At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with property owners to bring empty homes back into use and support community regeneration.
- Company: Join Northumberland County Council's dedicated empty homes team in Blyth.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community by revitalising empty properties.
- Qualifications: Experience in empty homes and investigations, with strong communication skills.
- Other info: Full-time fixed term role with potential for part-time or secondment applications.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Empty Homes Officer to join our dedicated empty homes team for Blyth and the wider Blyth regeneration partnership to bring long‑term and problematic empty properties back into use.
Responsibilities
- Engage with property owners, community groups and stakeholders in the area and work closely alongside the private sector housing officers to promote good practice in the private rented sector and assist with the wider Blyth regeneration scheme.
- Carry out investigations into empty privately owned properties and negotiate with their owners to bring them back into use.
- Take appropriate enforcement action where necessary including enforced sales, CPO’s and EDMO’s, while actively seeking funding opportunities to support bringing empty properties back into use.
- Be based in the Blyth area, working with community groups and other stakeholders to contribute to the overall regeneration and improvement of the area.
This role is offered on a fixed term basis until 31/03/2028.
Requirements
- Experience in Empty Homes and in carrying out investigations; ideally with environmental health experience to source suitable solutions in bringing properties back into use.
- Knowledge of legislation, policy, guidance, codes of practice, standards, etc. relating to a range of legislative areas, keeping appraised of technical/scientific knowledge.
- Experience undertaking inspections, surveys and other investigations of properties under the Housing Act 2004 and other related legislation, including attending court where necessary to attain legal orders for access to properties, and serve relevant notices.
- Providing specialist advice in relation to Empty Homes and support area‑based regeneration initiatives linked to the wider economic regeneration of the targeted area.
- A valid UK driving licence is essential as you will be required to visit empty properties in the local area.
- Highly motivated and enthusiastic person who is a great team player with experience working with Empty Homes.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills, being able to communicate with people on all levels including council members, colleagues and members of the public.
- A good level of effective IT skills and the ability to understand and develop the use of ICT to achieve work objectives.
For further information about this vacancy, please contact Vicky Ledger via email: Victoria.Ledger@northumberland.gov.uk
Why choose us?
- 26 days annual leave plus public/bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years of service (pro rata for part‑time employees)
- Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexi scheme (if applicable) – up to 2 days flexible leave available per month (pro rata for part‑time employees)
To see all our excellent benefits and perks, please visit our website.
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Additional information
- Please note that this is a full time, fixed term position but applications on a secondment or part‑time basis would be considered for the right applicant.
- We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria.
Empty Homes Officer in Blyth employer: North East Ambition
Contact Detail:
North East Ambition Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Empty Homes Officer in Blyth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the local community! Engage with property owners and community groups in Blyth. Building relationships can help us understand their needs and make it easier to negotiate bringing those empty homes back into use.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your legislation knowledge! Familiarise yourself with the Housing Act 2004 and other relevant laws. This will not only boost your confidence but also show potential employers that you’re serious about tackling empty homes effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your communication skills! Whether it's chatting with council members or the public, being able to convey your ideas clearly is key. Practice explaining complex issues in simple terms to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined application process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on all the latest job opportunities with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Empty Homes Officer in Blyth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with empty homes and investigations. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be engaging with various stakeholders, it's crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication abilities. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect how you can connect with property owners and community groups.
Highlight Your Knowledge of Legislation: We’re looking for someone who knows their stuff when it comes to housing legislation. Make sure to mention any relevant laws or policies you’re familiar with, as this will show us you’re prepared for the challenges of the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can keep you updated on your application status. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at North East Ambition
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the relevant legislation and policies related to empty homes. Familiarise yourself with the Housing Act 2004 and any recent changes in regulations. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Engage with Real Scenarios
Prepare for the interview by thinking of specific cases where you've successfully engaged with property owners or community groups. Be ready to discuss how you negotiated solutions or took enforcement action, as this will highlight your practical experience.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, so be prepared to talk about your teamwork experiences. Share examples of how you've worked effectively with colleagues, community groups, or council members to achieve common goals.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about the current challenges facing the empty homes team or how they measure success in their regeneration initiatives. This shows you're genuinely interested and engaged.