Technical Officer (Housing Improvements) – AR

Job Purpose: Supporting the Principal Housing Improvement Officer in the delivery of a comprehensive and efficient Home Improvement Service, the post holder will assess adaptation requirements in line with relevant legislation, undertake design work to address identified requirements efficiently and effectively, and manage the delivery of the works to a high standard.

To deliver the following outcomes:

• The Council’s key investment projects are delivered
• The operation and financial efficiency of the Council’s assets are improved
• The opportunities for sustainable development and investment in Sefton are increased
• The Council’s assets are maintained
• The most vulnerable people are assisted in accessing opportunities
• Our services are accessible

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• To provide an efficient and effective service to clients who are enquiring about, have made an application for, or have received approval for, the various types of grant or loan assistance provided by the Council.
• To organise and oversee all technical aspects of the Housing grants/loans process from receipt of initial enquiry through to completion. Visiting clients in their own homes providing the required level of advice and information and maintaining regular contact with them at each stage of the case.
• To inspect properties with regard to the legislation and standards appertaining to the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, the Decent Homes Standard, Disabled Facilities Grant and other relevant standards, as appropriate. To visit properties and undertake surveys to identify eligible works, prepare detailed plans and specifications/schedules of work to meet the needs and to check and analyse plans, specifications, estimates, bills of quantities and variations in connection with all applications for assistance.
• To maintain and review an up-to-date Register of Preferred Contractors.
• To administer the Contracts for Works, instruct contractors and monitor the quality of workmanship.
• To assist & contribute towards the development of a Private Service.
• To liaise with and maintain good working relationships with the Occupational Therapist, Client, and all other relevant partner agencies: to design adaptations that meet the needs of disabled person(s), interpreting recommendations made by OTs and advising where appropriate, alternative cost-effective solutions.
• To undertake inspections to assess and verify unforeseen/additional works in line with current procedures and carry out interim valuations and recommend payments to contractors. To carry out completion inspections and certify final accounts and authorise payments in accordance with Council’s financial regulations.
• To monitor and control the progress of jobs on site and standard of work completed, whilst ensuring they all comply with relevant standards and that clients are satisfied with the improvements or adaptations. Resolving any outstanding matters to the satisfaction of clients and senior officers. To keep up to date with developments in the maintenance/adaptation of buildings and attend relevant training courses.
• Give general advice and/or apply the current legislation and Council policy with regard to housing renewal and the financial assistance made available by the Council.
• Working with the Principal Housing Improvement Officer to establish and implement a contractor code of conduct, monitor contractors against the criteria and recommend action as appropriate. Provide technical support, in conjunction with the Home Improvements team, to clients irrespective of whether they are receiving financial assistance from the Council.
• To keep full and careful records, including inputting on IT systems, of all activity for the purpose of updating case files, colleagues and managers on progress of enquiries, applications, current cases and completions.
• To assist in the development and implementation of performance targets related to all current activities of the section. To adhere to and improve upon the standards defined in the customer charter for delivering private sector housing services. To assist in preparing reports for use by the Principal Housing Improvements Officer on the results of inspections/surveys made.
• To keep abreast of changes in the building industry and reviewing pricing mechanisms, schedules and specification systems on a regular basis. To assist the Principal Housing Improvements Officer in the development of standardised schedules of work/layout plans, quality control manuals and procedures required to deliver a comprehensive and effective service.
• To assist in the review and updating of standard schedules of work and costings. In particular work to implement schedules which contribute to sustainable development and low-cost maintenance of housing.
• To arrange for the submission of and ensure that all work complies with current Building and Planning Regulations, Health & Safety and other relevant legislation.
• To work under own initiative with minimal supervision and manage and maintain a substantial caseload and to deputise for senior staff as and when required.
• To participate in staff meetings, case conferences and training courses as required. To assist and participate in various working groups as required to shape and develop the services provided.
• To participate in the council’s performance review procedures.
• Any other duties as required which are commensurate with the grading of the post. To carry out any other specified tasks that may be reasonably required by the Principal Housing Improvements Officer, with the proviso that any change of a permanent nature will be written into the job description.