6 months contract with a Local Authority
Job Title -Environmental Health Officer
Job Purpose
To investigate housing-related complaints, regulate housing standards, and administer Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing within the Borough. The post holder will ensure compliance with statutory housing legislation, undertake enforcement activities where necessary, and contribute to the delivery of the Council's Private Sector Housing Strategy.
The Environmental Health Officer will also provide professional advice and guidance to residents, landlords, businesses, and other stakeholders on environmental health matters, including housing conditions, licensing requirements, and public protection issues. The role requires proactive partnership working with internal departments and external agencies to safeguard public health and improve housing standards.
Key Responsibilities
Housing Standards & Enforcement
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Investigate housing complaints and service requests in accordance with Council procedures and statutory requirements.
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Conduct proactive and reactive inspections of residential properties to identify housing hazards and poor living conditions.
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Assess properties under relevant housing legislation and determine appropriate enforcement action.
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Prepare, serve, and enforce statutory notices within delegated authority.
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Compile evidence, prepare case files for legal proceedings, and attend court hearings when required.
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Regulate and administer licensing schemes relating to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and other private sector housing initiatives.
Mobile Home Site Licensing
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Undertake responsibilities relating to the licensing, inspection, and regulation of mobile home sites.
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Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and licence conditions.
Professional Advice & Consultation
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Provide technical advice and guidance to tenants, landlords, businesses, residents, and community groups.
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Deliver specialist Environmental Health input on planning application consultations.
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Support Council departments by providing expert advice on environmental health and housing matters.
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Promote awareness of environmental health issues through presentations, promotional activities, and community engagement.
Strategy & Service Development
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Contribute to the development and implementation of the Council's Private Sector Housing Strategy.
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Lead on specific projects and initiatives as directed by management.
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Participate in cross-divisional and corporate projects to support wider Council objectives.
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Assist in developing and improving departmental procedures and quality standards.
Partnership Working
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Build and maintain effective working relationships with:
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Internal Council departments
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London Fire Brigade
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Housing Associations
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Voluntary organisations
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Government bodies and funding agencies
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Represent the Council at meetings, forums, and stakeholder events.
Record Keeping & Reporting
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Maintain accurate records of inspections, complaints, enforcement actions, and correspondence using the Council's document management and case management systems.
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Prepare reports, statistics, and performance information as required.
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Ensure all casework is managed in accordance with legal and procedural requirements.
Training & Development
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Maintain up-to-date knowledge of environmental health legislation and best practice.
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Participate in professional development and mandatory training.
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Assist in the training, mentoring, and development of junior officers and trainees.
Experience
Essential
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Experience of working within Environmental Health, Housing Standards, Public Protection, or a related regulatory field.
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Experience applying relevant housing and environmental health legislation.
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Experience investigating complaints and conducting inspections.
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Experience preparing reports, notices, and enforcement documentation.
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Experience working independently and managing a varied workload.
Desirable
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Experience working within a Local Authority environment.
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Experience with HMO licensing and housing enforcement.
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Experience preparing cases for legal proceedings and attending court.
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Experience working with vulnerable individuals and challenging situations.
Qualifications
Essential
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Degree or professional qualification in Environmental Health or a related discipline.
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Eligibility to work within a professional Environmental Health regulatory environment.
Desirable
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Chartered status or membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., CIEH).
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Additional qualifications relating to housing regulation, enforcement, or public protection.
Skills & Knowledge
Skills
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
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Strong investigation and problem-solving abilities.
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Ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines.
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Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
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Sound decision-making and enforcement judgement.
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Strong written report-writing and presentation skills.
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Ability to deal confidently and professionally with difficult situations.
Knowledge
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Detailed knowledge of Environmental Health legislation, particularly:
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Private Sector Housing
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Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
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HMO Licensing
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Statutory Nuisance
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Public Protection legislation
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Knowledge of Environmental Health service delivery within local government.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and Environmental Health case management systems.
Additional Information
Location: Churchill Court, 2 Westmoreland Road, Bromley, Kent, BR1 1AS, United Kingdom.
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Hours: 36 hours per week.
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Pay Rate: £36.83 per hour.
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Full UK driving licence required.
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2 days remote, 3 days in the office.
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Flexible approach to working hours, including occasional evening and out-of-hours duties.
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Regular site visits and property inspections across the Borough.
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We operate on a bi-weekly payment schedule.
Closing date: 25th Jun– early applications are encouraged
