At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspect properties, enforce housing regulations, and improve living conditions for tenants.
- Company: Join the vibrant Newham Council, dedicated to enhancing community welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, training opportunities, and relocation package up to £7000.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by tackling sub-standard housing.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing legislation and property inspections required.
The predicted salary is between 52194 - 52194 £ per year.
If you enjoy working in a challenging, fast-paced environment and have a passion to tackle some of the worst properties, we have a vacancy for a Private Sector Housing Officer with experience.
Newham is an exciting, vibrant inner-city borough that is committed to putting people at the heart of everything we do. It has one of the largest private rented sectors in England. Its Private Sector Housing Service is at the forefront of the regulation of this private sector through its pioneering borough wide property licensing schemes. Our schemes have protected tenants and landlords by creating a genuine and tangible deterrent for criminal landlords.
Over half of all families in Newham rent, many living in sub-standard dwellings and overcrowded Houses in Multiple Occupation. This presents a challenge and PSHOs play a vital role in improving the lives and quality of living for this vulnerable sector. We are very proud of what we have achieved so far and are looking to build upon this good work. Newham is alive with opportunity and we are looking for highly experienced, enthusiastic and professional individuals to continue to improve our private rented sector. From the outset of employment, there will be flexible working arrangements and training opportunities.
Newham is located only 5 miles (8 km) east of the City of London and north of the River Thames. Our office is only 13 mins from the M11 and 20 mins from the M25. The London Underground and Overground, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), buses and National Rail, which includes the new cross-London rail service (Elizabeth Line) that stops close to our offices, serve public transport in Newham.
We wish to recruit talented, hardworking individuals from not only London but across the country. Newham offers a relocation package of up to £7000*, to provide assistance to newly appointed staff who are required to move home because of their appointment. *Subject to eligibility criteria.
Our Private Sector Housing Standards team are looking for talented Private Sector Housing Officers to work within private sector housing. The role includes carrying out multi-agency inspections of unlicensed properties and licence condition checks and inspecting properties in disrepair.
We are looking for officers who can demonstrate recent experience and competencies in the following areas:
- Knowledge of the Housing Act 2004 and other housing legislation
- Practical experience of serving and enforcing the above
- Competency in using the HHSRS rating system
- Practical experience in carrying out housing inspections for both disrepair and property licensing issues
- Knowledge and experience of compiling evidence and taking cases to both court and the First Tier Tribunal
You will be responsible for carrying out high standard regulatory work within the Private Rented Sector. In doing so you will be protecting tenants and making the private rented sector a fairer place to operate. You can expect a mix of casework and project work, supporting tenants, as well as working pro-actively to address both common and highly complex problems. There will be opportunities to develop your professional skills further with training opportunities and CPD.
The role requires you to assist colleagues in resolving complex housing cases, through your knowledge of private sector housing and property licensing within the local government framework. You will need to have excellent communication skills to motivate colleagues and improve team working.
We are looking for experienced, hard-working officers with a good working knowledge of private sector housing within a Local Government setting. You will need to be flexible and be able to work both as part of a team and on your own initiative. You will be expected to manage your own caseload and be confident in making decisions and have a problem solving attitude.
For more information on the application criteria, please see the Job Description and Person Specification.
We are committed to creating an inclusive, anti-racist environment for all. When you apply for a job at Newham, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. If you share our vision and values, and you bring the experience and skills we need, that’s all that matters to us.
The London Borough of Newham has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role. We practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents that you upload.
Private Sector Housing Officer in London employer: Borough of Newham
The London Borough of Newham is an exceptional employer, dedicated to improving the lives of its residents through innovative housing solutions. With a strong commitment to professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive work culture, employees are empowered to make a real difference in the community. Located just a short distance from central London, Newham offers a vibrant environment with a generous relocation package for new hires, making it an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Private Sector Housing Officer in London
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Borough of Newham, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Borough of Newham and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Private Sector Housing Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Borough of Newham and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Newham
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Borough of Newham, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Borough of Newham.