Job Introduction
Salary: £36,363- £41,771 a year plus £963 essential car user allowance (subject to criteria)
Hours: 37 hours a week
Contract type: Permanent
Please note this role does not attract sponsorship.
What You’ll be doing
Luton Council is seeking an experienced Private Sector Housing Officer to play a key role in improving housing conditions and protecting residents across the borough. The role will involve carrying out inspections of dwellings and Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in accordance with the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), Decent Homes Standard and relevant housing legislation.
The postholder will investigate complex housing complaints and service requests, identify unlicensed HMOs and take appropriate enforcement action where necessary. This will include preparing cases for prosecution, issuing Civil Penalty Notices, applying for Rent Repayment Orders and presenting evidence at court and Residential Property Tribunals.
The role will also involve overseeing works in default, resolving disputes and undertaking associated technical and financial duties, including arranging interim and final payments. The successful candidate will provide professional recommendations on a wide range of housing matters and work closely with Council departments, partner agencies, landlords, businesses and residents to achieve compliance.
In addition, the postholder will provide specialist advice, mentoring and support to less experienced officers and trainees, contribute to the development of procedures and guidance, and support departmental initiatives focused on improving housing standards, energy efficiency and affordable warmth.
This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to improving the quality, safety and sustainability of private sector housing across Luton.
What we’re looking for
We are looking for an experienced housing professional with a strong background in Environmental Health, Private Sector Housing, rogue landlord enforcement or a similar regulatory environment. You will have a good understanding of Local Authority enforcement procedures, housing legislation, building construction and building services, with experience of dealing with complex housing cases.
You will be confident communicating with residents, landlords, professionals and partner agencies, with the ability to negotiate, influence and present information effectively. You will be able to analyse complex situations, undertake property inspections, compile evidence and produce clear reports with professional recommendations.
Experience of Court or Residential Property Tribunal proceedings, public enquiries or Local Government Ombudsman investigations would be desirable. Strong organisational, IT and teamwork skills are essential, along with an understanding of equality and diversity in service delivery.
You will need relevant enforcement experience or an appropriate Environmental Health qualification/registration, with a building-related qualification being desirable. The role also requires the ability to travel across the borough and undertake property inspections, including accessing loft and roof spaces.
About us
Our ambitious Luton 2040 Vision – that no-one in Luton will have to live in poverty – is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that our people are remarkable, talented, committed and passionate about serving our residents.
The people of Luton depend heavily on this council – and that means our workforce! Are you ready to realise the remarkable and help us deliver our vision?
Application Process
Because of the nature of this job, it will be necessary for the appropriate level of criminal record disclosure to be undertaken. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare all unspent cautions and convictions; and also any adult cautions (simple or conditional), and spent convictions that are not protected as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020). A person’s criminal record will not in itself prevent a person from being appointed to this post. Applicants will not be refused posts because of offences which are not relevant to, and do not place them at or make them a risk in, the role for which they are applying. However in the event of the employment being taken up, any failure to disclose such offence, as detailed above, will result in dismissal or disciplinary action by the Authority.
Applicants for this public-facing post will need to demonstrate the ability to converse, and provide effective help or advice, fluently in spoken English
On occasions, we may close a vacancy early due to a very high number of applications being received.
Benefits
Please click here to learn about Luton Council Employee Benefits.
How to apply
We understand that job applications take time and effort, but a high-quality application shows that you are professional with a good attention to detail. The recruiting manager may receive a number of applications for each job advertised so you want yours to stand out!
Our ‘How to apply' page has more tips to help with your application: Please click here for further information.
