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 standards.
- 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 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
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) £35 - £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 Slough employer: SHARPER CONSULTING SERVICES LIMITED
Contact Detail:
SHARPER CONSULTING SERVICES LIMITED Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land EHO/Housing Standards Officer in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the housing sector, attend local events, and join relevant online forums. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that EHO role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the Housing Act 2004 and HHSRS. We recommend practising common interview questions related to housing enforcement and DFGs so you can showcase your expertise confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can set you apart from other candidates. We believe it shows your enthusiasm and professionalism, which is always a plus in the eyes of employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing the job! We make it easy for you to find roles that match your skills and experience, so don’t miss out on opportunities that could be perfect for you.
We think you need these skills to ace EHO/Housing Standards Officer in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in housing enforcement and your understanding of the Housing Act 2004. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for, so don’t be shy about showcasing your relevant qualifications!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about improving housing conditions and how your background makes you a great fit for this role. We love hearing personal stories that connect to our mission.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've tackled complex housing issues in the past. We’re keen on candidates who can demonstrate their ability to manage varied caseloads and work collaboratively with different teams.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at SHARPER CONSULTING SERVICES LIMITED
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Housing Act 2004 and the HHSRS. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with them, but that you can apply them in real situations.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've dealt with housing enforcement or HMOs. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working with various teams and agencies, be ready to talk about times when you’ve successfully collaborated with others. Highlight your communication skills and how you manage complex cases.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the council's current challenges with housing standards or their Empty Homes strategy. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand if it’s the right fit for you.