Private Sector Housing Officer

Full Vacancy Description

Job Description                 Housing Standards Officer

Job Purpose:

Raising housing standards through advice, advocacy, and enforcement in the private sector. To assist the Team Leader to deliver and promote excellent services to the local residents as required. 

HHSRS inspections.

HMO licensing inspections.

Good knowledge of relevant legislation and enforcement of action. 

Experience of caravan site licensing would be an advantage.  

Principal Responsibilities

Inspections, investigations, and surveys of private sector properties in order to identify their condition with reference to all relevant legislation, standards, and guidance.

Preparation of specifications and schedules of repair work and assessment of the progress and quality of such works.

Resolution of complaints relating to private sector housing matters, e.g., disrepair, HHSRS hazards, overcrowding, harassment, illegal eviction, houses in multiple occupation (HMO) licensing, empty properties, accreditation, and immigration inspections in accordance with statutory provisions and council policy.

Advise the Team Leader on contraventions and commence appropriate enforcement action where appropriate with reference to the full range of legislation relevant to housing conditions, including preparation and service of legal notices, statements, attending court and provide evidence as a representative of the council.

Liaison with other council units (e.g. Benefits, Building Control, Planning, Housing Solutions, Nuisance Team), Landlords, Contractors, Ward Councilors, the Fire Authority, and other outside organisations to achieve improvements in the condition / management of the private sector housing stock.

Delivery of proactive initiatives such as forums and specialist working groups aimed at landlords, students, and other private tenants, including giving talks / presentations and general advice on private housing problems.

To lead on and deliver activity in accordance with the service objectives on joint initiatives and provide operational support to the senior officer in relation to specialist areas.

This role is designated as: Hybrid: Workers spend the majority of their time on site or on client visits. They will work in a specified Council office between site visits and may also work from home on an occasional or more frequent basis.

Many services and customers span across the Borough and therefore you may be required to work at any location.

Mainly office based but some scope to work from home on occasions.