Housing Standards Officer

Red Snapper Recruitment are recruiting for a Housing Standards Officer on behalf of our client based in Rochdale.

This is a full-time role for 37 hours a week on a temporary 6-month contract at GBP20.00 / hour.

The successful candidate will be assisting the Housing Standards Team Lead in delivering a housing standards service which includes carrying out property surveys and inspections using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, the implementation of both reactive and proactive enforcement of Housing Legislation, HMO Licensing, Empty Properties and Landlord Accreditation. This role is based around Environmental Health work.

This is a driving role so a clean license and vehicle is required.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• To undertake property surveys using the Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS) where required.
• To implement the Council's approved policies and duties in relation to all aspects of housing standards.
• To provide a pro-active and reactive service to private tenants making use of existing powers under the Housing Act 2004.
• To assist in the delivery of the Council's Mandatory and Additional HMO Licensing Scheme.
• Assist in the delivery of the Council's Landlord Accreditation Scheme.
• Assist in the delivery of the Empty Property Strategy, including identifying and visiting empty properties, liaising with other agencies, communicating with owners of empty properties and identifying solutions to deal with empty properties both in the short term and long term.
• To provide guidance and advice to owners, landlords, and tenants in interpreting HHSRS surveys, schedules of work and legislative requirements.
• To support the Housing Standards Team Lead and Technical staff in relation to housing standards, by investigating complaints, and undertaking service requests from tenants/landlords/owners, in relation to any housing standards matters.
• Liaising with the Housing Technical Officer in the preparation of schedules of work based on HHSRS survey reports.
• Preparing statutory notices on infringements of Housing legislation, preparation of files for prosecution, assist with carrying out interviews under caution ensuring the requirements of PACE are met and where necessary to appear as a witness on behalf of the council at courts of law, public inquiries, tribunals and at other outside meetings as required.
• Conducting investigations and interviews under caution ensuring the requirements of PACE (Police & Criminal Evidence Act) are adhered to.
• Undertaking reactive and proactive site visits / inspections, and taking any necessary remedial action to ensure compliance with legislative standards relating to empty properties.
• Undertaking surveys, surveillance, research activities and project work.
• Participating in activities such as Landlord Accreditation Forums and Community Meetings.
• Contributing to all other appropriate activities undertaken across the strategic housing service.
• To maintain effective liaison with other enforcement agencies and to foster partnership working.

Person Specification

• To contribute to the efficient and effective use of ICT systems in connection with work of the Housing Team.
• Deal with all correspondence and media enquiries in accordance with the agreed arrangements for timely responses.
• Assist the Strategic Lead Housing (Property) dealing with those who have a complaint about services (both internal and external customers).
• To prepare reports as required and make recommendations at the appropriate level for action.
• Attend and represent or act as the Council's witness at public inquiries, courts of law, tribunals and at other outside meetings as required.
• Assist the Housing Standards Team Lead in dealing with those who have a complaint about services (both internal and external customers).
• Deputise, as appropriate, for the Housing Standards Team Lead.
• Prepare reports as required and make recommendations at the appropriate level for action.
• Participate in the Council's Emergency Planning arrangements and in a Duty Officer rota, if required.
• Participate in in-service training, both as a trainer and a trainee as required, ensuring staff of the Service are adequately trained.
• Use standard MS office programmes to include production of policy documents, reports, briefing notes, presentations, meeting minutes, letters etc.
• To attend team meetings and promote team working as appropriate.