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- Tasks: Manage housing standards, enforce regulations, and improve living conditions for residents.
- Company: Local Authority in Kent focused on community welfare and housing standards.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by improving housing conditions.
- Qualifications: Relevant housing qualifications and experience in enforcement and case management.
- Other info: Supportive environment with a commitment to employee wellbeing and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 48657 - 54727 £ per year.
An exciting senior opportunity has arisen within a Local Authority Housing Standards and Assistance Team in Kent. As a Principal Housing Standards Officer, you will manage a complex caseload and lead enforcement action to address poor housing conditions, disrepair, and energy efficiency issues across the borough. You will use the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and relevant legislative powers to drive improvements in the private rented sector, including House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing and enforcement. In addition, you will oversee the operational delivery of Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) and housing adaptations, ensuring the process is managed end-to-end and effectively supports residents’ needs. This is a hands-on role offering the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to residents’ lives, particularly those requiring adaptations to live safely and independently.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a varied caseload relating to housing disrepair, hazards, and energy efficiency
- Undertake enforcement action using the HHSRS and relevant legislation
- Deliver HMO licensing and enforcement activities
- Lead and oversee the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) and housing adaptations programme
- Carry out site visits and inspections as required
- Support service improvement and wider team objectives
- Guide and support junior officers in operational tasks and enforcement procedures
Essential Qualifications / Academic Requirements
- Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) Accredited Level 4 Housing Regulatory Compliance
- CIEH Accredited Level 5 Diploma in Housing and Health
- CIEH Accredited Degree or Master’s in Environmental Health (ideal)
Essential Technical Experience
- Private sector housing standards and enforcement
- HHSRS inspections and enforcement actions
- Managing complex enforcement cases under the Housing Act 2004
- Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) and housing adaptations, including liaison with occupational therapists (OTs), understanding budgets, and managing the end-to-end process
- Operating at a senior/lead level with the ability to guide and support officers
About You
The ideal candidate will be an experienced housing professional with strong technical knowledge and leadership capability, excellent communication and organisational skills, and a commitment to delivering high standards of service to residents.
Benefits
- Salary: £48,657 – £54,727 per annum
- Progressive and supportive working environment
- 34-hour working week with hybrid flexibility
- Generous annual leave, with additional leave for Christmas/New Year and after 5 years’ service
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with life cover
- Life assurance, free parking, season ticket loan, and cycle-to-work scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme, wellbeing initiatives, and discount schemes
- Professional fee payment where applicable
- Excellent learning and career development opportunities
Location: Kent (NB - this role is Hybrid – minimum 2 days per week office/field-based)
If this role aligns with your experience and career ambitions, please send your CV and a covering letter.
Principal Housing Standards Officer in Medway employer: O.T. Client Services
Contact Detail:
O.T. Client Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Housing Standards Officer in Medway
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the housing sector, attend local events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in housing standards and legislation. Show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also passionate about making a difference in residents' lives. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience with HHSRS inspections and managing complex cases makes you the perfect fit for the Principal Housing Standards Officer role. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Housing Standards Officer in Medway
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Housing Standards Officer role. Highlight your experience with HHSRS inspections, enforcement actions, and managing complex cases. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about improving housing standards and how your background makes you the perfect fit for this role. Let us know what drives you to make a difference in residents' lives.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a senior position, don’t forget to highlight your leadership capabilities. Share examples of how you've guided junior officers or led projects in the past. We’re keen to see how you can support our team and drive improvements!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at O.T. Client Services
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and relevant legislation before your interview. Being able to discuss specific cases where you've applied these regulations will show your expertise and confidence in handling complex enforcement actions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Housing Standards Officer, you'll be guiding junior officers. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to support and mentor others, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of specific instances where you've managed complex cases related to housing disrepair or energy efficiency. Be ready to explain your approach to resolving these issues and how you ensured compliance with housing standards.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or challenges they face in the borough. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
