At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspect properties, investigate complaints, and improve housing standards for better health outcomes.
- Company: Join the Private Sector Housing Team at Ashford Borough Council.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community by ensuring safe housing for all residents.
- Qualifications: HHSRS qualification preferred; strong communication and problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35310 - 39144 £ per year.
Salary: £35,310 – £39,144 pa, depending on skills and experience. Plus lease car subsidy or cash alternative of £2,080 pa. Permanent – 37 hours per week, worked over 4 or 5 days. Part‑time applications considered. Location: Ashford, Kent.
The Private Sector Housing Team at Ashford Borough Council ensures housing standards remain safe for all residents. You will investigate housing complaints, carry out inspections and work with landlords, tenants and partners to raise standards and deliver better health outcomes. The role includes enforcement work, administering housing grants and loans, supporting energy efficiency initiatives and helping bring empty properties back into use.
ResponsibilitiesYou will conduct site visits, inspect properties in varied and sometimes challenging conditions, and manage a varied caseload and complex situations. Full driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.
QualificationsYou should hold a Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) qualification or be willing to work towards it and have:
- An appreciation of housing hazards
- A sound understanding of housing hazards and construction defects
- Confidence in investigating cases and making evidence‑based decisions
- Ability to manage a varied caseload and complex situations
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills
- Enjoy working both independently and as part of a small, friendly team
Competitive remuneration package, excellent salary linked pension scheme, generous annual leave with flexi‑time, free life insurance, supportive relocation package, opportunities for training and development.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces Community. For an informal discussion about the role please contact Gary Clarke, Team Leader (Private Sector Housing) on 01233 330624.
Private Sector Housing Officer in Ashford employer: CIH International Housing Group
Ashford Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and opportunities for training and development, the Private Sector Housing Officer role provides meaningful work in ensuring safe housing standards for the community. Located in the vibrant town of Ashford, employees benefit from a collaborative environment and the chance to make a real difference in residents' lives.
Contact Details:
CIH International Housing Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Private Sector Housing Officer in Ashford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Ashford Borough Council and understanding their values. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their mission to improve housing standards and health outcomes.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! During interviews, share examples of how you've tackled complex situations in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to manage a varied caseload effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Private Sector Housing Team at Ashford Borough Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Private Sector Housing Officer in Ashford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Private Sector Housing Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description, like your understanding of housing hazards and your ability to manage a varied caseload.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is key in this role, give examples in your application of how you've effectively communicated with landlords, tenants, or partners in the past. This will show us you can handle the negotiation and collaboration aspects of the job.
Be Honest About Your Qualifications:If you don’t have the HHSRS qualification yet, don’t sweat it! Just mention your willingness to work towards it. We appreciate honesty and a proactive attitude, so let us know how you plan to gain this qualification.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at CIH International Housing Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on housing standards and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). Familiarise yourself with common housing hazards and construction defects, as these will likely come up during your interview. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Private Sector Housing Officer, you'll need to communicate effectively with landlords, tenants, and partners. Prepare examples of how you've successfully navigated complex situations or resolved disputes in the past. This will demonstrate your negotiation skills and ability to work well with others.
✨Be Ready for Real-Life Scenarios
Expect situational questions that test your problem-solving abilities. Think about how you would handle inspections in challenging conditions or manage a varied caseload. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process and decision-making skills during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or the council's approach to improving housing standards. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
