At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct property inspections and manage housing enforcement cases.
- Company: King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council, focused on community welfare.
- Benefits: Hybrid working model with flexibility and administrative support.
- Other info: Join a team stabilising housing standards during a critical period.
- 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.
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. Please contact Holly.Brewin@opuspeoplesolutions.co.uk
Locations
Interim Housing Standards Officer in King's Lynn, Norfolk 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 you to balance hands-on inspections with remote case management, while also having access to administrative support to enhance your focus on impactful enforcement activities. The council prioritises capability and experience, providing a unique opportunity for meaningful contributions to the community during a critical period of service delivery.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Housing Standards Officer in King's Lynn, Norfolk
✨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 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 in handling the responsibilities of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team and making a difference in housing standards.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Housing Standards Officer in King's Lynn, Norfolk
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 Caseload Management Skills:Since this role involves managing an existing caseload, it’s important to demonstrate your ability to handle multiple cases effectively. Share examples of how you've successfully progressed cases in the past, as this will show us you can hit the ground running.
Highlight Your Inspection Experience:As inspections are a key part of the job, make sure to mention any hands-on experience you have in conducting property inspections. We’re looking for someone who can confidently assess housing conditions, so give us the details!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
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 keep track of cases and maintain compliance with housing standards.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific inspection scenarios or enforcement challenges. Think through some potential situations beforehand and be prepared to explain your thought process and decision-making approach.
