Job Introduction
Job Title: Senior Technical Officer
Starting Salary: £48,226 - £53,460 per annum - Pay Award Pending
Hours: 37
Location: Stevenage - We offer flexible and hybrid working arrangements, supporting a balance between office, site visits and home working
Contract Type: Fixed Term - 12-month contract
Directorate: Adult Care Services
About the team
Join Hertfordshire Home Improvement Agency (HHIA) and help transform lives through high-quality home adaptations.
We are looking for an experienced and motivated Senior Technical Officer to play a key role in delivering Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) adaptations across Hertfordshire. This is a rewarding opportunity to lead on complex projects that enable residents to live safely, independently, and with dignity in their own homes.
The Hertfordshire Home Improvement Agency (HHIA) provides a comprehensive, end-to-end adaptations service for disabled adults and children across six districts in Hertfordshire: Stevenage, North Hertfordshire, East Hertfordshire, Broxbourne, St Albans, and Watford. We manage the full DFG process, from initial assessment and design through to contractor procurement and project delivery; ensuring a seamless and efficient service for residents. Typical adaptations include stairlifts, level-access showers and home extensions.
As a Senior Technical Officer, you will review recommendations from Occupational Therapists and Trusted Assessors, designing adaptation solutions that meet clients’ needs in a way that is both feasible and practical for each property.
About the role
The Senior Technical Officer role is to:
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Prepare and approve designs, drawings, cost estimates and schedules of work for adaptations, including tender documentation and support for planning applications.
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Manage a caseload of complex projects, including extensions and major adaptations requiring professional surveying expertise.
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Build and maintain effective relationships with contractors, providing technical oversight and guidance throughout project delivery.
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Monitor and supervise works on site, acting as a key technical lead and departmental contact for complex issues or escalations.
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Undertake complex or sensitive cases requiring advanced technical judgement, including those involving clients with complex needs.
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Inspect and approve completed works, ensuring quality standards are met, defects are identified and resolved, and properties are left safe and in a satisfactory condition.
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Confirm customer satisfaction and formally certify completion of works.
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Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in line with Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015 (CDM) and other statutory requirements.
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Work collaboratively with Occupational Therapists (OTs), housing partners and council services to deliver coordinated, client-focused outcomes.
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Deliver projects to agreed quality standards, timescales and budgets, ensuring programmes achieve intended benefits.
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Support the continuous improvement of systems and processes to maintain high service standards.
About you
Essential:
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Building, surveying or construction related qualification
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Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle
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Experience of the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) process and a commitment to delivering a seamless and efficient service to our clients
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Experience of using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) or other similar software
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Experience managing contractors and overseeing works on site
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Strong knowledge of technical specifications, tendering and costings
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Experience of producing technical specifications and preparing contract documentation
Desirable
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Member of a construction related professional body
This is a pivotal role within a high-performing service where your expertise will make a direct and meaningful difference to people’s lives.
You will have the opportunity to lead complex and rewarding projects, work with a wide range of professionals, and contribute to improving independence and wellbeing for residents across Hertfordshire.
If you are an experienced technical professional looking for a role where you can take ownership, make decisions, and see the real impact of your work, we encourage you to apply.
We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role.
This job role is Level 12. Please locate the job profile here:
Job profiles: Technical services
To hear more about this opportunity please contact Alexandra Wilsdon ([email protected])
Interview Date: Wednesday 27th July
Benefits of working for us
How to apply
As part of your application, please upload your most recent CV. Ensure your CV is up to date with your employment history (including any employment gaps), and including any training/qualifications. We encourage you to include examples of where you have demonstrated the requirements/criteria in the advert / job profile to allow the panel to fully recognise your skills and abilities. You will have the opportunity to include a short covering paragraph within your application to give us a little more information about your skills, knowledge, and experiences.
Secondment
This role is open to secondments for eligible employees who work for HCC. If you wish to apply on a secondment basis, you must have your line manager’s approval before submitting your application. You will be asked to confirm this within your application form. If you are not eligible for a secondment (e.g., you are currently on a fixed‑term contract that would end before this positions ends) or you indicate that your manager cannot support a secondment, your application will be considered on a fixed‑term contract basis instead.
Additional information
We are changing
Hertfordshire County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). If you are employed by Hertfordshire County on 1 April 2028, it is expected that most roles will transfer to the newly-created unitary councils on existing terms and conditions under TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings – Protection of Employment) principles.
LGR is one of the biggest changes we will face in a generation. It will reshape how we work and how services are organised and gives us a real opportunity to build something better. To find out more, visit https://www.hertfordshire-lgr.co.uk/
Disability Confident
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
Safeguarding
This role has been identified as requiring a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.
Driving required
You’ll need to have the ability to drive and/or travel around Hertfordshire, either using your own mode of transport or a company car to travel to other locations.
English Fluency
The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post (for those whose language is a signed language the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required). Further information about the legal requirement can be found here.
