Principle Private Sector Housing Officer in London

Part of a team of professional officers to provide an efficient, high quality private sector housing service that reacts quickly to all enquiries, service requests and complaints. To assess the nature, extent and urgency of the enquiry and make effective use of advice, risk-based interventions and enforcement action, including civil penalties, to improve housing conditions and ensure that all homes in the private sector are safe and habitable.

To assess housing conditions and management in private sector housing, give advice and take action as necessary, including enforcement action to ensure that living conditions and management standards are brought up to satisfactory standards. To process applications for property licences, including inspection of housing conditions and assessment of management standards and to take enforcement action in respect of licensing requirements, non-compliance with housing conditions, housing management and other related defects.

People Management

No direct supervisory responsibility; however, there will be a requirement to assist in the induction and training of peers and new employees, including mentoring and supporting private sector housing apprentices as necessary.

Resident & Community Contribution

Demonstrate understanding of the Council's Customer Care Standards and ensure that these standards are met in order to deliver the Council vision of 'putting our residents first'. Raise awareness and provide advice and guidance on compliance with the Council's property licensing schemes and statutory obligations under Parts 1 to 4 of the Housing Act 2004 and other relevant legislation in accordance with the Council's scheme of delegation. Deliver presentations and briefings to management, other colleagues within the Council and/or external stakeholders. Develop and maintain close working relations with Council services and a wide range of other stakeholders to facilitate the flow of information, encourage joint working and co-operation, achieve the prompt resolution of complex problems, and ensure that service delivery is well co-ordinated and the service user is kept fully informed of developments.

Operational Service Delivery

Undertake the investigation of service requests and programmed inspections under the provisions of the Housing Act 2004, Environmental Protection Act 1990 and other relevant legislation. Carry out inspections, with a high level of competency, of a wide variety of homes in the Private Rented Sector. Assess housing conditions under Part 1 of the Housing Act 2004 (Housing Health and Safety Rating System) and take the most appropriate course of action in each case to achieve compliance. Draft schedules of works, notices and orders for enforcement under the provisions of Part 1 of the Housing Act 2004 and other relevant legislation in accordance with the Council's scheme of delegation. Investigate the licensing status of premises and in licensed properties monitor and assess compliance with licensing conditions. Process applications for property licences, including inspection of housing conditions and assessment of management standards. Draft all appropriate documentation and make recommendations for approval or refusal of licenses. Prepare detailed reports or briefing documents containing detailed analysis of issues, proposals for implementation and recommendations for action. Carry out complex inspections, with a high level of competency, of a wide variety of licensable homes in the Private Rented Sector including Houses in Multiple Occupation. Correspond with landlords and managing agents to achieve compliance with all relevant legislation. Undertake enforcement action in respect of private sector housing using powers under all relevant legislation as delegated under the Council's scheme of delegation. Prepare justifications for, and issue, Simple Cautions where appropriate. Issue Financial Penalty Notices in accordance with the Council's adopted policy and defend appeals relating thereto. Prepare applications to the first tier tribunal for Rent Repayment Orders and attend tribunals as required. Prepare prosecution cases in accordance with the enforcement policy, PACE, RIPA, other relevant legislation and within the service's time limits. Attend Court hearings as a witness for the prosecution. Attend tribunal hearings in relation to appeals against action taken under all relevant legislation as delegated under the Council's scheme of delegation. Effectively carry out casework and projects in any relevant work area under the direction of the relevant Team Manager. Ensure that an accurate record is kept of all interviews, telephone calls, inspections and follow-up action taken, and that regular checks are made to ensure the integrity of data, in order to assist monitoring, decision-making and case management.

Service Planning & Development

Maintain knowledge of the current Team Plan and understanding of own contribution in order to ensure delivery of this plan. This includes actively contributing to team plan reviews. Contribute to the production, review and updating of the Team's policies and procedures, ensuring that they comply fully with the relevant regulations and legislation and, where practicable, reflect good practice.

Financial & Resource Management

Demonstrate cost-consciousness and identify any cost-effective changes to own way of working. Be aware of the service budgets and constraints and ensure the accurate collection and analysis of data and information relating to the work of the Team in order to assist the monitoring of performance, forecast future need for the service.