Private Sector Housing Technical & Adaptations Officer

This opportunity is currently being offered on a fixed term contract basis of 12 months; however, if budgets allow the contract length may be extended and/or become permanent, though this is not guaranteed. If an internal council employee wishes to apply for this role, a secondment opportunity may be considered (please state this on your application).

We are currently recruiting for a Private Sector Housing Technical & Adaptations Officer on a 12-month fixed term contract. This post will be primarily focused on HMO licencing. You will be responsible for the inspection, regulation, and enforcement of Houses in Multiple Occupation under the Housing Act 2004, including the HMO licensing regime and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). You will work closely with landlords, managing agents, tenants, and other stakeholders to improve housing standards and ensure compliance with legislation. This will include processing of HMO licence applications, renewals, and variations, ensuring all statutory requirements are met.

You will be required to Investigate complaints of poor housing conditions and undertake inspections of private sector housing to assess potential hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). Inspection of HMOs in relation to the Council’s licensing function, management regulations and to assess Housing conditions in relation to the Health and Safety Rating.

Prepare letters notices and schedules of work necessary to bring properties up to current statutory and Council standards and take appropriate enforcement action to secure necessary improvements to reduce or remove Category 1 / 2 hazards using the most appropriate legislation. To assist in providing an effective advisory enforcement, and renewal service to fulfil statutory and other obligations in housing and associated legislation.

Provide advice to owners, tenants and landlords on property condition, minimum standards and guidance on assistance available in the form of possible grants or loans where appropriate. Serve and monitor compliance with legal notices, and if required, prepare offence case reports. To undertake visits to client’s homes to facilitate the adaptation process with the view to inspection of the property, structural advice about the feasibility of adaptations, advice about the process and timescales involved in applying for grant assistance.

To provide technical advice for Housing Adaptations and assist in the management of the Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) process and all other adaptations funded through the Adaptation Service within Private Sector Housing.

To be conversant with the Council’s Housing Policy, develop good links with Housing Colleagues, to be able to advise clients and other professionals of the possible options available in terms of adaptations options, alternative accommodation, funding for shared ownership schemes etc.

The successful post holder will be subject to a Standard DBS check.

If you would like to have an informal discussion with the recruiting manager, please e-mail Rachel Bell on rachel.bell@medway.gov.uk

Career Progression Frameworks (CPF) have been introduced for all roles at Medway Council. These frameworks provide a mechanism for employees to take ownership of their development within their post and be rewarded accordingly. This means that the salary you will be offered will be at level A unless, based on an assessment against the CPF criteria, you demonstrate that you are meeting the criteria of level B or C. There will be further opportunity once in post to progress from level A to B, and B to C.

When writing your application, it is important to ensure you identify your suitability against the requirements of the job profile, as this information will be used for shortlisting and may contribute to the CPF assessment. Your application may be rejected if the minimum required criteria is not met. Further information relating to the requirements for this role can be found in the CPF Guidance document attached.

The person specification of a job profile is split into three levels:

Level A details the essential criteria that all applicants must be able to demonstrate through their application and interview.

Level B details the developed competencies that an individual who is practised in this role would be able to demonstrate and will be a progression of knowledge, experience and skills from level A.

Level C requires the highest level of competence and applicants would need to fully meet and demonstrate all aspects of the job profile, including qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience.

We are seeking a Private Sector Housing Technical & Adaptations Officer to join the team at level A. This is the entry point of the role, so you will need to be able to demonstrate the relevant knowledge, experience and skills to get you started, but you will be supported to develop in your role through induction, probation and a supportive Performance Appraisal and Career Conversation. All elements of level A listed within the person specification are essential. Through your induction you will be introduced to the Career Progression Framework (CPF), which will help you to identify your areas of strength and any development needs.

Important Information-

Applicants must be able to demonstrate all essential requirements as listed in the job profile

For further information, and for details of the benefits of working for Medway Council, please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online.

Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.

Please visit http://www.mindfulemployer.net/ for information on how Medway Council put good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.