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Form of work
SalaryJob title: Principal Housing Officer
Salary: £37,336 - £40,221
Hours: 37
Contract: Permanent
Location: Knowsthorpe Gate Leeds LS9 0NP (or from any other LCC location as required)
As a Principal Housing Officer, you’ll thrive on making a difference to people’s lives by helping to provide them with a good quality warm and secure home. Best City Ambition
It’s not about simply bricks and mortar it is about putting people at the centre of the work we do to ensure that not just their homes are improved but working with partners addressing wider issues in their lives such access to training, targeting crime in the sector with partners or offering financial support and advice.
Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.
About you
As a Principal Housing Officer, you will bring to the role:
- The ability to work with a wide range of partners to make a difference to people living in poor quality homes.
- Have experience of working in and deal with private sector housing conditions including experience of the Housing Health and Safety Rating System
- Knowledge of the legislation used to address poor quality homes.
- Be part of a dynamic and forward looking team who look to cross the threshold and make a difference to people’s lives.
- Have the willingness to self-develop to fulfil your potential.
About the role
The private sector is the largest housing tenure in the city and the Council recognises the importance of homes to ensure everyone has a good quality home and community in which to live. You will be making a difference to the city and those who live, work, and play in it. Your role is essential to ensuring those who do not have good quality homes are able to have one. You will work across a range of different areas, all of which are there to improve both homes, and the lives of those who live in them.
As our next Principal Housing Officer, you’ll not just work to make a difference to others, but also have the opportunity to learn and develop yourself, the opportunity to work with a wider range of partners to address poor housing standards, address criminality in the sector, gain experience of working with diverse communities. Training, development opportunities are provided to allow you to fulfil your full potential and provide you with the opportunities to further your career within private sector housing.
The role is integral to our nationally recognised and award winning Private Sector Housing Team. To support the continuation of improving the service we provide to those who need our assistance and support.
What we offer you
We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:
- a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
- membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
- flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
- a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
- a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further
How to apply
Please complete the online application form.
Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.
If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Mark Ireland Head of Service Call 0113 3786334 or email mark.ireland@leeds.gov.uk or Paul Broadhurst Service Manager Call 0113 3786331nor email paul.broadhurst@leeds.gov.uk.
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be carried out on preferred candidates. Read our recruitment of ex-offenders policy.
We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Leeds City Council is ranked 70 on the Stonewall Equality Index 2023. We are also an age-friendly employer, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Leader.
All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.
This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.
Job Description
Job Purpose:
The Principal Housing Officer is a generic post having responsibility for delivering solutions to a wide range of activities within private sector housing associated primarily with housing standards and the inspection of residential premises.
In addition, duties may also include the investigation of complaints relating to housing standards, environmental enforcement and associated functions. The work will be undertaken with the support of colleagues within a Housing team focussed upon helping to deliver the Councils strategic outcomes, through specialist delivery mechanisms. The postholder will be expected to carry out more complex duties, provide support and, depending on team needs, supervisory support.
Responsibilities:
Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade
Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge and skills
Improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and appropriate CPD programmes.
Work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice.
Contribute to the overall ethos, work, and aims of the service by attending relevant meetings, training days/events as requested.
Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g., child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality, and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person
Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, and promoting the values, standards, and Equality & Diversity policies of Leeds City Council.
Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse of equal opportunities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.
The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and this role will be expected to work within these parameters.
Operations
To carry out duties which relate to the work of the Housing Partnerships Service with specific duties relating to the regulation and inspection of private sector properties to ensure properties meet the minimum legal standards. Duties could include such activity as the delivery of financial assistance to private owners, addressing standards in the private rented sector and dealing with empty homes.
Investigation and resolution of service requests, both proactive and reactive, using all available statutory and non-statutory measures, which may include the use of; Notices prosecutions; warnings; informal advice; education; and imaginative solutions to resolve problems.
Investigate, resolve and help coordinate requests of a more complex nature and ensure proper coordination of work with specialist teams on cases which require support.
To prepare cases for prosecution and attend court when appropriate and provide guidance to other staff in preparation of their cases.
Following up cases to ensure that required actions are properly complied with in the relevant timescales.
Attending meetings as necessary and representing the service as directed
Providing information, statistics and reports on activities undertaken
Develop and assist with education programmes, briefing sessions and publicity campaigns
Effective and prompt liaison with partnership organisations
To assist with the development and improvement of processes and procedures, such as quality assurance, customer care, service delivery etc.
