At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive housing standards and protect tenants in a dynamic role.
- Company: Dover District Council, committed to first-class public services.
- Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare and generous leave.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives and housing standards.
- Qualifications: Degree in Environmental Health and strong knowledge of housing legislation.
- Other info: Join a supportive team during significant changes in the private rented sector.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Dover District Council has an exciting agenda to deliver first class public services, putting our residents at the heart of everything we do. From building new, affordable homes to exciting regeneration schemes. A career with Dover District Council offers you the opportunity to excel. As an employer, Dover District Council is proud to provide a supportive, friendly, diverse and flexible working environment in which our employees can thrive. We have a team of enthusiastic employees, delivering services they are passionate about.
We are currently expanding our Private Sector Housing Team, offering an exciting opportunity for committed professionals to help shape the future of housing regulation across the district. You will play a key role in driving up housing standards, protecting tenants and delivering proportionate, effective enforcement, including supporting the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. Opportunity to join a supportive and motivated team during a period of significant change in the private rented sector, where your work will make a meaningful difference to housing standards and residents’ lives.
The Role & Responsibilities
Reporting to the Private Sector Housing Manager, you will support the management of the service and provide day-to-day supervision to Housing Improvement Officers. You will play a key role in ensuring statutory duties are met, enforcement activity is robust and proportionate, and residents live in safe, healthy, and well‑managed homes. Key responsibilities include:
- Supporting performance monitoring and statutory reporting
- Contributing to the development and review of policies and procedures
- Leading and undertaking complex housing investigations, including enforcement under the Housing Act 2004 and HMO licensing
- Undertaking inspections and investigations in line with legislation, including PACE
- Taking formal enforcement action, including notices, cost recovery, and tribunal/court proceedings
- Overseeing and supporting Housing Improvement Officers’ casework and outcomes
- Arranging and managing works in default, including specifications and cost recovery
- Representing the Council at relevant internal and external meetings
- Ensuring accurate case recording and compliance with service standards
The role will require occasional work outside normal office hours.
Who We Are Looking For
We are looking for an experienced, confident professional with strong technical knowledge of private sector housing enforcement and the ability to manage complex cases and support colleagues. You will have:
- In-depth understanding of housing legislation, including HHSRS and the Housing Act 2004
- Experience of complex investigations and enforcement action
- Knowledge of PACE and evidential requirements
- The ability to communicate effectively with tenants, landlords, partners, and colleagues
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise workloads effectively
Qualifications
Applicants for the EHO role must have:
- BSc or MSc Degree in Environmental Health
- Registered with EHRB/CIEH
What We Can Offer
We provide a friendly and supportive working environment where you can excel, alongside a comprehensive benefits package including:
- Benenden Healthcare Membership and Employee Assistance Programme
- Opt‑in Local Government Pension Scheme, with the opportunity to make Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs)
- Generous annual leave provision
- Discount scheme, including reduced membership rates at the local leisure centre
- On‑site parking
- Cycle2Work scheme
- Generous Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme
Environmental Health Officer (Private Sector Housing) in Dover employer: Dover District Council
Contact Detail:
Dover District Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Environmental Health Officer (Private Sector Housing) in Dover
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Dover District Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest housing regulations and the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. Show us that you're not just passionate about housing standards but also up-to-date with the changes in the sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to enforcement actions and complex investigations. We want to see how you handle real-life scenarios, so be ready to share your experiences!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Dover District Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Environmental Health Officer (Private Sector Housing) in Dover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in private sector housing enforcement. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of housing legislation, especially the Housing Act 2004 and HHSRS. We’re looking for candidates who can clearly articulate their technical knowledge and how it applies to the role.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us see your qualifications quickly!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can process your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dover District Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of housing legislation, especially the Housing Act 2004 and HHSRS. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re well-prepared and understand the core responsibilities of the role.
✨Showcase Your Investigation Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed complex investigations or enforcement actions. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the challenges that come with the role and highlight your problem-solving skills.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You’ll need to communicate with tenants, landlords, and colleagues, so being able to convey your ideas effectively will be crucial. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend to refine your communication style.
✨Demonstrate Team Leadership
Since you'll be supervising Housing Improvement Officers, think about how you can showcase your leadership abilities. Prepare to discuss how you’ve supported team members in the past and how you plan to foster a collaborative environment within the team.