Neighborhood Code Specialist I

The City of Norfolk's Department of Neighborhood Services is currently seeking Neighborhood Code Specialists. The Neighborhood Code Specialists will serve as the City's Property Maintenance Inspectors and will be responsible for overseeing inspections of existing residential, commercial, and industrial structures, by enforcing Virginia Maintenance Codes and local City Ordinances.

This position has an Auto Re-Classification opportunity.

Neighborhood Code Specialist I to a Neighborhood Code Specialist II and to a Neighborhood Code Specialist III with experience and certification requirements.

Essential functions include but are not limited to:

• Enforces Virginia Maintenance Code and City Ordinances by inspecting the interior and exterior of residential and commercial properties/buildings for structure defects, checking the safety and adequacy of buildings, issuing notice to repair, removing or correcting violations, and monitoring properties in violation.

• Conducts daily inspections that require frequent walking, standing, kneeling and time outside inspecting properties, regardless of weather conditions.

• Inspects properties by means of complaint, survey, or 360 inspections. Investigates complaints, coordinates work with other departments, evaluates and analyzes case progress, tours and evaluates neighborhoods.

• Issues Uniform Notice of Violations and Notices of Violations under the Virginia Maintenance Code.

• Performs individual case review to meet performance standards.

• Maintains administrative records with documentation associated with each case in case management software. Maintains administrative duties by preparing forms and letters advising owners and tenants of violations and time requirements, preparing, and maintaining inspection and related reports, ascertaining, and verifying property ownership, verifying accuracy of reports, verifying the correction of violations, and explaining the requirements of housing standards and ordinances to property owners, building contractors and other interested parties.

• Issues summons and prepares cases for legal action and testifies in court when applicable.

• Identifies potential properties for USBC Demolition and/or Derelict Structure Designation.

• Prepares weekly administrative packages for nuisance abatement contracts.

• Performs public services by representing the bureau at civic league meetings, interdepartmental meetings, and other forums to promote and explain objectives, referring issues to appropriate bureau, department, or agency.

• All other duties as assigned.

Work requires knowledge necessary to understand basic operational, technical, or office processes. Level of knowledge equivalent to four years of high school or equivalency.

Required:

• One year of experience and general knowledge in at least one of the following areas: building construction; building, fire or housing inspections; plumbing, electrical or mechanical trades; or fire protection, elevator or property maintenance work.

Preferred:

• Property Maintenance Inspector Certification.

• Law enforcement and/or civil servant background.

• Valid Driver's License required

• Must become a certified Property Maintenance Inspector in accordance with Virginia Certification Standards (VCS) within 18 months of employment.

• Must be able to obtain a Special Police Commission within 18 months of hire date.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or as scheduled. This position will require work on weekend and evenings hours for resident engagement events.

Signing Bonus:  This position is eligible for a one-time $5000 sign on bonus.