POSITION PURPOSE:
The Housing HQS Inspector I performs technical inspections and compliance activities to ensure assisted housing units meet HUD's National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) requirements and agency policies for the Housing Choice Voucher Program. The position conducts initial, biennial, complaint, special, and quality control inspections; evaluates rent reasonableness; documents inspection results; educates landlords and participants regarding housing requirements; and supports the program's goal of providing safe, decent, and sanitary housing while maintaining compliance with HUD regulations and SEMAP performance standards.
The position requires daily travel within the seven-county jurisdiction of the Brazos Valley Council of Governments and reports to the Landlord Relations and Compliance Supervisor, under the direction of the Program Manager and/or their designee.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
Housing Inspections:
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Schedule, conduct, and document initial, biennial, complaint, special, quality control, emergency, and reinspection activities in accordance with HUD regulations, agency policies, and inspection schedules.
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Perform inspections using HUD inspection protocols and accurately document deficiencies, corrective actions, and inspection outcomes within the agency's housing management software.
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Evaluate residential units for health, safety, habitability, and regulatory compliance while maintaining consistency and objectivity in inspection determinations.
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Verify correction of failed inspection items and determine continued compliance with HUD inspection requirements.
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Photograph, document, and maintain supporting records for inspection files as required.
Compliance and Regulatory Responsibilities
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Interpret and apply HUD regulations, agency policies, administrative plan requirements, and inspection standards when evaluating assisted housing units.
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Recommend rent abatements, contract actions, or other program remedies when owners fail to correct deficiencies within required timeframes.
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Maintain inspection records sufficient to support HUD monitoring, SEMAP reviews, audits, quality assurance reviews, and litigation when necessary.
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Identify potential life-threatening deficiencies and ensure required notifications and follow-up inspections are completed within established timelines.
Rent Reasonableness
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Conduct rent reasonableness determinations using HUD-approved methodologies and agency procedures.
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Research local rental market conditions and maintain an accurate rent comparability database.
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Recommend contract rents based upon market analysis, comparable units, location, amenities, and program requirements.
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Review annual rent increase requests for compliance with HUD and agency requirements.
Customer Service and Partner Relations
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Provide professional, courteous, and timely customer service to landlords, tenants, applicants, contractors, and the public.
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Educate owners and participants regarding inspection requirements, inspection deficiencies, repair expectations, and HUD program requirements.
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Respond to inspection-related complaints, inquiries, and requests for technical assistance.
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Maintain productive working relationships with landlords, property managers, local officials, contractors, and community partners.
Program Support
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Assist with SEMAP preparation, internal quality assurance activities, HUD monitoring reviews, audits, and special projects.
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Cross-train with other Housing Department staff to ensure continuity of operations.
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Assist with landlord outreach activities, educational workshops, and program presentations when assigned.
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Participate in department meetings, professional development, and continuous improvement initiatives.
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Perform other related duties as assigned.
BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES:
This position requires the employee to exhibit the following behavioral skills:
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Commitment: Sets high standards of performance; pursues aggressive goals and works hard/smart to achieve them; strives for results and success; conveys a sense of urgency and brings issues to closure; and persists despite obstacles and opposition.
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Effective Communication: Ensures important information is passed to those who need to know; conveys necessary information clearly and effectively orally or in writing; demonstrates attention to, and conveys understanding of, the comments and questions of others; and listens effectively. Demonstrates the ability to develop audiovisual presentations to both internal and external audiences.
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Responsiveness and Accountability: Demonstrates a high level of conscientiousness; holds oneself personally responsible for one's own work; and does fair share of work
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Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; supports everyone's efforts to succeed; attends, supports, and participates in all team building exercises and events
Technical Skills and Abilities
To perform this job successfully, the employee should possess the following skills and abilities:
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Interpersonal skills: Maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, and the public.
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Communication skills: Follow verbal and written instructions, communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
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Client service skills: Knowledge of client service principles, practices, interviewing skills, and techniques.
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Independence and initiative: Work independently and initiate own work projects.
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Problem-solving and organizational skills: Assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands while meeting deadlines.
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Computer skills: Proficiently use various Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
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Regulatory knowledge: Skill in reading, interpreting, and applying HUD rules, regulations, BVCOG policies, and procedures.
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Interpersonal skills: Accept and recognize viewpoints of others and work collaboratively with diverse individuals.
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Decision-making and conflict resolution: Apply decision-making and conflict resolution skills.
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Professionalism: Always project a professional image and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Education, Training and Experience:
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Minimum requirement of high school diploma or GED.
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Experience preferred in construction or a construction-related field (i.e. electrician, roofing, sheet rock).
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Experience preference may be substituted for property management experience including responsibilities in unit preparation, unit repair and maintenance.
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Preference will be given for associate degree or higher degree with major course work in social services, construction sciences, city, urban or regional planning, public policy, public relations, public administration, or a related field but not required.
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Bilingual speaker and writer in English and Spanish preferred.
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Successful completion of a criminal history background check, education, and work history verification.
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Must have successfully completed and passed the Housing Choice Voucher NSPIRE-V Inspection Certification course by Nan McKay or another nationally recognized approved trainer within one year of assuming position.
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Must have successfully completed and passed the HCV Customer Service Certification course by Nan McKay or another nationally recognized approved trainer within one year of assuming position.
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Must complete a minimum of 24 hours of professional development training each year as part of this position.
License and Certifications:
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Must have a valid driver’s license, liability insurance, and access to reliable transportation at all times while at work.
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Must have the ability to earn certifications as required by assigned tasks.
SUPERVISION:
Reports directly to the Landlord Relations and Compliance Supervisor and/or designee through supervisory channels. Ability to work independently and to assume responsibility for completion of complex workload without close supervision
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Physical Demands
To successfully perform the essential functions of this job, an employee must:
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Walk extensively: Walk over five (5) miles per day.
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Drive frequently: Drive at least twenty-five (25) miles per day.
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Lift moderately heavy objects: Lift at least twenty-five (25) lbs.
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Rotate fully: Rotate using the full motion of the body.
Work Environment
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Outdoor work: Spend more than 1/3 of work time in outdoor weather conditions.
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Mechanical hazards: Work near moving mechanical parts more than 1/4 of the time.
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Driving: Spend more than 2/3 of work time driving in a vehicle.
Schedule and Travel
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Standard workweek: Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm.
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Occasional weekend work: Weekend hours may be required during special events or projects.
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Travel: Occasional out-of-town trips may be required for special events and training sessions.
ADA STATEMENT
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, BVCOG will make reasonable accommodation to the known disability of a qualified applicant or employee to enable people with disabilities to enjoy equal employment opportunities, if it would not impose an "undue hardship" on the operation of the employer's business.
ETHICS
As a public agency, BVCOG is committed to maintaining the highest of ethical standards. Applicants selected for employment are expected to perform work responsibilities with the highest degree of integrity, professionalism, and honesty, to merit the respect of our co-workers, clients, partners, vendors and the general public. Applicants selected for employment are also expected to serve the public with dedication, concern, courtesy, and responsiveness.
