HOUSING INSPECTOR (Housing)

 

Definition: This is technical work in the inspection of public housing units and/or Section 8 rent assistance dwellings.

An employee in this class performs a variety of technical duties in the inspection of public housing units and/or Section 8 rent assistance dwellings to determine compliance with housing authority policy and/or U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regulations. In the inspection of public housing units, work involves scheduling and performing regular maintenance and housekeeping evaluations, checking for major maintenance problems such as systems malfunctions (plumbing, heating, electrical, etc.), cleanliness and orderliness of unit and unsanitary or hazardous conditions. The employe may be responsible for determining the responsibility for damages or normal repairs. When inspecting a Section 8 rent assistance dwelling, the employe evaluates the dwelling against standards set by the Section 8 office and HUD. The inspection involves the evaluation of size, utility systems, safety precautions, appliances, water and sewer systems, paint and structural materials. In this type of inspection, the employe may be required to consult with landlords and/or tenants with respect to requirements necessary to effectively complete the evaluation or maintenance required. Work normally involves maintenance of all necessary paperwork and files relative to the inspection process. The employe usually works closely with housing and code inspectors from municipalities to insure all standards are met. Work is received in the form of general instructions and overall objectives and the employee exercises considerable freedom in making technical decisions related to the work assignments. Work is reviewed by an administrative superior upon completion for timeliness, adherence to established standards and results obtained.

Examples of Work Performed: Schedules and performs regular maintenance and housekeeping inspections of public housing units, checking for major maintenance problems such as plumbing, electrical, heating and appliance malfunctions.

Inspects public housing units to investigate housekeeping, cleanliness and sanitary condition problems that are referred to the employe by management offices.

Inspects and submits reports of actions to be taken before public housing units are leased, whenever a tenant vacates a unit and whenever an emergency occurs, noting repairs to be made, preventive maintenance necessary and who will bear the burden of the costs.

Inspects and evaluates Section 8 rental assistance dwellings in the areas of unit size, utility systems, adequate safety precautions, appliances, water and sewer systems, painted wall and ceiling content, condition of neighborhood site and structural and material requirements.

Consults with landlords and/or tenants as necessary to effectively complete the inspection or meet established requirements.

Conducts all necessary paperwork relative to the inspection process such as notices to residents and landlords, memos and correspondence on inspections and actions to be taken by management and tenants.

Writes and finalizes inspection reports with appropriate comments and recommen-dations, citing any violations or infractions and the passage or failure of the unit.

Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of the principles and methods applied in the inspection and testing of housing units.

Knowledge of the general principles and workings of major utilities such as heating, electricity, and plumbing.

Knowledge of practices, techniques and equipment used in building maintenance.

Knowledge of general construction methods and material and their placement in construction.

Knowledge of general safety precautions used in public housing dwellings.

Knowledge of mathematics at a level adequate to perform basic arithmetic problems such as room dimensions and addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of dollar cost values.

Ability to observe, verify and document the results of housing unit inspections.

Ability to interpret and explain appropriate policies and regulations to tenants and/or landlords.

Ability to prepare inspection reports and related forms.

Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, tenants and/or landlords and local codes administrators.

Experience and Training: One year of experience in the area of building structure or maintenance inspection;

or

One year of building or trades experience which included work in the area of cost estimation;

or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training which afforded the applicant the above required knowledges, skills, and abilities.

 

Commonwealth Equivalent PSG ST05