Section 8 Inspector

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA 

Position Description 

Position Title: Section 8 Inspector

Reports To: Section 8 Inspector Supervisor

Department: Assisted Housing

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under the general direction of the Section 8 Inspector Supervisor, the incumbent performs physical on-site inspections of Section 8 housing according to Authority policy. Work involves conducting periodic inspections to determine compliance with Housing Quality Standards and conducting re-inspections where necessary. Performance of the duties requires thorough knowledge of Performance Requirements in accordance with Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Regulations.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Housing Inspections & Compliance: Conduct physical inspections to determine compliance; perform initial, annual, and special inspections, including follow-up units. Inspect all areas, including site, building exterior, construction, systems, common areas, and appliances.

2. Stakeholder Relations: Develop and maintain rapport with owners, managers, and clients; explain program requirements and address questions regarding deficiencies and compliance negotiations.

3. Scheduling & Prioritization: Arrange inspections by priority and coordinate with owners and residents to schedule appointments.

4. Deficiency Evaluation: Evaluate corrections of any Housing Quality Standard (HQS) deficiency and approve units for Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) payments.

5. Data Management: Log information into the computer and maintain controls for effective program monitoring and supervisor review.

6. Rent Reasonableness: Prepare rent reasonableness evaluations for each file using the database and negotiate rent accordingly.

7. Safety Monitoring: Maintain records of 24-hour and 48-hour health and safety hazards; deliver notices to responsible parties for immediate corrective action.

8. Regulatory Liaison: Conduct landlord meetings regarding rules and regulations; monitor changes in HUD requirements and attend training to maintain certification.

9. General Administration: Perform other related duties as required to equalize peak work periods or balance departmental workload.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES

• Regulatory Expertise: Thorough knowledge of PHA operations, Board of Commissioners policies, and federal, state, and local laws governing subsidized housing, including health, fire, and landlord/tenant regulations.

• Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with building trade methods, materials, and housing codes used in the inspection program.

• Operational Skills: Proficiency in modern office equipment and report preparation techniques to evaluate professional and technical documents.

• Communication: Ability to present ideas clearly, both orally and in writing, to individuals from broad socio-economic backgrounds.

• Independence: Ability to initiate work projects and work independently in less than ideal conditions.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Education: Graduation from an accredited high school supplemented by courses in housing, public administration, or a related field. An Associate’s degree is preferred. 

• Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of experience in conducting inspections and/or enforcement.

• Certification: Possession of a Housing Quality Standards Certificate, or the ability to obtain one within six (6) months of hire.

PHYSICAL & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Physical Ability: Ability to operate automated office machines and move objects such as files or reports. Must be able to move large furniture (e.g., sofas) to complete inspections and be physically able to stoop, kneel, bend, crawl, and climb a ladder. 

• Transportation: Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License and be insurable under the Authority’s plan. 

• Legal: Ability to be covered under the Authority’s fidelity bond. 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Compensation: The salary range provided is a good faith estimate; however, final pay is flexible and determined based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and internal equity. 

The Housing Authority of Columbus, Georgia (HACG) offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the financial, physical, and mental well-being of our team. 

Retirement & Financial Security

• Employer Contribution: HACG may match up to 15% of base pay to a 457(b) Employee Deferred Compensation Plan following six months of full-time employment. 

• Disability Coverage: Long-term disability insurance is provided at no cost to the employee. 

Health & Wellness

• Medical Insurance: HACG covers 75% of medical premiums, with no deductibles or co-pays if using in-network providers. 

• Dental & Vision: HACG covers up to 75% of dental premiums. 

• Mental Health: Employees receive 12 visits per year through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). 

• Fitness: HACG will subsidize 50% of monthly membership dues for approved health club facilities. 

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Vacation Leave: Accrual begins upon hire, with eligibility to use leave after six months. Tenure-based accruals scale up to 25 days per year. 

• Sick Leave: Employees accrue 13 days of sick leave per year, usable after 90 days of service. 

• Holidays & Personal Time: Includes 9.5 paid holidays, one floating personal day, and an additional 20 hours of personal time granted every calendar year.