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 support for professional judgement.
- Other info: Join a team stabilising service levels 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.
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. Please contact Holly.Brewin@opuspeoplesolutions.co.uk
Interim Housing Standards Officer in 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 practical delivery and professional judgement. With a focus on employee growth and development, the council provides opportunities for experienced professionals to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a flexible hybrid working arrangement. The role of Interim Housing Standards Officer not only allows you to contribute to essential housing standards enforcement but also ensures continuity of service during a critical period for the team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Housing Standards Officer in 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
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 show you're the right fit for the job.
✨Tip Number 3
When you get an interview, don’t just talk about your experience—show enthusiasm for the role! Let them know you’re excited about the chance to make a difference in housing standards and that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Housing Standards Officer in 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 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 and make sound professional judgements.
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, attention to detail is key in this role!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
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 specific cases or examples where you've applied this knowledge will show that you're not just familiar with the theory, but also know how to implement it in practice.
✨Showcase Your Case Management Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience managing a caseload. Think of specific instances where you successfully progressed cases or dealt with challenges. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the responsibilities of the role effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Inspection Experience
Since inspections are a key part of the role, be ready to discuss your previous inspection experiences. Highlight any unique findings or enforcement actions you've taken, as this will illustrate your hands-on approach and attention to detail.
✨Emphasise Your Independence
The role requires a self-managing approach, so be prepared to share examples of how you've worked independently in past roles. Discuss how you prioritise tasks and make decisions without close supervision, which is crucial for this position.
