At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct property inspections and manage housing enforcement cases.
- Company: King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council, focused on community service.
- Benefits: Hybrid working model with flexibility and administrative support.
- Other info: Join a team stabilising housing standards amidst financial challenges.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in housing standards while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing enforcement and knowledge of the Housing Act 2004.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
We are supporting King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council to appoint an experienced Interim Housing Standards Officer to provide short-term capacity within their Environmental Health function. This is a practical, delivery-focused assignment designed to ensure continuity of service while the council undertakes permanent recruitment. The successful candidate will take responsibility for an existing caseload, including progressing and closing cases previously managed by departing officers.
The Role
This is a hands-on operational role combining inspection work with enforcement and case management. The successful candidate will be responsible for undertaking property inspections, assessing housing conditions, and progressing enforcement action in line with the Housing Act 2004 and associated legislation. On average, you can expect to carry out approximately four to five inspections per week, with the remainder of your time focused on progressing cases, issuing notices, and completing enforcement activity. While inspections are a key component, the majority of the role is desk-based, requiring strong attention to detail and robust record-keeping. Administrative support is in place, allowing you to focus on professional judgement, inspections, and enforcement decisions rather than data input.
Key Responsibilities
- You will take ownership of a live caseload, conducting inspections and applying the Housing Health and Safety Rating System where appropriate.
- You will be responsible for progressing enforcement activity, including issuing statutory notices and ensuring compliance with housing standards legislation.
- A critical part of the role will involve picking up and progressing cases left by previous officers, ensuring there is no loss of continuity in enforcement activity and that statutory responsibilities are met.
Working Arrangements
The role operates on a hybrid basis, typically structured as:
- Two days per week carrying out inspections
- Three days working remotely or from the office
Flexibility is available, but attendance on site is essential for inspections.
About You
You will be an experienced Housing Standards Officer (or equivalent) who is confident operating independently within a local authority setting. You will bring strong working knowledge of the Housing Act 2004 and wider enforcement legislation, alongside practical experience of applying the Housing Health and Safety Rating System. You will be comfortable managing your own caseload and making sound professional judgements without the need for close supervision. The council is focused on capability rather than tenure or specific qualifications, so applicants with demonstrable experience delivering in a similar role will be of particular interest.
Desirable Experience
The client would ideally like to see candidates with several years’ experience in housing enforcement, a relevant housing or HHSRS qualification, and a proactive, self-managing approach. Experience working within local authority enforcement teams will be beneficial.
Context
The housing standards team is currently operating with reduced capacity due to financial constraints. As a result, there is a need for additional resource to ensure ongoing cases are progressed and service levels are maintained. This role is critical in stabilising the team and ensuring enforcement activity continues effectively over the coming months.
Contract Details
- IR35 Status: Inside IR35
- Duration: Approx. 3 months
- Working Pattern: Full-time preferred, part-time considered
Next Steps
If you are an experienced housing standards professional available at short notice and comfortable working in a high-autonomy, delivery-focused environment, we would be keen to discuss this opportunity with you.
Interim Housing Standards Officer employer: Opus People Solutions Ltd
King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values flexibility and professional autonomy. As an Interim Housing Standards Officer, you will benefit from a hybrid working arrangement, allowing for a balanced approach between inspections and remote work, while also having access to administrative support to enhance your focus on impactful enforcement activities. The council prioritises employee growth and development, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful contributions to community welfare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Housing Standards Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the housing sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or be able to put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty with some practical experience. If you can, volunteer or take on short-term projects related to housing standards. This not only boosts your CV but also shows potential employers that you're proactive and passionate about the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the Housing Act 2004 and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles, as this will demonstrate your expertise and confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Housing Standards Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with the Housing Act 2004 and housing enforcement. We want to see how your skills match the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your previous roles, focus on your hands-on experience with property inspections and case management. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their ability to manage a caseload effectively, so share specific examples of your past work.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. Remember, clarity is key in demonstrating your attention to detail!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures that your application gets to the right people quickly and efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Opus People Solutions Ltd
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Housing Act 2004 and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System. Being able to discuss these in detail will show that you’re not just familiar with the laws, but that you can apply them practically in your role.
✨Showcase Your Case Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a caseload in the past. Highlight specific cases where you progressed enforcement actions or issued statutory notices, as this will demonstrate your hands-on experience and ability to handle responsibilities independently.
✨Emphasise Your Attention to Detail
Since the role involves a lot of desk-based work and record-keeping, be ready to discuss how you ensure accuracy in your documentation. Share any systems or methods you use to stay organised and maintain high standards in your work.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about real-life scenarios you might face in the role. Think through how you would approach inspections and enforcement actions, and be prepared to explain your thought process. This will help interviewers see your practical, delivery-focused mindset.
