Housing Officer

Full Vacancy Description

Job Title:                         Technical Officer

Purpose of the Job

To work as part of a multi-disciplinary team tackling poor housing conditions in the private sector. To provide a proactive and reactive service to users, providers and owners of residential accommodation in the private sector. To provide a specialist or technical resource to the department.

Principal Accountabilities

To reactively inspect and appraise residential premises at the request of tenants, landlords, owners, managing agents and leaseholders and in response to the HMO Licensing Scheme applications as directed by the Senior Environmental Health Officer. Inspections will often involve dealing with complaints and general enquiries.

To undertake proactive surveys of Houses in Multiple Occupation as directed by the Senior Environmental Health Officer (SEHO) having regard to relevant legislation and standards

To use training and experience to decide on the most appropriate course of action to be taken, taking advice and direction from the SEHO on more complex cases. To initiate action as appropriate following inspections and surveys by drawing up schedules of required work and any necessary associated plans (both submitted to building control and fire authorities, as appropriate), preparing and sending requirements informally in the form of letters, drafting statutory Notices for authorisation, by the SEHO and providing reports and statements to initiate and support works in default and legal proceedings. To take part in legal proceedings as directed by the SEHO and Private Sector Manager, giving evidence as required in the Magistrates’ Court, Crown Court or First Tier Tribunal

To manage a personal case load and other works as directed by the SEHO. To undertake programmed revisits to monitor work progress, keeping tenants, solicitors, architects and other interested parties informed and to initiate such follow up action including works in default and prosecution. To arrange, supervise and certify completion of works in default in accordance with council procedures

To keep full and accurate records of works undertaken and operate all administration practices and procedures as prescribed by the department in Council Standing Orders

To provide information support and technical advice within scope of technical knowledge to users and providers of private sector housing on requirements, rights and responsibilities in respect of the appropriate Housing Act and associated legislation. To liaise as appropriate with other teams and departments to ensure, so far as possible, a corporate council service and to minimise the risk of homelessness and to help vulnerable people

To examine and comment on applications for Building Regulations, Planning and Listed Building Consents in consultation with the SEHO to ensure, as far as possible, compliance with Housing Act standards and an effective corporate approach with other departments

To undertake specific projects and represent the department at meetings/ presentations at member, officer and public level to ensure the provision of a quality service to customers

To assist in the processing and calculation of grant or loan applications generated by the work of the team, for any schemes that may be operating. Assist with the processing of repayment of any such grants or loans as necessary

To uphold the council’s policies for anti-discriminatory practice and equality of opportunity.

To uphold the council’s and other departments’ Health & Safety requirements, particularly with regard to agreed codes of practice and safe methods of working.

To assist, participate in and deliver training and development programmes of the council.

Your duties will be as set out in the above job description but please note that the Council reserves the right to update your job description, from time to time, to reflect changes in, or to, your job. 

You will be consulted about any proposed changes.

The list of duties in the job description should not be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive.

There will be other duties and requirements associated with your job and, in addition, as a term of your employment you may be required to undertake various other duties as may reasonably be required.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Job Related Knowledge, Experience & Qualifications 

Suitable qualification relevant to the post, for example HNC or higher in building studies or related discipline,  or equivalent knowledge, plus practical experience relevant to the post gained over a suitable period Ability to acquire a working knowledge of the relevant Housing Act, Building Act, Public Health legislation.

Specialist knowledge of technical matters in one or more of the following: building design, construction, fire safety, drainage, health & safety issues, codes of practice.

Experience of undertaking inspections, assessing and reporting on conditions in residential premises.

Experience of any specialist function designated for this post.

Experience of communicating effectively with customers in a front line service.

Experience of using negotiation skills to deal with difficult situations.

Experience of managing a large caseload.

Skills & Abilities      

Excellent communication skills both written and oral.

Diagnostic skills including the ability to analyse, interpret and evaluate plans and expert reports the most appropriate course of action.

Proven negotiation and mediation skills involving individuals and contractors.

Assertiveness and ability to diffuse difficult situations.

Ability to maintain accurate IT and manual records.

Ability to visit and carry out detailed inspections of different types of dwellings, particularly using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System..

Appreciation of the problems encountered in private sector housing in busy urban environments.