Housing Code Inspector - City of New Haven : Job Details

Introduction

The Livable City Initiative (LCI) is a neighborhood-focused agency with a mission to enhance the experience of the individuals who live and work in the City of New Haven. We achieve this mission and vision by encouraging the involvement of other city agencies, the public and enterprise. Through the cooperative efforts of the private sector, we will create a vibrant and exciting New Haven.

LCI seeks to accomplish this mission through:

• Enforcement of the city's housing code and public space requirements.
• Design and implementation of housing programs to support high quality, affordable, and energy efficient housing opportunities.
• Educating and increasing awareness on solutions for neighborhood concerns.
• Design and implementation of public improvements and programs to facilitate safer, healthier, and more attractive communities.

Housing Code Enforcement The Housing Code is an Ordinance establishing minimum standards governing the condition and maintenance of dwellings; establishing minimum standard governing supplied utilities and facilities and other physical things and conditions essential to make dwellings safe, sanitary and fit for human habitation; establishing minimum standards governing the condition of dwellings offered for rent; fixing certain responsibilities and duties of owners and occupants of dwellings; authorizing the inspection of dwellings; and the condemnation of dwelling units for human habitation; and fixing penalties for violation.This also includes an emergency repair program, condemnation of unfit dwellings and an annual rooming house inspection program. The City's approach to Code Enforcement is to work with residents and property owners to quickly mediate problems, and when this is not possible, cases are then referred to Housing Court. Housing Code Process Depending on the nature of the emergency and/or complaint an inspector is dispatched to the location and an inspection is conducted.Possible Outcomes

• Housing Code Enforcement Order letter generated and served to property owners and/or residents with a time frame for correction of the violation(s). View the Common Violations and Required Remediation.
• Emergency repair
• Condemnation
• Failure to comply with the order letter represents a violation of the City of New Haven's Housing Code Ordinance and may subject you to criminal prosecution by the State's Attorney's Office.

The Code Enforcement Division performs other activities, such as State Tax Abatement Inspections, Residential Rental Business License Program Inspections (RRBLP), and Rooming House/Hotel and Motel Inspections. REPORTS TO Deputy Director Housing Code Enforcement or designee. PRIMARY FUNCTIONS This is responsible fieldwork to ensure compliance with housing code regulations within the City of New Haven. Work involves the investigation of complaints and the routine conduct of inspections upon assignment. This role plays a pivotal role in upholding minimum standards for dwellings, ensuring they are safe, sanitary, and fit for human habitation.Operating under the Livable City Initiative (LCI), the Housing Code Inspector works collaboratively with property owners, tenants, and various city agencies to facilitate corrective measures and maintain the overall livability and quality of housing in the community. Work is performed under the supervision of the Deputy Director Housing Code Enforcement and is reviewed through conferences, reports and evaluation of results. TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Investigates and inspects housing conditions in response to complaints or by assignment; initiates corrective measures; undertakes all follow-up work.
• Documents and reports any violations of the housing code and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
• Works with property owners and tenants to clarify areas of responsibility and to explain the means of compliance with corrective orders.
• Refers residents to a variety of social services in City departments or agencies as needed.
• Makes referrals to and coordinates responses with other departments when appropriate, such as Fire, Police, Health, and the Building Department.
• Collaborates with other city agencies, public stakeholders, and enterprises to address complex housing issues and promote community development.
• Prepares and maintains records related to assignments, both in the field and in department office.
• Recommends summons hearings as necessary; recommends issuance of arrest warrants as necessary.
• Testifies in court hearings as required.
• Participates in training programs to stay updated on changes in codes, regulations, and enforcement procedures.
• May conduct outreach and awareness campaigns to inform the public about code requirements and available resources.
• Performs duties and responsibilities related to the City's work zone safety program and the enforcement of ordinances/regulations concerning on and off street parking, obstruction and right of way permits1.
• Performs related work as required.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE An Associate's Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Real Estate, Community Development or a related field; a minimum of 1 year of experience in housing inspection, construction trades, real estate, inspection and investigative fieldwork, or related fieldwork experience, enforcement, legal or paralegal roles, community development or nonprofit work, social services or advocacy, or related experience. In lieu of college degree, an additional 2 years of experience in these or related fields may be substituted. KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Familiarity with and ability to keep current with state, local, and municipal housing codes and ordinances, including an understanding of the specific regulations governing housing in the City of New Haven.
• Ability to conduct housing inspections in accordance with the New Haven Housing Ordinance; evaluating various aspects of residential buildings' overall conditions, identify violations, and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
• Ability to coordinate responses with various City departments related to code violations, including Fire, Police, Health, and the Building Department.
• Ability to prepare accurate reports and to maintain case records.
• Ability to refer residents to a variety of social services in City departments or agencies as needed.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from members of the community.
• Ability to work collaboratively with property owners, tenants, city agencies, community organizations, and public/private enterprises to address housing-related concerns and to implement initiatives.
• Ability to prepare and process complaints that may result in case referrals to court.
• General knowledge of building construction practices, safety standards, and compliance with codes.
• Understanding of urban planning principles, community development strategies, economic development, and factors influencing housing conditions and community revitalization efforts is desirable.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to explain housing code regulations, goals, and responsibilities of the code enforcement program clearly to property owners, tenants, and other stakeholders.
• Skilled in conflict resolution and negotiation.
• Ability to adapt to various situations and solve complex problems related to housing conditions.
• Ability to work independently under general supervision.
• Ability to effectively manage time and prioritize tasks to ensure timely response to complaints, completion of inspections, and issuance of corrective orders.
• Demonstrated commitment to ethical conduct, professionalism, and integrity in all interactions and decision-making.
• Familiarity with relevant software and technology tools for record-keeping, reporting, and communication.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess and maintain a valid Connecticut driver's license.
• Must obtain Housing Quality Standards Specialist Certification within 6 months of hire.
• Must obtain Nspire Certification within 6 months of hire.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Requirements

