Caseworker - Legal Disrepair Team - Building Maintenance

Caseworker - Legal Disrepair Team - Building Maintenance

Job Number: HCAA01883

DBS Required: No

Agreement Type: Permanent

Work Pattern: Full Time

Contracted Hours: 36

SCP Range: £41,967 - £42,855

Hackney is one of Britain’s most exciting and fastest-changing boroughs. We have changed the reputation, not just of the Council, but of Hackney itself. The challenges that have arisen over the last two years have intensified the need for action and we are determined to rebuild Hackney for, and with, our diverse communities.

The Housing Disrepair Team is currently seeking to recruit a Housing Caseworker (Disrepair) to join our central Legal Disrepair Team. Working alongside solicitors, surveyors and building contractors the postholder will be required to manage a caseload of legal claims prior to the formal issue of proceedings.

You will act as the housing client in respect of cases where proceedings have been issued and which are being managed by the in-house legal team. The duties will involve significant negotiation with both tenants and their legal representatives, giving evidence at Court and seeking settlement of damages and costs. You will also represent the Council at Arbitration Panels and manage caseloads from initiation to closure. With an understanding of the application of legislation and relevant protocols governing housing disrepair, you will also possess a detailed knowledge of the landlord’s repairing obligations and be able to provide sound advice to both solicitors and other housing practitioners.

You will possess excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to produce high quality reports of a standard required for evidence at court hearings. Effective good use of IT systems and the ability to work with both residents and their representatives are all key requirements of this post as the ability to negotiate on matters of repairing obligations, damages, and costs.

To excel in this role, you will have experience of managing a complex workload, working to tight deadlines and a strong commitment to customer service are essential. You will demonstrate a high level of responsibility for the day-to-day management of cases of disrepair in a variety of internal and external forums, ensuring that the cases of disrepair are consistently well managed through to a satisfactory conclusion.

You must be adept at dealing with challenging situations in a sensitive manner. Most importantly you will demonstrate the drive and enthusiasm needed to deliver excellent services that meet our residents’ needs.

There is no better place to work in London than Hackney; we have great pride in our borough, our communities, and our services. Hackney is one of London’s most vibrant and diverse boroughs. It’s one of the most sought-after areas to live in London with good schools, parks and local amenities, as well as great transport links and vibrant and diverse communities.

If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values, so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.

The recruitment process is anonymous. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CVs.

When applying, there will be a number of questions relating to the post on the application form. It is essential that you complete the application questions, responding to each using examples of your skills, knowledge, and experience.

We will not accept applications where Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been used to assist with completing the competency questions or any part of the application form.

This application process replaces a supporting statement.

Closing date for applications: 21 April 2024 (22:59).

Interview date: W/c 29 April 2024.

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included, and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy and maternity, age, and marital status. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently underrepresented in our workforce.

The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk