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- Tasks: Join our team to improve housing standards and tackle issues like disrepair and licensing.
- Company: Dartford Housing Services is dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a fulfilling role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing enforcement or relevant qualifications in Environmental Health or Building Studies preferred.
- Other info: This role offers both permanent and fixed-term positions, perfect for those seeking flexibility.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Private Sector Housing Officer (1x Permanent / 1x 12 Months Fixed Term)Dartford Housing Services really values the contribution our staff make and in return, we offer the opportunity to \’make a difference\’ and go home at the end of the day with a feeling of accomplishment. The Council is seeking two Private Sector Housing Officers. The Private Sector Housing Team plays a lead role in improving housing standards in the borough\’s significant private rented sector. Whether you are building on previous housing experience or bringing strong transferable skills to a new challenge, this role offers the chance to make a real positive impact.The postholder will work effectively as part of the team to deliver an excellent private sector housing service and will have experience in areas including housing disrepair, HHSRS (residential property) inspections, caravan site licensing, HMOs (including licensing), and enforcement of legislation. The right candidate will have a good knowledge of building construction, detailed knowledge of the relevant legislation, enforcement experience and be able to manage their own caseload. You should also be enthusiastic, organised and a team player who is looking for a challenging new role. You will be passionate about customer service excellence and will be a significant contributor to our vision of becoming the best Housing team in Kent.This is a generic post, and your duties may include both proactive and reactive work including some or all of the following;
- Investigation of complaints regarding housing disrepair, including relating to damp and mould, in line with council policies and procedures, using the HHSRS and where necessary take enforcement action.
- Inspection, licensing and enforcement of caravan sites in line with council policies and procedures
- Inspection, licensing and enforcement of HMOs in line with council policies and procedures.
- Enforcement of all relevant legislation/policies including Housing Act 2004, Housing & Planning Act 2016, The Mobile Homes Act 2013, The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 (as amended), The Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 (as amended) and The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020
- Represent the council at meetings with internal and external partners
Previous experience of working in a housing enforcement/enforcement/environmental health/ maintenance/surveying environment; or hold a relevant qualification in an appropriate discipline, for example a BSc, MSc or HNC/HND in Environmental Health, an HNC/HND in Building Studies/Surveying
- Working knowledge of HHSRS, including completing assessment and producing reports;
- A building maintenance related qualification is desirable but not essential;
- Excellent numeracy skills;
- Confidence, enthusiasm and a flexible approach;
- Be able to understand and apply legislation;
- Excellent written and administration skills, accuracy and attention to detail;
- Good keyboard skills and the proven ability to learn and utilise new software;
- Good customer care skills;
- The ability to discuss sensitive issues with our customers calmly;
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
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Private Sector Housing Officer employer: Dartford Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Dartford Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Private Sector Housing Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the relevant legislation mentioned in the job description, such as the Housing Act 2004 and the HHSRS. Understanding these laws will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the housing sector, especially those who have experience in enforcement or environmental health. Attend local housing forums or workshops to gain insights and make connections that could benefit your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential interview questions by thinking about specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your problem-solving skills in housing disrepair or enforcement situations. This will help you articulate your value to the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your customer service skills during the application process. Be ready to discuss how you've handled sensitive issues in the past, as this role requires a calm and empathetic approach when dealing with tenants and landlords.
We think you need these skills to ace Private Sector Housing Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in housing enforcement, inspections, and legislation. Use specific examples that demonstrate your knowledge of HHSRS and other relevant regulations.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for improving housing standards. Mention your enthusiasm for customer service and how your skills align with the role's requirements.
Showcase Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage a caseload. Provide examples of how you've successfully handled similar responsibilities in the past.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dartford Borough Council
✨Show Your Knowledge of Relevant Legislation
Make sure to brush up on the Housing Act 2004, Housing & Planning Act 2016, and other relevant regulations. Demonstrating your understanding of these laws during the interview will show that you are well-prepared and knowledgeable about the role.
✨Highlight Your Experience with Inspections
Be ready to discuss any previous experience you have with housing inspections, particularly using the HHSRS. Share specific examples of how you've handled inspections or enforcement actions in the past to illustrate your capability.
✨Emphasise Customer Service Skills
Since this role involves dealing with sensitive issues, it's crucial to showcase your customer care skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed difficult conversations or resolved complaints in a calm and professional manner.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Organisation
As a Private Sector Housing Officer, you'll need to work effectively within a team. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others and manage your caseload efficiently, highlighting any tools or methods you use to stay organised.