Housing Inspector I

Indianapolis Housing Agency; Indiana (PA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Indianapolis Housing Agency is seeking a Housing Inspector I to perform inspections under the Section 8 Rental Assistance Program and related housing programs in Marion County. The role requires timely inspections, data entry, and clear communication of inspection outcomes to landlords and tenants.

The Inspector I will conduct annual inspections, determine rent reasonableness, lead-based paint assessments, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local codes.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with substantial experience in the building trades.
• 3+ years experience in building construction or remodeling.
• Knowledge of HUD program regulations and housing codes.

Responsibilities

• Serve as field inspector for annual inspections of all housing units in the program; contact landlords for repairs.
• Inspect housing for code violations and confer with owners/contractors on required repairs.
• Determine rent reasonableness and conduct lead-based paint inspections as required.
• Perform re-inspections to verify compliance and document outcomes.
• Prepare daily reports, participate in HQS training, and conduct inspections to determine eligibility.

Skills

Housing codes enforcement

Building construction/remodeling

HUD program knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Under the supervision of the Inspections Manager, the Housing Inspector I inspects units timely as required within the operation of the Section 8 Rental Assistance Program process and other housing programs, and initiatives in Marion County under the jurisdiction of the Indianapolis Housing Agency. The Housing Inspector I must be able to read, interpret, communicate, implement, and enforce rules and regulations of the Section 8 program as they relate to inspections. This position is expected to exceed the requirements and production of a Housing Inspector, and will be asked to perform more complicated assignments, including but not limited to, providing peer reviews, running and reviewing reports and training staff both in class room style and in the field. The Housing Inspector I is required to complete a minimum of 15 inspections per day. Completion of inspections includes the timely processing of required documentation, data entry, and notifying all parties, in writing, of the outcome of the inspections.

The Housing Inspector I will be responsible for:

• Serving as field inspector to make inspections, at least annually, for all housing units in the program, along with contacting landlords to make necessary repairs within a specific span of time, and conducting re-inspections to ensure compliance with Section 8 rules and regulations
• Inspecting housing for code violations and conferring with individual property owners/managers and contractors regarding violations and required repairs
• Making rent reasonableness determinations based on Agency policy
• Conducting required lead-based paint inspections (e.g., to make visual assessment for deteriorated paint surfaces at initial and annual inspections; ensuring clearance examinations are conducted when required; along with ensuring compliance with requirements for children under age six
• Conducting re-inspections to determine property owners'/managers' and contractors' compliance in correcting violations and making required repairs
• Determining utility types within the unit and indicating on the HUD-52667 the person responsible (owner or tenant) for paying said utilities
• Conducting final housing inspections to determine compliance with housing codes and certifying for occupancy when all requirements have been met
• Investigating complaints (i.e., abandoned homes, conditions which constitute health or welfare hazards by the unlawful accumulation of debris, rubbish, trash or dense growth of trees, vines and underbrush, evidence of rodents, etc.) on assisted property and unassisted property near the assisted property that could result in a health and safety issue
• Making recommendations for abatement due to property owners/manager and contractors failure to correct violations or make required repairs within a reasonable time period according to program policy
• Maintaining familiarity with all Federal, City, and State codes and ordinances
• Preparing daily written reports on inspection findings
• Assisting in conducting annual and special inspections and determining eligibility of units under HUD's Housing Quality Standards
• Performing timely initial/annual inspections
• Making determinations and negotiating rents by calculating rent reasonableness in compliance with HUD policies and Agency procedures
• Representing the Agency in court as necessary
• Conducting general research as needed
• Attending monthly staff meetings
• Investigating allegations or reports of program fraud, and reporting findings to immediate supervisor
• Performing other related functions as assigned or as become apparent
• Effective and appropriate communication and interaction with other employees, supervisors, individuals from other organizations, and customers
• Completing and successfully passing HQS training and updated coursework as provided by IHA
• Submitting weekly status reports and schedules to the Inspections Manager

Minimum Qualifications

A combination of education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma and considerable experience in the building trades, in addition to:

• Some experience in housing codes enforcement, and/or public health sanitation programs preferred
• Three or more years experience in building construction or remodeling
• Knowledge of HUD program regulations and guidelines. Thorough knowledge of building construction materials, methods and practices, along with thorough knowledge of housing codes

• Four or more years work experience as a Housing Inspector certified in Housing Quality Standards
• General knowledge of municipal ordinances governing health, sanitation and related codes
• General knowledge of Federal, State and local laws pertaining to the management of rental housing
• Ability to inspect structures in a thorough and efficient manner, and to enforce ordinances and regulations with firmness, tact and impartiality
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, Agency representatives, tenants and the public

Must posses a valid driver's license to legally drive in the state of Indiana, and personal vehicle insurance.

Must reside in Marion County or relocate to Marion County within six (6) months of hire.