Empty Homes Co-ordinator in Oldham

To contribute to the development, implementation and delivery of the Council’s Empty Homes Strategy and to bring empty homes into use through utilising a range of statutory powers and funding a range of statutory and voluntary provisions contained within the strategy and relevant funding programmes. The postholder will work with property owners, executors, landlords, developers and partner organisations to bring empty homes back into use, helping to increase housing supply, improve neighbourhoods and support the Council's wider housing and regeneration objectives.

The postholder will manage a complex caseload of empty homes, maintain and develop the Council's Empty Homes Database, undertake property inspections and ownership investigations, and utilise a range of informal and formal interventions to secure positive outcomes. This will include providing advice, guidance and practical assistance to owners, as well as supporting enforcement action where voluntary solutions cannot be achieved. In addition, the postholder will support the delivery of investment and intervention programmes designed to increase the number of long‑term empty homes returned to occupation. Working with funding provided through the Greater Manchester Empty Homes Programme and other opportunities that may arise, the postholder will identify suitable properties for intervention, develop solutions to overcome barriers to occupation, and support the effective use of financial assistance, refurbishment, leasing, acquisition and other initiatives that contribute to the re‑use of vacant homes.

Key Responsibilities

• To support the delivery of a professional and effective Empty Homes Service, helping to develop policy, procedures and operational mechanisms, whilst ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, guidance and best practice and maintaining effective relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• To trace, engage and communicate with owners, occupiers, executors, landlords and other relevant parties associated with empty properties to facilitate the return of properties to occupation.
• To support the Council's intervention and enforcement activity in relation to empty properties and coordinate activity with colleagues across Strategic Housing, Regeneration, Planning, Revenues and Benefits, Legal Services, Environmental Health and other relevant teams.
• Under the guidance of the Housing Strategy Manager, to investigate, prepare and progress enforcement and intervention activities in relation to empty properties, including but not limited to property auctions, Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMOs), Enforced Sale Procedures, Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) and other statutory powers available to the Council.

Key Requirements

• Educated to A-Level standard, NVQ Level 4 or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• Experience of managing a complex caseload and delivering outcomes against targets.
• Experience of investigating issues, gathering evidence and maintaining accurate records.
• Experience of managing projects, programmes or funded initiatives.
• The ability to write concise reports, prepare evidence and present information in a variety of forms including representations at Court, presentations to other Council Officers, Elected Members or other external bodies.
• Detailed knowledge of pertinent Housing Acts and associated legislation (Town & Country Planning Act, Building Regulations, Environmental Protection Act & Building Act).
• Knowledge of the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and its application in assessing housing conditions and associated risks.

About Us

We want Oldham to have vibrant, safe neighbourhoods where people are proud to live with opportunities for healthier, more fulfilled lives; and a sustainable, thriving economy. As we look to the future, the challenges may be significant, but so are the opportunities. We’ve identified three missions with our residents and partners, focusing on what will deliver the biggest impact: A Great Place to Live, Healthier, Happier Lives, and Green and Growing. We’re looking for candidates who will support us to achieve our ambitions.

Our Values and Behaviours

By driving innovation, investing in our people, and championing our communities, we will ensure that Oldham continues to be a place where everyone can live their best life. To support this, we have three core values which define who we are and how we operate: ‘Proud, Ambitious, and Together’. These shape our culture, inform our decisions, and inspire us to deliver on our commitments to the people of Oldham.

Our Benefits Package

• 25 days annual leave which increases after 5 and 10-years’ service.
• The option to purchase additional annual leave.
• An attractive LGPS benefit pension scheme with the option to make shared cost additional voluntary contributions.
• Discounted gym membership with Oldham Active.
• Staff discount scheme for shopping, entertainment, eating-out, eating-in, travel, motoring and more.
• Salary sacrifice scheme for home and electronics and Cycle to Work.
• Wellbeing support, including a Mental Health First Aider network and an Employment Assistance Programme that provides 24 hours access to advice and support.
• Staff recognition and celebration events.
• Peer support groups.

Inclusive Recruitment

We work closely with employees to help them work at their best, including making adjustments such as flexible working, describing available working patterns, providing equipment or making changes to the workplace. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and therefore expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.