Private Sector Housing Officer

• Private_Sector_Housing_Officer_-_August_2023

Please apply online (see below). If this is not possible, please contact a member of the HR team by either emailing human.resources@sevenoaks.gov.uk or contacting us on 01732 227383 to discuss how we can assist you in applying.

Our Private Sector Housing team seeks to bring about improvements in the conditions and standards of management of private sector housing.

You’ll assist the team in achieving this through the delivery of housing enforcement standards to ensure private sector residential accommodation throughout the District meets statutory standards and help bring about improvements in conditions and standards of management for residents.

As a Private Sector Housing Officer, you’ll be on the frontline of this vital work working with the Senior Private Sector Housing in the enforcement of housing standards through formal action as necessary in line with Housing legislation.

Everything you need to know:

We’re looking for a committed and customer focused individual to join our Private Sector Housing team. You’ll be based at our Sevenoaks offices, but often out and about across the District – working with residents in their homes, liaising with contractors, and helping to ensure housing standards are upheld.

You'll be appointed at Band C (£29,330 – £31,773), with the opportunity to progress to Band D (£34,072 - £36,830) in your second year of employment, subject to gaining sufficient experience and demonstrating the required level of competence.

What you will be doing:

• Assessing housing conditions, identifying hazards, and specifying works to improve standards.
• Investigating housing complaints and, where necessary, supporting enforcement action to ensure housing is safe and compliant.
• Inspecting and licensing HMOs in connection with mandatory HMO licencing schemes and undertake annual inspections of all licensed HMOs.
• Carry out regular inspections of mobile park homes and park home sites in accordance with the relevant legislation and model standards.
• Carry out the effective day to day management and maintenance of the Council owned Hever Road Gypsy and Traveller site and its facilities.

What you will bring to the role:

• Excellent people skills, especially when working with residents and landlords.
• Flexible approach to adapt to changing and challenging situations.

• Experience and confidence in carrying out resident visits and property inspections.
• A good understanding of building works, property condition surveys and housing legislation.
• Ability to work well under pressure and commitment to achieve deadlines.
• Strong IT skills and the ability to keep accurate case records and process payments.

• A full driving licence and access to your own vehicle.

What’s in it for you?

You’ll join a dynamic and forward thinking team delivering services that really matter. Every day is different, and the impact you’ll have on people’s quality of life is immediate and rewarding.

We are one of the few local government authorities to hold Platinum Investors in People accreditation – our commitment to supporting and developing you is genuine and ongoing.

Other benefits include:

• Enhanced annual leave of 25 days (excluding bank holidays)
• Additional leave after 5 years of service
• Extra Christmas closure day
• Hybrid working
• Generous Local Government Pension Scheme
• Opportunities to join in with social activities
• Free parking
• Employee benefits including discounts on shopping, travel, days out and more,
• Tusker car salary sacrifice scheme and discounts with your MOT
• Access to BUPA Employee Assistance Programme; a free, 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support service

Find out more

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Maryanne Sanyaolu, Senior Private Sector Housing Officer, on 01732 227493.

Best chance of being shortlisted

Read the Job Description and Personal Specification attached to the role and ensure that your supporting statement explains how you meet the essential requirements, as your application will be judged against these criteria.

Closing date: Sunday 13 July

Interview date: Monday 21 July