Housing Technical Officer

Full Vacancy Description

Job Title:       Licensing Technical Officer

Service:         Private Sector Housing – Regulatory Services

Purpose of the Job

To improve and maintain the environment, street scene and the quality and safety of commercial premises and domestic accommodation including privately rented and owner/occupier premises in the Council through a range of professional and specialist interventions.

To provide visibility and presence within the Borough to respond dynamically, effectively, and efficiently to enquiries, complaints and requests for assistance that are received by our customers, residents, and elected members.

To be able to investigate and triage all requests for assistance to establish the severity, risk and harm of the circumstances present and to make adequate referrals to the appropriate teams and departments to seek and ensure suitable and appropriate remedies and solutions.

The investigation and resolution of a wide range of public health and nuisance concerns including filthy and verminous premises, hoarding, prevention of damage by pests, premises in such a condition to be a nuisance, boarding up of empty dwellings and the investigation of defective private drainage.

Investigate and seek resolutions, working collaboratively, informally and formally, utilising a variety of interventions and, where necessary, the application and enforcement of the full range of housing, public health and nuisance legislation.

To carry out enforcement and take appropriate legal action including the serving of enforcement notices and the issuing of Civil Penalty Notices (CPNs).

Main Activities

As a front-line and first responder for the service you will carry out all duties connected with the identification and prioritisation of requests received daily to support the delivery of the private sector housing and nuisance service and the wider Regulatory and Enforcement Unit in accordance with any relevant procedure, relevant legislation, and good practise.

The investigation, determination and resolution of a wide range of complaints and referrals that the service receives which will include public health and nuisance referrals, domestic premises operating without a licence, filthy and verminous premises, hoarding, presence of pests, premises in such a condition to be a nuisance, boarding up of empty dwellings, accumulations of rubbish and the investigation of defective private drainage.

Dynamically undertake an assessment of each situation and circumstances to determine the severity of the situation, the hazards present, the solution sought, and the allocation of services required to address the situation.

Ability to manage and monitor own caseload, priorities and ensure visits are delivered in a professional and timely manner. 

To work collaboratively with a wide variety of stakeholders both internally and externally of the organisation where a multi-disciplinary approach to problems is required to achieve a proactive approach to problem solving, particularly where there are complex scenarios.         

The role involves accurate recording of information, providing reports, updates and witness statements to internal colleagues, third party stakeholders and customers.

Ability to explain clearly and concisely, to a range of audiences, the findings of a visit and assessment of the situation and the proposed actions that are required to be taken.

Ability to proactively and sensitively identify and address vulnerability and safeguarding issues ensuring appropriate support and referrals are made.

To work on allocated projects as directed to support the improved delivery of the service. Ensure responsibilities are delivered on time, to standard and agreed outcomes.

Customer Care

Provide services that are fair and accessible to all, challenging existing practices that support the traditional culture and promote the Customer First proposition across the Council.

People Management

Foster teamwork involvement with staff to increase performance. Create and actively engage in an environment for ideas and innovations to be explored and work practices challenged. Encourage peers and junior staff to meet their full potential.

General Accountabilities and Responsibilities (All roles)

Ensure compliance with appropriate legislation, Council Policies, the Council Constitution, Financial Rules, and other requirements of the Council.

Promote the development of a high-quality individual need led services, to comply at all times with the Council’s policies and procedures, particularly those regarding Data Protection, Equalities and Diversity and Health and Safety.

Undertakes a proactive, committed approach towards the Councils Best Value ethos.

Ensure compliance with and actively promote the Council’s Equalities and Diversity policies and strategies.

Ensure compliance with and actively promote Health and Safety at work legislation, Council and Departmental H&S policies and procedures.

Comply with the competencies and standard requisites agreed by the Council as relevant to your post.

Comply with the Data Protection Act 1998 (all employees of the Council will not disclose or make use of, for their private advantage, any information held on manual or computer records, which are not available to the public, however acquired).

Take responsibility for continuing self-development and participate in training and development activities.

The above-mentioned duties are neither exclusive nor exhaustive and the postholder may be called upon to carry out such other appropriate duties as may be required by the Line Manager within the grading level of the post and the competence of the postholder.

Person Specification Template

Job Requirements   

Education, Training and Qualifications    

Hold a professional qualification related to the themes of housing, public health and/or nuisance.

Evidence of continuing professional development

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience          

Experience in undertaking dynamic risk assessments of the circumstances to be able to determine, severity, risk and harm of the situation and determine potential solutions and actions

Experience of responding to a variety of complaints and concerns and undertaking site visits

Demonstrate an understanding, awareness and application of relevant legislation, guidance and good practise relevant to Local Authorities in a regulatory service including private sector housing, nuisance and public health

Understand the importance of influencing key stakeholders and demonstrate evidence of success

Communication, Contacts and Relationships

The ability to competently and effectively prepare and present information and reports to a wide and diverse range of audiences and stakeholders and being able to guide and influence key stakeholders and decision making

Ability to work collaboratively and effectively within and across teams in the council, communities, partners and third sector - developing links and maintaining relationships

Equality and Diversity          Demonstrate an understanding of service delivery in accordance with good equalities and diversity practice

Project Management          

Demonstrate the ability to participate in working and project groups to improve service delivery and customer experience. Delivering allocated tasks and responsibilities                       

Drive Values

Demonstrate commitment to service improvement and delivering the best outcomes for our customers and residents.

Value

Work to identified specific, ongoing, and changing deadlines priorities whilst maintaining service delivery to our clients and seeking resolutions for our customers.                  

Inspire 

Ability to work collaboratively and motivate others to work effectively and innovatively.

Ability to drive and have access to a car every day is Essential         

Ability to work and undertake visits in a variety of premises and circumstances that will include premises that are filthy and verminous, where pests are present and in conditions where there is waste and rubbish accumulations