At a Glance
- Tasks: Investigate housing complaints and conduct property inspections to ensure safety standards.
- Company: Join Southwark Council, a dynamic team focused on improving private sector housing.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work flexibility and a competitive rate of £28 per hour.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community health and housing standards while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in environmental health and knowledge of housing legislation are essential.
- Other info: This is a short-term project role with a supportive team environment.
Southwark Council is seeking an experienced and motivated Environmental Health Officer to join our Private Sector Housing Enforcement & Licensing team on a short-term project basis.
Key Responsibilities:
- Investigate complaints relating to public health and private rented housing.
- Conduct property inspections using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
- Serve statutory legal notices and take follow-up enforcement action, including Civil Penalty Notices (CPNs) or referrals for prosecution.
- Assess and process HMO and property licence applications in line with council standards.
- Evaluate floorplans and fire safety provisions.
- Ensure compliance with HMO occupancy standards and gather relevant information from applicants.
- Provide support and guidance to landlords and tenants to promote housing standards.
Essential Skills and Experience:
- Continuing professional development in environmental health or a related field.
- Strong knowledge of housing legislation and local authority statutory duties.
- Experience in private sector housing enforcement and licensing.
- Ability to manage a demanding and diverse caseload to strict timelines.
- Competent in drafting legal notices and working with property plans.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Strong understanding of equality, diversity, and customer care in service delivery.
- Experience of working in inner-city environments and knowledge of the related regulatory challenges.
- Ability to manage conflict and ensure personal safety in potentially challenging situations.
Environmental Officer employer: TN United Kingdom
Contact Detail:
TN United Kingdom Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Environmental Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) as it's a key part of the role. Understanding this system will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the position.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the environmental health sector, especially those who have experience in private sector housing enforcement. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to valuable referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your knowledge of local housing legislation and statutory duties of local authorities. Being well-versed in these areas will show that you're prepared and knowledgeable about the challenges faced in this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential scenarios you might face in the role, such as managing conflict or dealing with challenging situations. Practising your responses can help you feel more confident during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Environmental Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and essential skills required for the Environmental Health Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in private sector housing enforcement and licensing. Provide specific examples of past roles where you managed caseloads, conducted property inspections, or drafted legal notices.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to mention your proficiency in Microsoft Office and any continuing professional development in environmental health. Discuss your communication skills and ability to manage conflict, as these are crucial for the role.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that not only summarises your qualifications but also expresses your passion for promoting housing standards and supporting landlords and tenants. Personalise it to reflect your understanding of the challenges faced in inner-city environments.
How to prepare for a job interview at TN United Kingdom
✨Know Your Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the key housing legislation and local authority statutory duties relevant to the role. Being able to discuss specific laws and how they apply to private sector housing enforcement will demonstrate your expertise and preparedness.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past work that highlight your experience in private sector housing enforcement and licensing. Discuss specific cases where you successfully managed a demanding caseload or conducted property inspections, as this will illustrate your capability.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is crucial for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be ready to explain how you've effectively communicated with landlords and tenants in the past, especially in challenging situations.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate scenario-based questions that may assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage conflict. Think about how you would handle difficult situations, such as a landlord refusing to comply with safety regulations, and be prepared to discuss your approach.