Housing Standards Officer

"The role of a Housing Standards Officer is to work within a team to ensure the delivery of the Council’s statutory responsibilities for improving conditions and standards of management of private sector housing for residents of Maidstone, protecting their health, safety and well-being.

This role will deal with the full range of matters affecting Housing Standards, including:

• Assisting the delivery of the Disabled Facilities Grant programme and other grant schemes to ensure those most in need of assistance through home improvements, get the help they need.

PURPOSE OF JOB

The role of a Housing Standards Officer is to work within a team to ensure the delivery of the Council’s statutory responsibilities for improving conditions and standards of management of private sector housing for residents of Maidstone, protecting their health, safety and well-being.

This role will deal with the full range of matters affecting Housing Standards, including:

• Assisting the delivery of the Disabled Facilities Grant programme and other grant schemes to ensure those most in need of assistance through home improvements, get the help they need.
• Investigations and inspections of dwellings and houses in multiple occupation; licensing HMO’s; preparation and service of relevant statutory notices; take other enforcement action where necessary and providing related advice and assistance to residents.

We would expect you to have an excellent communicator with a wide variety of customers. In your role we will offer relevant training and guidance in order for you to progress within your career.

MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES

Service Requests

• Investigate requests from residents relating to housing conditions and determine appropriate actions including referrals.

• Assess properties using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System and other public health and housing legislation.

• Compile and maintain accurate reports and records in connection with the above activities.

Education,

Training and Knowledge

• Degree in a relevant specialism to the role or an equivalent qualification/relevant experience

Experience

• Understanding of the health impacts of poor housing.
• Experience of providing successful interventions to individuals in a support capacity either within a housing or community setting
• Experience of working with vulnerable people.
• Experience of contract monitoring and evaluation.
• Demonstrate ability to identify areas for change, make and implement decisions

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent ability to write and maintain accurate written reports, specifications and other records.
• Certified assessor status for the Housing Health and Safety Rating System
• Experience of undertaking legal enforcement and other formal action
• Demonstrable ability to effectively use Information Technology to complete daily tasks in the working environment.