Senior Housing Enforcement Officer

Job Description

Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities!

We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.

Introduction

Are you a good problem solver and investigator? Do you have experience in private sector housing enforcement and taking action against illegal evictions? Do you have a flair for improving housing management standards?

What’s the role?

To work as part of a team and on your own to improve the standard of the private sector housing stock in the borough. Use relevant statutory powers to investigate and take appropriate action in cases of illegal eviction, harassment or non-compliance with housing law. To play a key role in enforcing breaches and offences under the Renters' Rights Act and supporting tenants to know their rights.

This role is temporary for 24 months.

What’s in it for you?

Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday allowance
• Local Government Pension scheme
• Flexible working and family friendly policies
• Season ticket and bicycle loans
• A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
• Supportive staff networks

What we’re looking for

You will be substantially experienced in investigating and enforcing housing standards and management in the private rented sector. Including preparing Civil Penalty Notices, witness statements and prosecution bundles, instructing legal services and attending court and tribunal on the council's behalf. You will have detailed knowledge of housing legislation, investigation techniques and PACE interview requirements, property maintenance and landlord and tenant rights. You can provide high quality, confidential and trustworthy customer focused services and advice to tenants, landlords and letting agencies.

Location

The job is primarily based in Laurence House, but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.

Special conditions

• The job is subject to a standard DBS check

The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CV’s.

Applicant handbook - please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.

For an informal discussion about this job, please contact Sean Grady, sean.grady@lewisham.gov.uk

Please click here to view the Job Description and Person Specification

Salary

£49,155 to £51,228 per annum (PO3)

N.B: All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.

Diversity

Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply

The Council has a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works, which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works, please email LewishamWorks@lewisham.gov.uk and an advisor will be in touch with you.

The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.

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