Physical Inspector

Illinois Housing Development Authority; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Hybrid work arrangement

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Job summary

Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) seeks a Physical Inspector in Illinois to monitor compliance for IHDA-assisted developments. The role emphasizes physical inspections against HQS, UPCS, and REAC standards, with a focus on tenant file reviews, rent/income limits, and compliance reporting.

The position requires 2+ years in inspections, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to travel up to 75% annually.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years’ experience conducting inspections for multifamily rental housing.
• Experience with HQS, REAC and UPCS is desirable.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; ability to use HUD inspection software.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle.
• Ability to travel 50–75% annually.

Responsibilities

• Implements proactive strategies to resolve properties’ physical condition compliance.
• Conducts site visits and inspections to ensure compliance with HQS/UPCS/REAC standards.
• Reviews and approves scope, budgets, and schedules for physical improvements.
• Maintains inspection documentation and communications with owners and managers.
• Participates in loan monitoring, closings, and related discussions as needed.
• Supports asset managers with technical guidance on physical condition issues.
• Ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local rules.

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong communication

Time management

Field inspections

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor’s degree preferred

REAC certification within 1 year

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

HUD inspection software (REAC)

Job description

Position Title: Physical Inspector

Department: Asset Management

Join our Team! At IHDA we strive to create and maintain a work environment that promotes diversity, recognition and inclusion. IHDA is committed to hiring and investing in individuals of diverse talents and backgrounds to ensure a range of perspectives and experiences inform and guide our work of financing affordable housing in the state of Illinois.

Who we are: The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) is one of the Nation’s preeminent Housing Finance Agencies and one of the State’s ten largest financial institutions. Our mission is to finance the creation and preservation of affordable housing across the state. IHDA oversees more than 20 federal and state programs on behalf of the state of Illinois and serves as one of the state’s primary resources for housing policy and program administration. For over 50 years, IHDA has led the state in financing and supporting affordable housing.

Summary: This position is housed within the Asset Management department, which monitors long‑term physical, financial, operational, and administrative compliance for IHDA‑assisted developments. This particular position is housed within the following group: Rental Compliance: Ensures the operational compliance of properties assisted by IHDA loans, grants, or tax credits through: physical inspections based on applicable HQS, UPCS, and REAC standards; review/monitoring of capital improvement requests; management, occupancy, and tenant file reviews; rent/income limit/utility allowance calculations; affirmative marketing plan review/approval; tenant selection plan review/approval; management plan review/approval; and tenant/management relations...

Essential Functions

• Implements proactive strategies to resolve properties’ physical condition compliance.
• Informally paired with a compliance group for each project inclusive of an Asset Manager, Compliance Analyst, and Financial Analyst.
• Collects and contributes data to determine annual operations rating.
• Conducts physical condition monitoring reviews of assigned portfolio of projects based on prescribed timeframes (to assess and facilitate compliance with applicable Federal, State, local rules and standards).
• Conducts site visits to assess and facilitate compliance with applicable Federal, State, local rules and standards including UPCS, HQS, and REAC.
• During site visits, inspects the current physical conditions to ensure appropriate compliance with property standards and regulatory requirements so the related housing remains decent, safe, and sanitary.
• During site visits, inspects improvements or repairs related to previously noted compliance deficiencies or insurance claims to ensure proper workmanship and compliance with the approved scope of work.
• Reviews and approves physical condition improvement scopes of work, budgets, and schedules as appropriate.
• Prepares and maintains all physical inspection documentation (including compliance monitoring findings, responses, resolutions, reports) as required.
• Proactively communicates with the property owner, manager, agent regarding physical condition issues, compliance requirements, options and deadlines for resolution.
• Periodically accompanies Asset Managers or Special Asset Managers on site visits to provide technical assistance and support related to physical condition issues.
• Conducts physical needs assessments as required.
• Conducts bid reviews to ensure compliance as required.
• Prepares, circulates, submits, and files 8823 forms as required.
• Reviews and recommends for approval capital improvement requests that exceed $10,000.
• Participates in HUD Inspection Realignment pilot and similar initiatives.
• Coordinates with USDA Rural Development staff as appropriate on physical inspections.
• Appropriately refers troubled properties to the Portfolio Risk Management group.
• Participates in pre‑closing, closing, pre‑occupancy, and post‑closing discussions and meetings as appropriate.
• Participates in regular loan monitoring, watchlist, delinquency meetings as appropriate.
• Requires the ability to bend, stoop, crouch, reach, stand, walk, climb, as well as push, pull, lift, carry, and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Requirements

• High school diploma required, Bachelor’s degree preferred. Experience may be substituted for education at the discretion of the Asset Management department.
• At least 2 years’ experience conducting inspections, bid reviews, and/or physical needs assessments for multifamily rental housing developments required. Experience with affordable housing preferred.
• Proficiency in Housing Quality Standards (HQS), Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC), and Uniform Physical Condition Standards (UPCS) desired.
• Thorough knowledge of the following funding sources/programs desired: LIHTC, HOME, Section 8, Risk Share, Tax Exempt Bonds, and Illinois Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required. Proficiency in HUD inspection software, including REAC, desired.
• Training: General physical inspection and UPCS, HQS, and REAC training required (completed within one year or earliest available date, whichever is later).
• Certifications: REAC certification required (achieved within one year or earliest available date, whichever is later). In tandem with REAC certification, must obtain and maintain related required insurance/bonding.
• Valid Driver’s License: Required.
• Access to Personal Vehicle: Required along with appropriate insurance.
• Frequency of Travel: Frequent – 50-75% annually.

Physical Requirements: Alternating between sitting, standing, and walking. Crouching and stooping. Pushing and pulling. Reaching overhead and below. Repetitive tasks movements (filing, keyboarding, copying). Lift, carry or move 25/30/80 pounds. Ascending and descending stairs and ladders. Working in proximity of loud equipment. Working in confined spaces such as attics and crawl spaces. Moving safely over uneven surfaces. Wearing personal protective gear. working outside during various weather conditions.

What we Offer

• Paid time off, plus paid holidays
• Currently in a hybrid work arrangement, but candidates must reside in Illinois at time of hire
• Medical/dental/vision/life insurance plans
• Short/long term disability
• Tuition reimbursement
• Flex spending
• 401K plan – immediate vesting
• IHDA employees may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs
• Access to Personal Vehicle: Required along with appropriate insurance.
• Frequency of Travel: Infrequent – 5-10% annually.
• Salary: $51,857 - $64,821

Must be a resident of Illinois or willing to relocate. Flexible scheduling is available, upon completion of a six‑month probationary period.

EOE