At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to ensure housing standards compliance and improve living conditions in the borough.
- Company: Local council dedicated to enhancing community housing standards.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and impact in local housing policies.
- Why this job: Be a key player in improving housing standards and reducing empty homes in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 38556 - 44962 £ per year.
You will be managing a small team focused on ensuring that the council delivers on its legal responsibilities around housing standards (across all tenures) within the borough. Working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders, you will lead on the development and implementation of policies and practices to achieve these goals, using a mix of information, advice, financial assistance and enforcement, as appropriate.
The main purpose of the role is to lead, manage, develop and deliver the Housing Standards Service within the borough, improving standards and ensuring compliance through regulation, advice, assistance and enforcement across a range of tenures. You will ensure the council is effectively using its powers and duties to minimise the number of empty homes in the Borough, particularly long-term empty homes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage the Housing Standards Team to deliver a high-quality service, providing coaching, supervision and professional development opportunities to staff.
- Allocate workloads, monitor performance and quality assure casework.
- Be responsible for the development and operation of the council's Housing Enforcement policy.
- Jointly responsible for the development and operation of the Housing Financial Assistance Policy with the Care & Repair Elmbridge Team Manager, with budgetary responsibility in relation to financial assistance provided outside of the Better Care Fund.
- Ensure adequate handling of requests and complaints about poor housing conditions, including overseeing HHSRS inspections and ensuring appropriate action for Category 1 and 2 hazards.
- Complete inspection reports and schedules of work and assessments of best courses of action in line with legislation, guidance and council policies.
- Liaise with the council's Legal Service regarding formal enforcement action, including representation at tribunals or court where required.
- Ensure licensing compliance for HMOs and other licensable properties.
- Oversee administration of the council's scheme of Financial Assistance, including handling enquiries and requests from potential applicants and their families, advocates or professionals.
- Respond to applications for assistance and undertake initial assessments including means testing and property inspections.
- Complete schedules of work where appropriate and confirm grant decisions, securing best value in selection of contractors.
- Oversee administration of Caravan Site Licensing for the Borough, including policy development, handling enquiries, undertaking inspections, issuing licences and monitoring site licence conditions.
- Manage and oversee the use and administration of the ICT systems used within the Housing Standards Team, including project management of system upgrades.
- Lead on the development, review and implementation of the Council's Empty Homes Strategy, working in collaboration with stakeholders.
- Monitor service performance and report outcomes to senior management.
- Ensure accurate record keeping and sound data management.
- Ensure safe working practices including lone working, through risk assessments and appropriate measures to manage and control risk.
- Engage constructively with landlords, agents, householders and tenants to promote compliance.
- Respond to FOI requests, MP and Councillor enquiries regarding matters relevant to the work of the Housing Standards Team.
- Lead on responding to complaints about the service under stage one of the council's complaints procedure.
- Assist with responses under stage two of the same or enquiries made by the Local Government Ombudsman and Social Care Ombudsman.
- Promote home energy conservation and meet the council's obligations under the Home Energy Conservation Act and Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards regulations.
- Ensure that the council's services adapt to reflect changes in the law such as the Renters Rights Act 2025 and the Supported Housing Regulatory Oversight Act 2023.
Mandatory Requirements:
- Basic DBS
- UK Driving Licence
Locations
Housing Coordinator (Contract) in Guildford, Surrey employer: JOB SWITCH LTD
As a Housing Coordinator with our council, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to enhancing housing standards across the borough. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that values professional development and offers numerous opportunities for growth, ensuring that you can make a meaningful impact in your community while enjoying a supportive environment. With a focus on compliance and innovation, our council provides a unique chance to engage with various stakeholders and lead initiatives that directly improve living conditions for residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Coordinator (Contract) in Guildford, Surrey
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
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If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Coordinator (Contract) in Guildford, Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at JOB SWITCH LTD
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from JOB SWITCH LTD.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show JOB SWITCH LTD that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
