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: Flexible working arrangements with a mix of remote and on-site work.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and help maintain essential services during a critical time.
- 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
- 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. 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.
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.
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 in King's Lynn 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 collaborative environment with strong administrative support, allowing you to focus on impactful inspections and enforcement actions. The council prioritises employee growth, providing opportunities to enhance your skills in housing standards while ensuring continuity of service during this critical period.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Housing Standards Officer in King's Lynn
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
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Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
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If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Housing Standards Officer in King's Lynn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Opus People Solutions Ltd
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Opus People Solutions Ltd.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Opus People Solutions Ltd that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
