Building Surveyor - Legal Disrepair in London

PRIMARY JOB FUNCTION

Legal Repairs Surveyors will be responsible for overseeing an individual case load consisting of live disrepair claims, party wall awards, repair diagnostic cases and referrals from repairs teams. Surveyors will also be required to undertake training and act in an advisory capacity for colleagues in the Technical Quality team, and will from time to time be required to give expert evidence in court. To deal with all technical aspects of cases received by the team effectively and efficiently. To carry out essential repairs, avoid liability from legal disrepair action whenever possible; alternatively where this is not possible ensure claims are effectively mitigated. Liaise closely and establish good working relationships with lawyers in the Chief Executive's Directorate and other Repair sections.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• To take responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons / vulnerable adults with whom you come into contact.
• Carry out site inspections and investigations, as necessary to produce detailed specifications of works using the national schedule of rates and composite values.
• Prepare estimates, feasibility studies, plans, sketches and drawings as may be necessary.
• As and when required provide technical support/advice to colleagues and give evidence in court as an expert witness.
• Assist the Senior Legal Repair Surveyor in the development of policies and procedures for the team.
• Work independently and manage a variable caseload.
• Be proficient in the correct diagnosis of building failures and to this end be competent in the use of devices, aids and instruments for the purpose of making assessments and diagnoses.
• Undertake quality assurance checks as and when required on repairs ordered and paid for by the Legal Repairs team.
• Take responsibility for party wall awards as required, including undertaking the necessary surveys and completing the necessary documentation.
• Possess a working knowledge of the relevant building contracts and related documentation.
• Take responsibility for ensuring that the existing contracts are administered in a professional manner and that the contractor complies with appropriate regulations and contract conditions.
• Have a good working knowledge of relevant legislation, codes of practice, legal documentation and court procedures.
• As and when required, act in the capacity of an expert witness in the preparation of reports and scott schedules, the giving of evidence in court, and the providing of advice.
• Attend all necessary meetings in association with this role.
• Provide prompt, courteous and helpful response when dealing with queries from, or initiating contact with service users, their representatives, outside agencies and residents of the Borough.
• Establish and maintain good lines of communication with colleagues within Islington Council.
• Obtain tenders/quotations from approved contractors for works not covered by the main contracts, and ensure that proper approvals for expenditure are obtained before ordering any works, all to be in accordance with Islington Councils set procedures.
• Monitor and oversee works on site including start dates, works in progress, standards of workmanship, materials etc. Monitor and report any variances to agreed standards and recommend corrective action.
• Maintain proper and accurate file records.
• Reply to incoming correspondence, e-mails and phone calls so as to comply with standards set by Islington Council.
• Agree and issue variation orders as necessary, certify interim and final accounts.
• Use communication equipment and computer equipment for the purpose of input/extraction/update of budgets/records/statistics/calculation design or other technical information.
• To undertake other duties commensurate to the grade of the post.

ADDITIONAL

• To use and assist others in the use of information technology systems to carry out duties in the most efficient and effective manner.
• To achieve agreed service outcomes and outputs, and personal appraisal targets, as agreed by the line manager.
• To undertake training and constructively take part in meetings, supervision, seminars and other events designed to improve communication and assist with the effective development of the post and post holder.
• To carry out duties and responsibilities in accordance with the councils commitment to customer service excellence and ensure compliance with the customer care standards.
• To be committed to the Councils core values of public service, quality, equality and empowerment and to demonstrate this commitment in the way duties are carried out.
• To ensure that duties are undertaken with due regard and compliance with the Data Protection Act and other legislation.
• To carry out duties and responsibilities in accordance with the Councils Health and Safety Policy and relevant Health and Safety legislation.
• At all times to carry out responsibilities/duties within the framework of the Council's Dignity for all Policy. (Equal Opportunities Policy)

REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• HND/C Building with demonstrable post qualification experience or BSc Building with post qualification experience.
• Or Extensive and demonstrable Building surveying experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITY

• Ability to effectively manage a technical caseload within target deadlines.
• Ability to write and prepare specifications for repairs and maintenance work and major repairs and planned maintenance contracts.
• Ability to monitor budgets, prepare work programmes and assist the Senior Legal Repairs Manager in this regard.
• Ability to prepare Bills of Quantity.
• Ability to prepare work programmes, estimates, value work in progress and issue variations.
• Ability to prepare and certify interim and final payments to contractors.
• Ability to administer contracts and supervise work in progress.
• Ability to communicate effectively by telephone, in writing and face to face in small and large meetings.
• Good attention to detail; to include report writing to validate information for court appearances, speaking at and chairing meetings, and writing client care letters following complaint investigation.
• Ability to attend court/tribunals and present evidence as an expert witness.
• Ability to liaise and work effectively with colleagues within the organisation.
• Ability to use computer equipment effectively for the purpose of communication, input and extraction of data.
• Knowledge of Legal legislation in relation to Housing disrepair and ability to interpret legislation in application of legal repair works.
• Proficiency in the use of devices aids and instruments for the purpose of assessments and diagnosis of building failures.
• Working knowledge of the building industry codes of practice, measured term and building forms of contract, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations and Statutory requirements applicable to the industry.
• Deputise for Senior Legal Repairs Surveyor in charge advice reconciliation.
• Takes responsibility for own continuous professional development and shares learning with team.
• Ability to undertake supervisory responsibilities.