Housing Renewals Officer

You will be working proactively within the Housing Renewals team’s home improvement agency service, undertaking building surveys, helping and encouraging homeowners to repair or adapt their property, specifically focusing on Disabled Facilities Grant work. You will be identifying works required, compiling a specification of works, and helping the client through the tender process. You will also be advising on the financial assistance available from the council and meeting contractors on site to ensure the satisfactory completion of work. This is an opportunity to work in a friendly, diverse team, making a positive and appreciable difference to the lives of the residents of Portsmouth, making it a satisfying and rewarding role.

Skills:

You need to:

1. Have a construction/ surveying related degree or equivalent.

2. Hold a full driving license, as driving is an essential part of the role.

3. Have excellent people skills with the ability to talk to an array of people including vulnerable clients, contractors, and other property professionals. You must have a sympathetic, friendly and empathetic manner to be able to understand the situations of our customers.

4. Have a sound knowledge of surveying residential property and be able to undertake a full property inspection is essential. Knowledge and experience of the Housing Health and Safety Rating system (HHSRS) is desirable.

5. Knowledge & experience of applying for Planning permission and Building Regulations approval is desirable.

6. Be able to identify and provide advice on necessary property repairs and produce schedules of works with clear instructions on what works should be carried out.

7. Have experience of project managing building works or of Contract Administration.

8. Have knowledge of relevant legislation such as the Housing Acts, Public Health Acts, Party Wall Etc. Act, Building Regulations and Energy Surveys.

9. Have knowledge of Housing Grants, specifically Disabled Facilities Grants, although this is not essential.

10. Have a good working knowledge of Microsoft Packages (to include Word, Outlook, Excel) and databases (we will be using IDOX Uniform). Experience of using basic CAD programmes is also preferable.

11. Be highly self-motivated and able to organise and prioritise your own workload.

12. Be able to physically inspect buildings and lofts and be comfortable working at heights.

13. Have good literacy and numeracy skills.

14. The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post