions of the classification are not to be considered a detailed description of every duty of each position allocated to the classification. The responsibilities and essential duties typically performed by positions allocated to this classification on a frequent and recurring basis include:

1.     Contacts property owners and/or tenants to arrange for inspections; conducts thorough inspections of the unit by evaluating the exterior, site and neighborhood conditions, all painted surfaces, plumbing, electrical, and heating systems, security, doors and windows, and interior conditions for floors, walls and ceilings; records all information and gives owner a list of repairs to be completed.

2.     Conducts annual inspections of housing units; documents room locations and areas not meeting Quality Standards; conducts special inspections for quality, lead, cleanliness, or safety as required.

3.     Responds to landlord requests to increase rent; receives written requests and conducts research using a comparable study or several other sources; recommends approval or disapproval of the increase. When busy this portion of the job may be completed by an office assistant, however, the HQS Inspector is  responsible for this action on an ongoing basis.

4.     Explains the housing inspection program to landlords, owners, and tenants in a way that is understandable.

Qualifications and Competencies

 Work requires knowledge of:

·        Basic construction and maintenance/repair processes and materials.

·        Customer service etiquette and techniques.

·        Data gathering, analysis and compilation techniques.

         Must have current knowledge of Microsoft Office (including Excel and Outlook) and other proprietary computer programs that will be                 taught on the job.

·        Standard office practices and procedures including record keeping and scanning records into system.

·        Basic dispute resolution and mediation techniques. 

 Work requires the ability to:

·        Read, understand, explain, and apply Housing Quality Standards.

·        Use keen observational skills to identify dwelling unit problems which others have attempted to hide.

·        Gather data and reach sound decisions in conformance with standards and requirements.

·        Conduct a high volume of thorough inspections efficiently and effectively while applying detailed and comprehensive HQ standards and             accurately document conditions that do not meet standards with clear and concise reports.

·        Communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.

·        Establish and maintain effective and courteous working relationships with clients, property owners, private unit residences, supervisors,             and co-workers.

·        Handle a high volume of client on-site interactions and defuse customer situations that may become emotional and volatile.

·        Deal effectively with people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, including clients who are emotionally or mentally challenged.

·        Demonstrate tact, diplomacy, sensitivity, and patience.

·        Drive safely under various traffic road and weather conditions in carrying out daily inspection schedules over a wide geographical area,             primarily in an authority owned vehicle..

·        Use GPS, iPad, locate streets and addresses quickly, efficiently and safely while defensibly driving.

·        Understand and follow written and oral instructions accurately and consistently with a minimum of supervision.

·        Operate computers with word processing, spreadsheet software and calendars.

Work requires:

·        Bachelor’s degree and one to three years’ experience in building maintenance or housing programs, or an equivalent combination of                 education and experience.  

·        Valid Washington State Driver License and acceptable driving record at time of appointment and throughout employment.

Position Information and Application Process

Incumbent(s) must be able to meet the physical requirements of the classification and have mobility, balance, coordination, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the functions performed. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work is performed indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather and environmental conditions and requires the operation of a motor vehicle to conduct inspections in the field. Incumbents frequently use standard office equipment including personal computers, telephone, scanning and related equipment, and mapping