Housing Quality Inspector

The Housing Quality Inspector performs specialized and detailed work of routine difficulty involving the inspection of single and multi-family residential dwellings to determine their physical condition, necessary repairs, and conformance to applicable Housing Quality Standards (HQS), regulations, and codes as well as the health, safety, and welfare of the tenants. Work with a diverse population, and adjust decision- making and actions on a case-by-case basis. Performs the negotiation of reasonable rent as outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The Inspector navigates through varied home or property exteriors and interiors to complete the inspection.

The position duties and responsibilities listed below describe the general nature and scope of work. Other responsibilities, duties, and skills may be required and assigned, as needed. These essential functions require a consistent presence in the work environment on a regular basis, and regular attendance must be maintained. 

• Conducts Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspections, including initial, annual, complaint, and quality control inspections, to determine external and internal conditions of dwellings under the Assisted Housing Programs including operability of heating, electrical, and plumbing systems and conformance to HQS. Also conducts special and emergency inspections. 

• Performs follow-up inspections to determine completion of repairs indicated on previous inspections. The Inspector completes the follow-up based on the initial assessment or may make recommendations to the supervisor for appropriate follow-up action when necessary. 

• Completes, generates, and negotiates the reasonableness of proposed rents for units by evaluating the condition of the dwelling and comparing the fair market value of the area to the proposed rent. (Approved Vendor Portal).

• Monitors general maintenance of assigned Opportunity Home vehicles, gas cards, and other issued equipment.

• Responds to inquiries from owners, clients, and the general public by providing general information about the Assisted Housing Programs. 

• Ensures accurate and timely completion of required forms or reports, including data entry and time clock. 

• Participates in informal hearings to resolve conflicts between residents and owners, providing recourse for claims against residents and/or owners. 

• Researches resident files to verify information regarding utilities, appliances, or other pertinent information. 

• Schedules inspection routes on a daily basis.

• Generates inspections in Approved Software systems for a 30-day period.

• Documents inspections in the system through detailed notes and uploads photos to the file management system in an organized and timely manner. 

• Report results to supervisors on a monthly basis. 

• Communicates inspection results to landlords and outlines HQS violations detected to the landlord.   

• Demonstrate diplomacy when working with housing applicants, residents, property owners, etc. for each unit inspected.

• Demonstrates critical thinking and analytical skills in order to work well independently and with accountability for decisions made and actions taken. 

• Complete all duties as assigned or requested as outlined in operational and procedural guidelines. These guidelines are maintained and issued in the event of an emergency situation that arises at a property or any other location that serves our residents or employees. 

• Participate in Trauma Informed Care (TIC) initiatives to include training, workgroups, project assignments, etc., that are launched or implemented in order to achieve and/or maintain certification as a TIC organization.

• Participate in initiatives to include training, workgroups, project assignments, etc., that are launched or implemented in order to create awareness, foster, cultivate and preserve a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

• Recognize the significance of a data driven organization that adheres to expanded policies and practices in the area of data governance. Learn the distinct and different roles to include: Data Trustee, Data Domain Stewards, Data System Custodians, Data Stewards and Data Users. Effectively collaborate with the various data roles as needed on a daily basis or in a project capacity.

• Performs other duties as assigned. 

This position requires the incumbent to exhibit the following behavioral skills

1. Values Driven | Demonstrates an understanding of the values (Compassion, Equity and Excellence) and embodies the values in their work and interactions with residents, vendors, co-workers, supervisors, board members, community members, and other stakeholders.

2. Customer Service | Responds with Compassion in a professional manner to the expectations and needs of internal and external customers; is friendly and helpful to all customers, fostering positive relationships while providing Excellent service.

3. Effective Use of Information | Communicates important information to those who need to know clearly, securely, effectively, orally and/or in writing; proactively exchanges accurate and timely information.

4. Commitment and Continuous Improvement | Sets the standard for Excellence by proactively pursuing innovation through systematic experimentation and learning.  Corrects mistakes by assessing appropriate processes, proposing adjustments, and prioritizing long-term solutions.

