Housing Standards Officer (Empty Homes) - WMF3198i

Housing Standards Officer (Empty Homes) - WMF3198i

Job description

INTERNAL ONLY

Location: Barrow
Contract Type: Fixed Term – 5 Years

Hours: 37 per week

About this opportunity

Would you like to live and work in one of the most beautiful parts of the country?

Westmorland and Furness Council is a new unitary Council combining Barrow-in-Furness, Eden and South Lakeland districts. The new Council planning area is adjacent to two national parks, including the stunning Lake District National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as western parts of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The national parks offer a rich tapestry of lakes, mountains and countryside, which offer extensive outdoor opportunities, whilst the towns and villages brim with local character. With friendly communities, low crime rate, cultural attractions and stunning locations Westmorland and Furness Council makes an attractive proposition for one and all.

Who we are looking for…

Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking to recruit a Housing Standards Officer.

This is an exciting opportunity to take a leading role in the Council's Empty Homes strategy, using a range of enforcement, engagement and partnership approaches to bring long-term vacant properties back into use, while also supporting wider Housing Standards functions.

You'll manage a varied caseload across the Private Rented Sector, focusing on housing standards, enforcement and regulatory compliance.

Key responsibilities will include: Undertaking property inspections and investigations, applying the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) to identify and assess Category 1 and Category 2 hazards

Determining and implementing appropriate enforcement action in accordance with the Housing Act 2004 and associated legislation

Preparing and serving statutory notices and taking formal enforcement action, including the use of Civil Penalties where appropriate

Investigating complaints relating to housing conditions, disrepair and wider private sector housing issues

Engaging with landlords, tenants, internal services and partner agencies to secure compliance and resolve cases

Producing clear, accurate inspection reports, case records and evidential documentation to support enforcement action

Contributing to the delivery of wider Environmental Health and Housing Enforcement functions and service objectives

About You

To be considered for this Housing Standards role, you will have:

You will have recent experience working within a Local Authority Environmental Health or Private Sector Housing service, with a clear understanding of regulatory and enforcement functions

You will demonstrate sound working knowledge of the Housing Act 2004, HHSRS and associated housing enforcement legislation, and the ability to apply this in practice

You will have experience of undertaking enforcement activity, including the preparation and issue of statutory notices and, where appropriate, Civil Penalty Notices

You will be able to manage a varied and demanding caseload independently, using your initiative to prioritise and progress cases effectively

You will possess strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage confidently with landlords, tenants and partner agencies, including in challenging situations

You will be able to produce clear, accurate and legally robust reports, records and evidential documentation

You will hold a relevant Environmental Health qualification with EHRB registration, or be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge, skills and experience

You will contribute positively to a team environment, supporting wider service objectives and continuous improvement

You will be adaptable and responsive to service needs, including the ability to commence employment within required timeframes where possible

What can we offer you!

Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site.Our benefits | Careers (westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk)

Would you like to find out more?

For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below attachments:

• Post Specification
• Role Profile

Please note: If the Post Specification for this vacancy states that a UK driving licence is required, non-UK driving licences with entitlement to drive vehicles in the UK will also be accepted.

Application and Interview information

Closing date: 15/11/2026

Interview date: TBC

We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Interview details such as venue/timings will be shared with successful candidates, following the shortlisting process. If you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.

If you experience any technical difficulties applying for this role, please contact the HR Systems Team at HR.Systems@cumbria.gov.uk.

For guidance on the recruitment process, FAQs, and useful tips for completing your application, please visit: Our Approach to Recruitment | Careers

Safer Recruitment

At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect all workers, employees and volunteers to share our commitment.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.

As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.

We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old (someone who has been looked after by a local authority at any point, for any length of time, e.g. foster care, residential care, or under the guardianship of a local authority) that meet the essential criteria for the role.