Rehabilitation Specialist

Founded in 1984, Otsego Rural Housing Assistance, Inc. (ORHA) is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing and preserving affordable housing in Otsego County. ORHA achieves its mission through a two-fold approach: providing rental assistance to low-income Otsego County renters and providing home repair and rehabilitation assistance to low-income Otsego County homeowners.

The Rehabilitation Specialist is responsible for assisting with construction management for ORHA’s home repair and rehabilitation programs. This will include performing inspections at prospective and current clients’ homes, developing construction work scopes with detailed specifications, cost estimating, assisting with bid evaluation, monitoring construction, reviewing change orders, and communicating with contractors and homeowners.

Pay: $33 to $37 per hour

How to Apply:

Your application should include a cover letter, resume, references, and a sample of work specifications you prepared in the past.

Please submit your application to Bridget Stith, Executive Director, by email to bridget@otsegoruralhousing.org.

Please no phone calls.

Essential Job Functions:

• Performs and documents inspections of residential properties to determine code violations and problem areas.
• Prepares preliminary work plans and early rough cost estimates for repair of issues identified in the course of initial inspections, based on program standards, to determine project feasibility.
• Expands preliminary work plans into detailed work specifications and develops an accurate internal cost estimate. When necessary, revises specifications (and estimates) to integrate the requirements of Lead Hazard Control Plans, results of other environmental testing, historical preservation, etc.
• Develops work plans and specifications with lead-based paint requirements in mind, but is not responsible for testing, risk assessments, etc.
• Assists with the bidding process by explaining and interpreting bid items and program requirements. Aids ORHA in ensuring all bidders have equal access to pertinent information and that the process is consistent with program procurement regulations. Participates in the evaluation and selection of bids.
• Performs construction monitoring inspections of projects in progress to ensure compliance with building codes, program requirements, and specifications. Frequency and number of inspections depends on nature of project. Documents inspections accordingly and approves payment to contractors for completed satisfactory work.
• Reviews and recommends proposed change orders for final approval, including preparation of an internal cost estimate.
• Performs and documents final inspections of completed projects and makes final determination that project is complete. When necessary, assists other program staff in mediating between contractor and homeowner.
• Collaborates with all parties throughout a project, including other ORHA staff, homeowners/clients, construction contractors, code officials, environmental professionals, architects, and engineers. Clear, professional communication with all parties is essential.
• Coordinates with relevant parties to schedule inspections.
• Prepares and maintains accurate project records.

Marginal Duties:

• Other duties as assigned

Schedule:

This is a per diem, hourly position with flexible scheduling. The Rehabilitation Specialist will perform their job duties when projects that are under consideration or underway are referred to them, and weekly hours may vary accordingly, though they would not be expected to exceed 20 hours per week. This position will have a large amount of discretion regarding their weekly schedule and their working location. This employee may choose to perform a large amount of their work remotely.

Term of Employment:

This is a temporary position funded in large part by a home rehabilitation grant that expires in January of 2027. Continued employment is contingent upon future availability of grant funds. If ORHA secures additional funding, the Rehabilitation Specialist may be asked to continue beyond January 2027 or to work more regular hours, based on the demands of ORHA’s programs and the quality of their performance.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED/HSED
• Minimum of two years’ experience performing duties similar to the essential job functions.
• Ability to write clear, concise rehabilitation specifications based on units of materials installed, rather than open-ended tasks.
• Ability to accurately estimate the costs of rehabilitation work items, including knowledge of current unit pricing for both labor and material in this region and research skills required for estimating.
• Ability to be innovative in developing impactful and cost-effective methods to address health and safety deficiencies in residential properties.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to work and communicate effectively with people from varied socio-economic backgrounds.
• Thorough understanding of building codes and accepted safety standards, including those related to electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems and structural integrity.
• Ability to understand and evaluate contractor proposals/submittals to confirm all work and materials meet the requirements of the construction documents.
• Skilled in reading and interpreting building plans, engineer’s drawings, specifications, and building codes.
• Proficient in operating a computer and related software to include word processing, databases, internet research, and spreadsheets reliably and without assistance.
• Valid New York State driver’s license and reliable transportation to ORHA’s main office and to project sites. (Travel to project sites is reimbursed.)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with residential rehabilitation funded by state and federal grant programs preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Construction Science, Architecture, Structural Engineering, or a related field.
• Working knowledge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD’s) Guidelines for the Evaluation and Control of Lead-Based Paint Hazards.
• Demonstrated experience/familiarity with accessibility needs and modifications.
• Thorough understand of the building standards of state and federal residential rehabilitation programs.

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Remote work options: Employees may complete office tasks remotely. Inspections/site visits are performed in person.
• Mileage reimbursement: All travel to potential or current project sites is reimbursed.
• Up to 40 hours of unpaid sick leave, accrued based on hours worked

Conflict of Interest:

If you currently work as a contractor (or the employee of a contractor) in the area, you are more than welcome to apply for this position, if you are interested. Please be aware that, if hired, our conflict of interest policies would prevent your company from being able to work with ORHA as a contractor on some or all of ORHA's home rehabilitation projects.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:

This position requires the ability to meet the following physical requirements and to tolerate the following working conditions, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Must possess mobility and endurance needed to work in the field inspecting housing units (e.g., climb stairs and ladders, inspect attics and tight crawl spaces), including traversing uneven terrain in construction sites, and vision to inspect housing units.
• Fieldwork involves frequent walking and standing to conduct inspections.
• Inspections require dexterity to turn faucets on and off, manipulate doorknobs, use inspection tools, take photos, etc.
• Work in this position involves bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing, and pulling drawers open and closed to conduct inspections and retrieve and file information.
• Must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Employees working in the field may be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes.
• Employees may interact with upset clients and contractors in interpreting and enforcing ORHA’s and funding programs’ housing rehabilitation policies and procedures.

Otsego Rural Housing Assistance, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex disability or marital status

Pay: $33.00 - $37.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Mileage reimbursement

Application Question(s):

• Please use this space to enter your cover letter. Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the best person for this job and to show off your clear written communication skills.

You may also attach one by uploading it under the "Supporting Documentation" section on the final review page or by emailing it to bridget@otsegoruralhousing.org.

License/Certification:

• New York State driver's license (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Cooperstown, NY 13326

Salary : $33 - $37