At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct property inspections and provide expert technical support to resolve housing disrepair issues.
- Company: Join Hackney Council's Housing Disrepair Team, making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Bi-weekly payments, full-time hours, and a chance to develop your surveying skills.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Be an Expert Witness and help protect residents while tackling complex property challenges.
- Qualifications: HNC in Building Studies or equivalent, plus 2 years' experience in housing disrepair surveying.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
- 6 Month Contract With a local Authority
- Job Purpose
To provide expert surveying and technical support to the Housing Disrepair Team, ensuring that housing defects, dampness and other property-related issues are thoroughly investigated, appropriately remedied and managed in accordance with relevant legislation, standards and professional requirements.
The role will act as an Expert Witness where required, producing robust technical evidence and supporting the Council in resolving complex disrepair cases, protecting resident safety and managing financial and legal liabilities.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct thorough property inspections and produce accurate, evidence-based reports compliant with CPR 35 requirements.
- Manage a weekly caseload of at least three disrepair surveys and associated reports.
- Undertake detailed technical investigations into complex building defects, including dampness, mould, mechanical ventilation and psychrometric conditions.
- Use appropriate specialist equipment and surveying techniques to identify the causes of defects and determine suitable remedial solutions.
- Prepare technical specifications, bills of quantities and contracts for remedial works, ensuring solutions are cost-effective and proportionate.
- Manage complex reactive repairs and capital works from initial investigation through to completion and sign-off.
- Monitor repair progress, variations and post-inspection requirements, maintaining accurate records on relevant internal systems.
- Provide technical advice and evidence to support the resolution of housing disrepair claims and avoid unnecessary litigation.
- Work with council insurers, assessors and other stakeholders to support the assessment and agreement of settlement figures.
- Manage and monitor repair costs and budgets, including the effective use of Schedule of Rates (SOR).
- Maintain clear, professional and empathetic communication with residents, contractors and internal teams.
- Adopt a resident-centred and trauma-informed approach when dealing with residents, particularly where cases involve prolonged or complex housing issues.
- Ensure compliance with the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), Awaabâ s Law and relevant housing and building legislation.
- Ensure all surveying and repair activities comply with Health and Safety at Work legislation, CDM, COSHH and DDA requirements.
- Maintain accurate technical records, inspection findings, photographic evidence and case documentation.
- Provide clear technical evidence and professional opinions where acting as an Expert Witness.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues and contractors to identify innovative and effective solutions to complex property issues.
- Promote high standards of service delivery and contribute to continuous improvement within the Housing Disrepair Team.
Requirements
- Minimum HNC in Building Studies, Construction or an equivalent relevant qualification.
- Professional membership of a relevant professional body such as RICS, CIOB, CIEH, CABE or IOSH.
- Minimum of 2 years' professional experience in housing disrepair surveying, ideally with experience acting as an Expert Witness.
- Proven practical experience applying the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
- Detailed knowledge of housing disrepair legislation, housing standards and relevant legal protocols.
- Strong working knowledge of CPR 35 and the Practice Direction relating to Expert Witness reports.
- Knowledge and understanding of Awaabâ s Law and its application to dampness and mould cases.
- Experience investigating dampness, mould, ventilation and other complex building defects.
- Ability to identify the root cause of property defects and recommend appropriate remedial solutions.
- Experience preparing specifications, bills of quantities and/or schedules of works.
- Experience managing reactive repairs, capital projects, variations and post-inspection sign-offs.
- Good understanding of health and safety requirements, including CDM, COSHH, DDA and relevant workplace legislation.
- Proficient in using handheld technology, mobile surveying applications and PC-based property or case management systems.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, accurate and defensible technical reports.
- Confident dealing with difficult or sensitive conversations and able to build effective working relationships with residents and stakeholders.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage a demanding caseload and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work independently, exercise professional judgement and provide evidence-based recommendations.
- Commitment to inclusive, anti-racist and anti-discriminatory working practices.
- Demonstrates the values of being proud, ambitious, pioneering, open and accountable, proactive and inclusive.
- Additional Information
Location
- Hackney Council / Housing Disrepair Team
- Bi-Weekly payments
- Full Time
Disrepair Surveyor in Hackney employer: Civic Recruitment Limited
Civic Recruitment Limited is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where strategic leadership in the Special Educational Needs service can truly make a difference in children's lives. With a strong focus on collaboration and professional development, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while contributing to meaningful outcomes in the Bromley community. The supportive culture and commitment to high-quality services make this an attractive opportunity for those looking to lead impactful change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Disrepair Surveyor in Hackney
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Civic Recruitment Limited, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Disrepair Surveyor at Civic Recruitment Limited.
We think you need these skills to ace Disrepair Surveyor in Hackney
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Civic Recruitment Limited
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
