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HQS Inspector

Position Title: Housing Choice Voucher (HQS) Inspector 
Department: Housing Choice Voucher Program 
Reports to: Housing Choice Voucher Administrator 
Employment Status: Full-Time 
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Date Created: March 7, 2025

Summary 
Responsible for ensuring compliance with Federal Housing Quality Standards for all units managed and/or receiving assistance through the Housing Choice Voucher Program at the Beaufort Housing Authority. Performs inspections of a variety of housing units to determine what alterations, repairs, or maintenance needs to bring the unit into compliance with established local housing codes and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) standards. Additional duties include scheduling inspections, preparing checklists of needed repairs, entering and downloading inspection reports into computerized databases, following up with property owners to determine if repairs have been completed and maintaining all pertinent program records and documents. Inspections are conducted independently, but in accordance with local housing authority regulations and established Housing Quality Standards. Job related duties require considerable knowledge of the construction industry and all applicable building and life safety codes, strong organizational, interpersonal and decision-making skills, considerable knowledge of the Housing Choice Voucher Program rules and regulations, excellent observational skills and sufficient strength and agility to perform the physically demanding aspects of the job in a variety of weather conditions and circumstances. Job performance is evaluated by the Housing Choice Voucher Administrator through review of the accuracy and thoroughness of completed inspections, knowledge of the construction industry and applicable building and life safety codes, organization, interpersonal and decision-making skills and level of administrative support provided for the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Also subject to HUD reviews and inspections.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 
The duties and responsibilities referenced below are the general nature and scope of work. Other responsibilities, duties, and skills may be required and assigned as needed. Job duties are also subject to HUD (PHAS) and independent audits and reviews.

  • Schedules inspections of assisted housing units prior to leasing to determine compliance with existing housing codes, life safety codes and Housing Quality Standards (HQS).
  • Inspects property annually to ensure compliance with applicable City ordinances and codes, and HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS); notes deficiencies and sub-standard conditions.
  • Ensures compliance with the Section 8 Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) requirement that no more than 10% of all annual inspections of units under rental assistance are more than two months overdue.
  • Meets with property owners to notify them of existing deficiencies and schedule re-inspections as required.
  • Assists with determining the reasonable rent of units leased through the Housing Choice Voucher Program and negotiating with the property owner on behalf of the voucher recipient if the rent being charged is not reasonable.
  • Processes Request of Tenancy Approval forms that are submitted by families to ensure the form is complete as established by HUD regulations.
  • Mails/emails appointment letters to residents participating in the Housing Choice Voucher Program to notify them of annual inspections.
  • Ensures that the confidentiality of residents is maintained and responds to client and property owners' requests and concerns in a tactful and professional manner.
  • Maintains records and makes reports on inspections, conditions found and recommended actions(s).
  • Meets with property owners and residents of assisted housing to investigate and resolve maintenance issues with the property.
  • Provides information and reports to supervisors regarding resident compliance with acceptable housekeeping standards.
  • Inspects repair work in progress and upon completion.
  • Provides HQS orientations and training for the maintenance employees of property management companies when necessary.
  • Enters inspection reports into an electronic device (iPad) and downloads into the computer database for submission to HUD.
  • Performs related duties as required.

Job Competencies 
Thorough knowledge of Federal Housing Quality Standards, life safety codes and local codes and ordinances related to the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Rules and regulations pertaining to the HUD Housing Choice Voucher programs including the Administrative Plan, lease stipulations, utility allowances, rent reasonableness and eviction proceedings. Inspection protocols required of federally assisted housing programs (SEMAP). Construction trades include carpentry, electrical circuitry, plumbing, structural components and standards, painting, pest extermination and HVAC systems. Interpret review and make recommendations regarding codes and regulations. Accurately estimate the costs associated with the construction, repair, and/or remodeling of home or apartment repairs. Effectively prioritize and organize job related duties and consistently meet all established deadlines and reporting requirements. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with property owners, contractors, residents and the public. Knowledge of acceptable grammatical form and practices utilized for preparing correspondence, reports, memorandum, etc. Communicate and express them self effectively and prepare reports in a clear, legible and concise manner. Make timely and appropriate decisions in response to situations encountered on the job and/or refer to the appropriate party for resolution. Perform the physically demanding aspects of the job including prolonged walking and standing, climbing ladders and steps, and crawling underneath structures in a variety of weather conditions and/or circumstance. Bend, stoop, squat, crouch, crawl and pull. Fine manipulation of hands with repetitive actions; ability to operate office machines. Lift and carry up to twenty pounds, maintain punctuality and attendance as scheduled. Must be able to sit and/or stand for up to eight hours at a time while performing work duties. Must have vision and hearing corrected to be able to perform essential job functions. Skill in the use of computer hardware components including processing units, iPad's, monitors, keyboards, etc. Use of software packages including propriety, word processing, database management, and spreadsheet applications, operation of a motor vehicle.

Education and/or Experience 
Graduation from an accredited high school supplemented with an Associate's Degree and/or additional training in the construction trades; considerable experience in housing construction or related field preferably as a contractor, sub-contractor,  or housing inspector; thorough knowledge of existing housing and life safety codes; rules and regulations pertaining to federally assisted housing programs; experience working with the public, strong organizational, interpersonal and decision making skills; strong computer skills, sufficient strength and agility to perform the physically demanding aspects of the job in a variety of weather conditions and/or other circumstances; or any equivalent combination of education or experience to provide the following critical knowledge, abilities and skills.

Necessary Special Requirements 
Possession of a valid South Carolina driver's license and the ability to be insured at standard vehicle liability rates. Certification as HQS Inspector and/or NSPIRE (completed within 6 months of employment).

Other Requirements 
Must pass a background check and drug test. The position is considered "safety sensitive" and is subject to random testing.

Beaufort Housing Authority is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.