At a Glance
- Tasks: Improve housing conditions and enforce standards in the private sector.
- Company: Join a dynamic council team in Hertfordshire focused on community welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by enhancing housing quality.
- Qualifications: Degree in Environmental Health or related field; experience in housing enforcement required.
- Other info: Engage with various agencies and manage diverse housing cases.
The predicted salary is between 28 - 36 Β£ per hour.
Our client in Hertfordshire is seeking an officer to support the improvement of housing conditions in the private sector, including the enforcement of housing standards, the regulation of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), bringing empty homes back into use, and administering Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs).
Full time hours - Hybrid working (typically 23 days on site)
Contract: Initial 3 months (rolling)
Β£35 - Β£45 Per Hour (DOE)
Duties
- Investigate housing condition complaints in the private rented sector, carrying out inspections under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
- Enforce housing legislation including the Housing Act 2004, preparing and serving notices, prohibition orders, and taking legal action where necessary.
- Assess and process Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) applications, including carrying out preliminary inspections, liaising with Occupational Therapists, and overseeing the delivery of necessary adaptations.
- Support the delivery of the council's Empty Homes strategy, including identifying long-term vacant properties, engaging with owners, and using enforcement powers to bring them back into use where appropriate.
- Inspect and regulate Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), ensuring compliance with licensing conditions and relevant legislation.
- Provide professional advice and support to landlords, tenants, and members of the public on housing conditions and improvement options.
- Collaborate with internal teams (e.g. Legal, Social Care, Housing Options) and external agencies (e.g. Fire Service, Police) to manage complex or vulnerable housing cases.
- Represent the council in legal proceedings, tribunals, and multi-agency casework as needed.
- Keep accurate and timely records of inspections, enforcement actions, grant applications, and casework.
Essential Requirements
- Degree or Diploma in Environmental Health or related housing qualification.
- Proven experience in a local authority setting dealing with private sector housing enforcement, HMOs, and DFGs.
- HHSRS trained and demonstrably competent.
- Good understanding of the Housing Act 2004, DFG process, HMO licensing, and enforcement powers.
- Ability to manage a varied caseload independently with strong organisational and case management skills.
- Knowledge of Disabled Facilities Grant legislation, processes, and funding frameworks.
- Membership of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) or similar body.
EHO/Housing Standards Officer in London employer: SHARPER CONSULTING SERVICES LIMITED
Contact Detail:
SHARPER CONSULTING SERVICES LIMITED Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land EHO/Housing Standards Officer in London
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the housing sector, especially those who work in local authorities. They might have insider info on job openings or can even put in a good word for you.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the Housing Act 2004 and HHSRS. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled similar challenges in past roles β real-life examples will make you stand out!
β¨Tip Number 3
Donβt just wait for job alerts! Regularly check our website for new opportunities and apply directly. The more proactive you are, the better your chances of landing that EHO/Housing Standards Officer role.
β¨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for improving housing conditions! In interviews, talk about why this work matters to you and how you can contribute to the council's goals. Your enthusiasm can be a game-changer!
We think you need these skills to ace EHO/Housing Standards Officer in London
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the EHO/Housing Standards Officer role. Highlight your experience with housing enforcement, HMOs, and DFGs. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your cover letter, give us examples of your past work in local authority settings. Talk about specific cases you've managed or legislation you've enforced. This helps us see your hands-on experience!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the facts!
Apply Through Our Website: Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures youβre considered for the role. We canβt wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at SHARPER CONSULTING SERVICES LIMITED
β¨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Housing Act 2004 and the HHSRS. Being able to discuss specific cases or examples where you've applied this knowledge will show your expertise and confidence in handling housing standards.
β¨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to talk about your previous roles, especially any experience with HMOs and DFGs. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements in improving housing conditions.
β¨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working with various teams and agencies, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others. Be ready to discuss how you manage relationships with landlords, tenants, and other stakeholders.
β¨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the council's current challenges with housing standards or their approach to empty homes. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand if it's the right fit for you.