RIHousing – Construction Specialist/Lead Safe Homes
Salary Range – $54,501.15 - $78,866.37

RIHousing is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

What it’s all about:
This position is accountable for enforcing all requirements for lead inspection and abatement activities for RI/HUD Lead Hazard Reduction Program. The Construction Specialist shall perform specialized office and/or fieldwork for RIHousing’s lead paint abatement projects. The basic objective is to undertake Healthy Homes Assessments (HHA) inspections, and to work toward successful lead identification and abatement as required by Federal and State laws. Work will involve the inspection of assigned properties to identify violations of the Rhode Island Sanitary and Building Code, as well as applicable federal regulations, and the completion of work write-ups, cost estimates, and project/construction monitoring.

What you’ll do on a daily basis: 
RIHousing oversees the construction and lead hazard control work in accordance with Lead Hazard Reduction Programs on behalf of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the State of RIHousing Resources Commission. This position performs Healthy Homes Assessment inspections to ensure that the properties comply with minimum requirements and reviews all lead inspection reports submitted by private lead inspectors for completeness and accuracy. Incumbent documents and informs the inspector of any errors or missing information. They identify and resolve any discrepancies with lead inspectors. 

• Incumbent works with property owners to prepare specifications and work orders for treating interior, exterior, soil, and water lead hazards identified in the inspection reports. Conducts a review of the specifications with the homeowner and contractor.  This position reviews all bid proposals from contractors for completeness and reasonableness.  It also assists in the closing process.
• Incumbent monitors the lead abatement process from day one, including timely inspections during construction and documenting progress on properties. They review the completed work of contractors, including a final clearance with the homeowner, and authorize/coordinate the lead inspector’s final inspection. Ensures compliance with all program specifications and regulations, and the property is lead-safe. This position also prepares and authorizes payments to contractors and inspectors for completed work, prepares, and reviews appropriate documentation, and prepares and negotiates change orders.
• Incumbent will serve as a program ambassador with community organizations, homeowners, government agencies, cities, and towns to promote the program. Also, to bring leverage funds focused on healthier housing.
• Incumbent will help recruit new contractors licensed to undertake lead abatement and assist in recruiting and training contractors who want to become licensed. 
• Incumbent will work on assessing the healthy home, which includes photographing and documenting all hazards, assisting the Healthy Homes Specialist with the specifications and product information, and photographing and documenting the completion of the Healthy Homes work.
• Incumbent works on other special programs and projects as assigned.

• Perform HHA inspections – Pre-Construction
• Educate the Homeowner(s) about RI Housing Lead Program, Healthy Homes Program, and the complete process.
• Assemble a Pre-Celi and HUD Risk Assessment cost estimate
• Review inspection reports submitted by private lead inspectors to ensure accuracy and completeness
• Prepare specifications for property owners based on lead inspection reports, photos, and notes taken at the Healthy Homes Assessment (HHA) inspections
• Prepare a cost estimate of each item of repair to attach to the detailed specifications for rehabilitation work
• Assign jobs to contractors based on contractor availability
• Create a complete Bid Package.
• Oversee the complete Contractor Walk Through and its process.
• Review bid proposals from contractors to ensure completeness and feasibility.
• Responsible for field inspections for the purpose of writing construction specifications for lead abatement and housing rehabilitation jobs.
• Verify the progress of rehabilitation/reconstruction jobs in progress on a consistent periodic basis
• Regularly verify the quality of work and compliance of rehabilitation/reconstruction jobs in accordance with specifications and applicable regulations
• Monitor lead abatement process, including conducting timely on-site inspections, on-site spec review, change orders (as needed), final inspection, documenting progress, and authorizing payments.
• Review Architectural drawings and design specifications of assigned developmental proposals to ensure repairs and management activities are completed in accordance with HUD Guidelines.
• Assist in the recruitment and training of new contractors.
• Assists with the compilation of data for technical and administrative reports
• This description is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with this position.  It is intended to reflect the activities and requirements of the position accurately, but duties may be added, deleted, or modified as necessary

• 3-5 years of experience in housing construction or rehabilitation, lead abatement specifications writing, reading lead inspection reports, building inspection, code enforcement, and project estimates. 
• Experience in Federal and state housing programs or community development preferred. Completion of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, Urban Planning, Public Administration, and Engineering Experience working with private inspectors and contractors as well as homeowners and nonprofit organizations
• Strong analytical, communications, and computer skills
• Use of personal vehicle, valid driver’s license, and proof of insurance is required.

• Mission Driven Organization
• Dedicated Workforce
• Competitive salary
• Parking Stipend
• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Retirement Options
• Flexible Work Hours
• If Position Eligible, Future Hybrid Work May Be Available
• Education Reimbursement
• Onsite Fitness Classes
• Volunteer Days
• Winner of “Best Places to Work” 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023
• PBN’s Worksite Health Award 2013-2023

• Offer fair, affordable, and innovative lending programs.
• Provide housing-related education to consumers and others.
• Promote and finance sensible development that builds healthy, vibrant communities.
• Provide housing grants and subsidies to Rhode Islanders with the greatest need.
• Team up with partners to improve everything we do.