Housing Inspector in Detroit, Michigan at Detroit Housing Commission

SUMMARY

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Housing Inspector is responsible for conducting housing quality inspections to ensure assisted units meet HUD’s Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and/or National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE), as applicable. This position plays a critical role in ensuring safe, decent, and sanitary housing for program participants while maintaining compliance with HUD regulations.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• HQS inspection certification required
• NSPIRE inspection certification required within three (3) months of employment.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in construction management, building inspection, housing, or a related field. A combination of education and work experience will be considered.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in housing inspections, property maintenance, construction, code enforcement, or a related field

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must have a valid state driver’s license
• Must pass federal, state, and local criminal investigation clearances, and pass a drug screening test administered by the Commission or its designated provider
• Must be insurable under the agency’s insurance policy

KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of HUD rules and regulations that apply to property management: Fair Housing Laws, Michigan Real Estate Landlord-Tenant Law, OSHA Standards, Local and State Building Codes.
• Knowledge of organization’s structure, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of standard office procedures, filing, and standard office equipment, including computer, fax, copier, telephone system.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of automated information systems, and data processing
• Knowledge of the operation of commission and HUD computer system and software
• Knowledge of basic office practices, procedures, and equipment.
• Knowledge of MS 365 Productivity Apps (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, MS Teams, OneDrive)
• Knowledge of HUD regulations and guidelines relating to Housing Quality Standards (HQS)/NSPIRE (or successor programs and State and Local building and occupancy laws or regulations
• Knowledge of HUD HCV program regulations, principles, and practices
• Knowledge of DHC’s Administrative Plan and related policies and procedures
• Knowledge of principles and practices of urban development and housing management
• Knowledge of principles and practices of community programs and organizations
• Knowledge of Business English; punctuation, arithmetic, and spelling
• Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures; departmental policies and procedures
• Knowledge of record keeping methods and procedures
• Knowledge of report preparation techniques

REQUIRED ABILITIES

• Act independently
• Analyze situations
• Attend to details
• Verbally communicate
• Communicate in writing
• Concentrate
• Empathize
• Identify problems
• Initiate
• Manage pressure
• Motivate
• Multi-task
• Organize
• Problem solve
• Think creatively
• Interpret HUD Regulations, policies, and technical guidance

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Analyze situations, review available actions, and determine the best course of action
• Calculate, compute, summarize and/or tabulate data and information
• Communicate effectively orally or in writing with relevant stakeholders, internal and external, from a variety of backgrounds
• Compile data and prepare reports
• Develop and maintain recordkeeping systems and procedures
• Exercise tact, discretion and diplomacy
• Interact effectively in a complex, dynamic environment
• Interact with public and private agencies and residents to accomplish organizational goals
• Interpret and understand community housing needs as it pertains to inspections
• Investigate problems or issues and resolve effectively
• Operate standard office equipment
• Maintain confidentiality
• Manage conflict effectively
• Manage multiple priorities and demands within established requirements
• Master position-specific software
• Plan, organize, complete or assign work and special projects in order to meet organizational goals
• Prepare written documents/reports with proper sentence structure, grammar and overall completeness
• Provide high level, quality customer service both internally and externally
• Provide information and feedback in a courteous, diplomatic manner
• Read and understand department specific documentation, and policies and procedures
• Research issues using a variety of sources to obtain data and information
• Respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints
• Review and edit documents for accuracy and completeness
• Troubleshoot problems and apply preventative or corrective measures
• Understand and apply local, state and federal rules and regulations related to subsidized housing and housing quality standards

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None

REPORTS TO

• Landlord Liaison

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

[The fundamental job duties the individual must be able to perform, with or without accommodation; removal of these functions would fundamentally change the job]

Inspections & Compliance

• Conduct initial, annual, special, and complaint-based inspections for HCV and Project-Based Voucher (PBV) units
• Perform inspections in accordance with HUD HQS and/or NSPIRE standards and local PHA policies
• Identify health and safety deficiencies and determine required corrective actions
• Document inspection results accurately and timely in the PHA’s housing software system
• Verify completion of repairs and reinspect units as required

Regulatory & Documentation Responsibilities

• Ensure inspection activities comply with HUD regulations, PIH Notices, and PHA Administrative Plan
• Maintain detailed inspection records, photographs, and reports
• Communicate inspection outcomes clearly to landlords, tenants, and internal staff
• Support audit, monitoring, and quality control reviews related to inspections

Customer Service & Stakeholder Communication

• Educate landlords and residents on inspection requirements and standards
• Respond professionally to resident’s and owner inquiries related to inspection findings
• Coordinate access to units with residents, property owners, and management agents
• De-escalate tense situations and enforce standards consistently and respectfully

Program Support

• Collaborate with Housing Specialists, supervisors, and management to resolve inspection-related issues.
• Assist with landlord outreach and retention efforts by providing clear guidance on compliance expectations.
• Participate in training related to HUD inspection standards and regulatory updates.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving ability.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS

[These are job duties the individual must be able to perform, with or without accommodation; removal of these functions would NOT fundamentally change the job]

• All other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND DEMANDS

• Lifting
• Carrying
• Pushing
• Pulling
• Sitting
• Standing
• Walking
• Ascending/descending stairs
• Ascending/descending ladders
• Reaching
• Bending
• Kneeling
• Crouching
• Crawling
• Grasping/ finger manipulation
• Discerning colors
• Visual acuity

EQUIPMENT

• Phones
• Computer/Laptop
• Copiers/Printers
• Scanners
• Monitors
• Lifts, Hoists, Escalates
• Communication Systems
• Projectors
• Hand Tools

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Indoor environments
• Work in hot, cold, wet surroundings
• Work with or near chemicals
• Confined workspaces
• High, precarious places
• Exposed to electrical hazards
• Exposed to mechanical hazards
• Potential exposure – communicable disease
• Exposed to chemicals/fumes
• Exposed to continual, multiple distractions
• Ability to position oneself to work under or on top of objects

SOFTWARE

• Communication systems
• Spreadsheet Software
• Word Processing Software
• Customer Relationship Management Software
• Contract Management Software
• Payroll/Human Resources Software

DisclaimerThis job description should not be construed as an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities performed by persons assigned to this classification. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor or manager to assign, direct and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. All principle duties and responsibilities of this position are essential functions of the position. Job descriptions are reviewed on a regular basis and may be revised at any time. Revisions will be communicated to employees within the classification. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment; therefore, the company may exercise its employment-at-will rights at any time.

EOE

The Detroit Housing Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No personnel decisions concerning any term or condition of employment shall be unlawfully based upon an individual’s race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity or expression), pregnancy (including childbirth or a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth), national origin, age, marital status, weight, height, disability, genetic information including family medical history, military service, or misdemeanor arrest record. Additionally, DHC shall not engage in discriminatory compensation decisions or practices.

MARIJUANA

Although marijuana has been legalized under Michigan law, it is a Schedule I controlled substance and is illegal under federal law. As a federally funded agency DHC’s employees are NOT permitted to use or possess any form of marijuana for medical or recreational purposes. Any applicant for employment who tests positive for marijuana during a pre-employment drug screening shall be ineligible for employment with DHC. Any applicant for employment who advises DHC that s/he uses any form of marijuana will be ineligible for employment with DHC. DHC is unable to grant a request for a reasonable accommodation to use marijuana under any circumstance.