Job Purpose
The Senior Housing Standards Officer will play a key role in improving the quality, safety, and energy efficiency of private sector housing across the borough. The postholder will investigate housing standards issues, enforce relevant housing legislation where necessary, lead on complex casework, supervise Housing Standards Officers, and support the delivery of the Council's objectives relating to housing enforcement, empty homes, Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), and domestic energy efficiency.
- Investigate complaints relating to poor housing conditions and determine appropriate enforcement action.
- Carry out property inspections, assess hazards using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), and prepare inspection reports and schedules of work.
- Lead on complex housing standards cases, including preparing legal documentation, attending court or tribunal proceedings, and providing evidence.
- Supervise, support, and delegate work to Housing Standards Officers.
- Enforce housing legislation in line with the Council's Housing Enforcement Policy through advice, education, and formal enforcement action where required.
- Manage complex empty homes cases and support initiatives to bring long-term empty properties back into use.
- Administer and enforce the Council's Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Licensing Scheme, including inspections, licensing, compliance monitoring, and enforcement.
- Administer Caravan Site Licensing, including inspections, licence applications, and enforcement of licence conditions.
- Support the Housing Solutions Team by undertaking inspections relating to statutory overcrowding, housing disrepair, and rental support cases.
- Promote domestic energy efficiency initiatives and support the Council's obligations under the Home Energy Conservation Act.
- Maintain accurate records using the Council's housing IT systems and contribute to service performance monitoring.
- Develop effective working relationships with internal teams, external agencies, landlords, tenants, contractors, solicitors, and other stakeholders.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of housing policies, procedures, and service improvements in response to legislative changes.
- Degree or Diploma in Environmental Health (or equivalent) with registration through the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) or equivalent professional body.
- Certificate of Competence in the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
- Significant experience enforcing housing standards legislation within a local authority or similar regulatory environment.
- Experience managing complex housing enforcement cases, including preparing court documentation and giving evidence.
- Strong knowledge of housing legislation, including the Housing Act 2004, HHSRS, HMO Licensing, Mobile Homes legislation, and related environmental health legislation.
- Experience carrying out property inspections and identifying housing defects and hazards.
- Previous experience supervising or mentoring junior staff.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, case management, and report-writing skills.
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a suitable vehicle.
- Ability to obtain a Basic DBS check.
- Hours: 37 hours per week
- Location: Hybrid working within the borough (site inspections, court attendance, and office attendance as required)
- Bi-weekly payments