To take a specialist lead on projects, training of other members of the service or in developing areas of work as necessary to provide support to the Service Manager
To assist with the day to day running of the team including appraisals and managing attendance as appropriate
Finance
To adhere to the Council’s Financial Regulations, Standing Orders and achieve best value for money.
Information
To ensure accurate interpretation of legislation, guidance and relevant technical information to maintain consistency of decision making and action.
To accurately record information using databases and other systems and provide accurate information, including technical reports.
Maintaining electronic and paper records of inspections, interviews, visits, meetings etc.
Providing information, statistics and reports on activities undertaken
To produce accurate accurately detailed and complex reports for Senior Managers and attend Committees and Boards of Elected Members to present reports as appropriate.
People
Supporting the development of the team.
Liaison with all relevant partners on a regular basis to resolve problems.
To communicate any concerns which arise in the course of normal duties to other staff members, including managers.
Any other similar duties commensurate with the responsibilities and grade of the post.
To assist in the recruitment and selection process
Qualifications:
A degree or diploma in Environmental Health and a valid certificate of registration awarded by the CIEH Registration Board or comparable building related degree or other housing qualification and relevant work based experience
PERSONAL SPECIFICATION
Method of Assessment will be through one or more of the following Application Form, Test, Interview, and Certificate
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements
Operations
Show a passion and commitment to work with the public, businesses and partners, in both supporting and enforcement roles, in order to improve the quality of life for citizens of Leeds and help to deliver the strategic outcomes of the Council
To be able to carry out all duties which relate to the work of private sector housing regarding the regulation and inspection of privately owned properties.
To be able to demonstrate full knowledge of and competence in undertaking housing inspections and taking enforcement actions under the provisions of the various Housing Acts including the Housing Health and Safety Rating System.
Possess experience, knowledge and understanding of the statutory and non statutory techniques available to resolve issues experienced by the public and improve their quality of housing.
Experience of managing own case work within the relevant timescales and following up cases to ensure that required actions are properly complied
Experience of investigating, resolving and coordinating requests of a more complicated nature and ensure proper coordination of work with specialist teams on cases which require support.
Ability to prepare cases for prosecution and attend court when appropriate and provide guidance to other staff in preparation of their cases.
Experience of contributing to the development and improvement of processes and procedures, such as quality assurance, customer care, service delivery etc.
Knowledge of prosecution disclosure procedures.
Experience of education programmes, briefing sessions and publicity campaigns
To have experience of frequent contact with local communities, private landlords, tenants and Ward Councillors
Experience of liaising with partnership organisations
Experience of attending and contributing to relevant meetings
Experience of maintaining electronic and paper records of interviews, visits, inspections, meetings and any other matters relating to cases and provision of information, statistics and reports
A degree or diploma in Environmental Health and a valid certificate of registration awarded by the CIEH Registration Board or comparable building related degree or other housing qualification and relevant work based experience
The ability to lead on specialist projects, training of other members of the service or in developing areas of work as necessary to provide support to the Service Manager
Other matters relating to the Directorate’s activities which are compatible with the responsibilities of the post
Finance
To adhere to the Council’s Financial Regulations, Standing Orders and achieve best value for money.
Information
To be able to interpret legislation, guidance and relevant technical information accurately and consistently while keeping aware of proposed changes.
To be able to accurately record information using databases and other systems as used by the service and provide accurate information including detailed technical reports.
People
To be able to communicate effectively to a wide range of people.
To work closely with and other staff, MPs, elected members, members of the public, businesses, the private sector and their representatives
To have a willingness to develop self and help develop others while working as team for Leeds.
Be able to demonstrate the requirements needed to support the manager in maintaining/running and developing the team.
Be able to demonstrate the necessary leadership skills to assist the Service and Deputy Managers to run the service on a day to day basis.
To be confident in having frequent contact with the private sector, partners and local Ward Councillors
Behavioural & other Characteristics required
Committed to continuous improvement.
Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council Equality & Diversity Policies.
Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health & Safety Policies.
Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities to ensure up to date knowledge, skills, and continuous professional development
Understand and embrace our values, behaviours and codes of conduct.
DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS: It is desirable that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates are not required to meet all the desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between acceptable candidates.
Membership of a professionally recognised body i.e. CIEH
An additional recognised technical qualification relevant to private sector housing
Experience of supervising staff including personal development plans, appraisals and managing attendance
To have experience in maintaining/running and developing a team.
Confirmation of Job Evaluation JE Ref