5. Teamwork | Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits Compassion, objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; supports everyone's efforts of Excellence; attends, supports, and participates in the organization’s team building events.

6. Responsiveness and Accountability | Demonstrates a high level of Excellence and holds oneself personally responsible for one's own work; complies with procedures and directives and understands the importance of maintaining and managing confidential information; recognizes and anticipates issues and provides a responsive resolution in a timely manner.

 Education

Required

• High School Diploma or GED

Experience

Required

• Two (2) years of experience in real estate, construction, housing inspection, property management, or a related field.

• Must have the ability to learn and use cloud applications such as the Google GSuite applications, including but not limited to Google Chrome Browser, Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Understand document sharing and collaboration in the cloud. Experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, cloud-accessible applications including but not limited to One Drive, Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, or MAC or PC desktop equivalent, is acceptable. 

• Successful completion of a criminal history background check, education, and work history verification, and drug screening test.

Preferred Education and Experience 

• Housing Quality Standard Inspection Certifications

• Professional Real Estate Inspector.

• Licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission.

• Experience with accessing customer portals for access to benefits and business intranet. Understanding of how to connect to Wi-Fi networks.  Basic understanding of Virtual Private Network (VPN) access to connect to internal business systems.

License Certificates

Required

• Housing Quality Standards Inspection Certification is required within 18 months of employment (depending on the availability of training) and no more than three attempts to pass certification.  

• Texas Class “C” driver’s license at the time of placement and insurable by the organization’s fleet and liability insurance carrier.

• Must have the ability to earn certifications as required by assigned tasks.

Technical Skills

To perform this job successfully, the employee should have

• Understands the agency's Mission, Vision, and Value, and directs work within these guiding principles and operational framework.

• Knowledge of applicable code of federal regulations (CFR), HUD rules and regulations, Opportunity Home policies and procedures, and/or relevant federal, state, and local laws.

• Knowledge of structural design and integrity and trades (HVAC, plumbing, carpentry, and electrical) 

• Skill in interpreting and applying statutes, rules, codes, and regulations.

• Familiarity with residential/multi-family building codes, maintenance, and health standards, HUD’s HQS procedures, and federal, state, and local building, zoning, housing, and safety codes. 

• Grasp of principles and practices of housing inspections to conduct field inspections. 

• Basic working knowledge of the Uniform Building Code, Uniform Mechanical Code, National Electrical Code, and Uniform Plumbing Code for visual application. 

• Awareness of San Antonio’s residential rental market conditions. 

• Knowledge of and ability to apply client service principles and practices.

• Understanding of basic mathematics. 

• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and the general public. 

• Ability to work with a diverse population.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

To perform this job successfully, the employee is frequently required to remain in a stationary position. Daily movements include sitting, standing, operating computers and other office equipment, walking and moving about the office and/or community property, and attending onsite and offsite meetings. The employee must be able to complete data entry, utilize various portals, and communicate via email and verbally via telephone. Will need the ability to walk large properties and climb stairs. The employee must occasionally transport up to 25 pounds. 

• Maintenance and construction sites.

• Outdoor environment in all types of weather.

• Ability to work in all rooms (bath, bed, kitchen, etc.) at a resident unit 

• Dexterity of hands to operate hand and power tools. 

• Standing for long periods of time.

• Climbing step stools and ladders (including extension ladders) 

• Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person and on the telephone.

• Seeing to read a variety of materials.

• Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling light to moderately heavy objects. 

• Bending at the waist, kneeling, stooping, squatting, crouching or crawling

• Work in inclement weather.

• Use of personal protective equipment 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Office Environment

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

• High level of interaction with external/internal clients.

• May be transferred or be required to work at different properties or sites for interim periods in order to support business needs. 

Outside Environment

• Subject to environmental elements when conducting visits to various sites or participating in outside events. 

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the organization will make reasonable accommodations 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.

As a public agency, the organization 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.  

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 

Opportunity Home is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information, marital status, veteran status, arrest record or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Opportunity Home is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment.

The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. This position specification is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this position specification at any time without notice. 

Salary : $44,928