Amount of Time

Working Environment

Amount of Time

None

Under 1/3

1/3 to 2/3

Over 2/3

None

Under 1/3

1/3 to 2/3

Over 2/3

Stand

X

Wet or humid conditions (non-weather)

X

Walk

X

Work near moving mechanical parts

X

Sit

X

Work in high, precarious places

X

Use hands to finger, handle, or feel

X

Fumes or airborne particles

X

Reach with hands and arms

X

Toxic or caustic chemicals

X

Climb or balance

X

Outdoor weather conditions

X

Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl

X

Extreme cold (non-weather)

X

Talk or hear

X

Risk of electrical shock

X

Taste or smell

X

Work with explosives

X

Risk of radiation

X

Lifting or force to be exerted?

Vibration

X

How much and how often?

Amount of Time

None

Under 1/3

1/3 to 2/3

Over 2/3

Up to 10 pounds

X

Up to 25 pounds

X

Up to 50 pounds

X

Up to 75 pounds

X

Up to 100 pounds

X

More than 100 pounds

X

SALARY, BARGAINING UNIT & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

This is a Special Fund, Non-Tested position.

This position is included in a collective bargaining agreement with Local 884, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

Bargaining agreements available to review HERE.

Special Funded employees shall not be covered by the City pension but shall continue to be covered by Social Security.Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of: (1) a pre-employment background check, (2) a pre-employment physical examination, including pre-employment drug screening in accordance with the City's Drug Free Workplace Policy*, and (3) a 90-day probationary period. Instructions and information on this pre-employment process are included in Conditional Offer of Employment.Pursuant to the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, The City of New Haven has a adopted a Drug Free Workplace Policy. The City of New Haven requires a pre-employment drug test, which includes screening for marijuana.

Selection Plan Applications will be reviewed by the Department of Human Resources. Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the minimum requirements as listed within the job description; failure to do so may result in disqualification.It is critical that you complete the application thoroughly, as the information you provide will be used to ascertain if you are eligible to move forward in the selection process. Your application and resume should indicate that you meet the minimum requirements as listed. This information may be used to determine the eligibility list. Submissions may be evaluated prior to a posted closing date, and a hiring decision may be made prior to the removal of the job posting.Information regarding the employment and selection process can be found HERE.Please note that the only method of communication with applicants for this position will be by email. You must provide a valid, working email address and you will need to monitor your email, including spam/junk folders, for correspondence from the New Haven Human Resources Department.We reserve the right to extend an application deadline or close a job posting early to ensure we can attract and identify the best candidate(s) for a position. ConclusionTo apply for this opportunity:

• Complete your User Registration. You are encouraged to save your Applicant Profile for future use.
• You MUST click on the job posting you are interested in, and click Apply or Apply Online from within that posting.
• MAKE SURE the job you are applying for is named at the top of the page as you review your application!
• Review or modify your application for that position
• Click Ready to Send App or the Send tab; read page and click the attestation
• Click Send to City of New Haven
• You will be redirected to CONFIRMATION OF EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION SUBMISSION
• You will also receive an email and text, if a number was provided, confirming your submission
• If you do not receive this confirmation in the next 24 hours, your application has not been submitted - please contact us at [email protected]

Please Note, your Profile is NOT an application for an open position. After you create your Applicant Profile, you must still click on a Job Title and complete the application as instructed for each position.