Private Sector Housing Officer

Connect2Luton are excited to recruit a Private Sector Housing Officer on behalf of Luton Borough Council.

Main purpose of position:

Inspect dwellings, licence dwellings and undertake enforcement work for Private Sector Housing.

As a Housing Officer,you will be responsible to:

·Inspect dwellings and houses in multiple occupation in accordance with Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and the Decent Homes Standard; including complex preparatory work, inspecting and certifying works in default, inspecting and licensing premises, resolving disputes and undertaking associated technical and financial work including arranging interim and final stage payments. Prepare cases for prosecution and present evidence in court and Residential Property Tribunals.

·Investigate complex service requests concerning premises and persons, instigate action in accordance with regulation, including consultation with professionals, Departments and Agencies.

·Provide specialist advice to and oversee the work of colleagues and trainees, including providing appropriate training, mentoring, and supervision. Develop procedures and guidance documents and deputise for Senior staff during periods of absence.

·Attend and represent the Department/Council at a range of Council meetings, working parties, Appeals, Tribunals and County Court Appearances, including engaging the public, public bodies, businesses and other Agencies.

· Advise, participate in, promote and recommend;

Enforcement actions where appropriate,

Departmental initiatives including Decent Homes, home maintenance and energy efficiency initiatives for dwellings and affordable warmth for their occupiers.

referrals to the Council's HIA Team, Occupational Therapists, Adult Social Care including Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults (SOVA) and other relevant agencies.

·As directed and supported by the Team Manager, take the role of Lead Officer on specific projects to improve service delivery.

Skills and Experience:

• In depth experience of inspecting and licensing houses in multiple occupation
• Able to consult, negotiate, persuade, influence and present to a wide range of professionals and members of the public
• Excel spreadsheet skills or abilty to acquire such in order to produce and amend straightforward spreadsheets
• Able to analyse complex situations eg, inspect and measure premises, evaluate building tenders, compile evidence and witness statements
• Able to plan and organise own and others workload to meet deadlines demonstrating effective time management and ability to work within a Team
• Able to effectively use Information Technology to complete daily tasks in the working environment
• Able to demonstrate an understanding of the effects of discrimination on service delivery and on the people with whom you are working
• In depth knowledge of Building construction and Building services
• Knowledge of 'Metastreet' licensing software
• Qualification in Building Construction or Technology
• Registered by the Environmental Health Officers' Registration Board as an EHO, EHP or CEHP and holding degree or diploma in Environmental Health
• Able to travel throughout the Borough and undertake building surveys, including using steps and ladders to gain access to loft and roof spaces. (Frequency daily)

About us

Luton Borough Council have partnered with Kent County Council to create Connect2Luton, a recruitment managed service for all contingent temporary agency, contract, and interim roles at the Council.

Our heritage and being local government owned which means we have a wealth of knowledge and expertise within the public sector, with many of our employees having previously worked for the Council or have supplied previously into the Council, for several years.

We are an equal opportunities employment agency and business that positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates

Connect2Luton, part of Luton Borough Council & Kent Commercial Services LLP, is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business and positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.