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- Tasks: Lead complex housing cases and mentor a supportive team to improve living standards.
- Company: Join Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, dedicated to making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, 26 days holiday, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact on people's homes and health while growing your career.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in housing enforcement, strong communication skills, and relevant qualifications.
- Other info: Supportive environment with excellent training and career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Make a real difference to people's homes, health and lives. We know experienced private sector housing professionals are in demand. Thatâs why this role has been designed to offer variety, support and the chance to genuinely improve housing standards across the borough.
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is looking for a Senior Private Sector Housing Officer to join a wellâestablished, supportive Housing team. Youâll lead complex work in the private rented sector while also mentoring officers, shaping service delivery and influencing real change for residents. If you enjoy solving problems, working with people, and seeing the impact of your work on the ground, this role offers challenge and purpose.
What youâll be doing
This is a handsâon senior role, balancing operational work with leadership and project delivery. You will:
- Lead on complex private sector housing cases, including disrepair, HMOs, overcrowding, empty homes, caravan sites and fire safety.
- Carry out inspections using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and take proportionate enforcement action including service of statutory notices, civil penalties and prosecutions.
- Provide practical, solutionâfocused advice to landlords, tenants and managing agents.
- Line manage and support: 2 Private Sector Housing Officers, 1 Tenancy Compliance Officer.
- Deliver and support housing assistance, including Disabled Facilities Grants and discretionary grants.
- Lead and contribute to projects that improve energy efficiency, reduce fuel poverty and support lowâcarbon homes.
Youâll have the freedom to use your professional judgement, supported by an experienced manager and a collaborative service.
What weâre looking for
Weâre keen to hear from housing professionals who are confident, practical and peopleâfocused. You donât need to tick every box on day one. If you have strong enforcement experience and the right approach, weâll support your development.
You will bring:
- Solid experience (around 3 years or more) in private sector housing enforcement or a similar regulatory role.
- Experience inspecting properties and managing cases through to resolution.
- A good working knowledge of housing legislation, including the Housing Act 2004 and HHSRS.
- The confidence to make decisions, manage difficult conversations and apply enforcement proportionately.
- Strong communication, organisation and IT skills.
- Experience supporting, supervising or mentoring colleagues (or readiness to step into this responsibility).
Essential qualifications:
- A Levels (or equivalent).
- A relevant professional qualification in private sector housing, environmental health, building surveying, construction or similar.
- HHSRS certificates of competency for assessment & enforcement.
This post is subject to a satisfactory basic DBS check.
What we offer:
- Financial: An attractive basic salary within a clear pay structure.
- Holiday Entitlement: 26 days annual leave (increasing to 29 days after 5 years continuous Local Government service) plus three additional days in December and bank holidays.
- Pensions: Membership of the Local Government (CARE â Career Average (Revalued Earnings) Pension Scheme â Employer contribution of 19.7%.
- Free staff parking and an essential car user allowance of ÂŁ1000 per annum (pro-rated for part time staff).
- Hybrid: The Council operates a hybrid working model with minimum 2 days working in the office.
- Access to HAPI an allâinâone benefits hub, giving you easy access to a wide range of employee perks, wellbeing support, discounts, and everyday savings.
- Personal Development: Invaluable training opportunities for continuing professional development.
- Employee Assistance Programme: The Council has partnered with Health Assured to provide staff with access to EAP (Employee Assistance Programme) to assist in balancing everyday life with the requirement of work and home.
Take a look at all the additional benefits that we offer.
Equal Opportunities
Tunbridge Wells â Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Safeguarding
The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Senior Private Sector Housing Officer in Royal Tunbridge Wells employer: Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Senior Private Sector Housing Officer in Royal Tunbridge Wells
â¨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 the inside scoop on a role thatâs perfect for you.
â¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of housing legislation and recent developments in the sector. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show employers youâre serious about making a difference.
â¨Tip Number 3
Donât just apply for jobs; tailor your approach! Research the organisations youâre interested in and think about how your skills can help them improve housing standards. This will make your application stand out.
â¨Tip Number 4
Check out our website for the latest job openings. Weâre always looking for passionate individuals to join our team, and applying directly through us gives you a better chance of landing that dream role!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Private Sector Housing Officer in Royal Tunbridge Wells
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Private Sector Housing Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience in private sector housing enforcement and any specific projects you've led that align with the job description.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, share examples of how you've tackled complex housing issues in the past. We want to see your practical approach and how youâve made a real difference in people's lives through your work.
Highlight Leadership Experience: If you've mentored or supervised colleagues before, make sure to mention it! This role involves supporting other officers, so showcasing your leadership skills will definitely catch our eye.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. Itâs the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to explore more about us and the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
â¨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of housing legislation, especially the Housing Act 2004 and HHSRS. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're serious about the role and understand the complexities involved.
â¨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex housing cases in the past. Whether it's dealing with disrepair or overcrowding, having specific scenarios ready will demonstrate your practical experience and ability to make a real difference.
â¨Be Ready to Lead
Since this role involves mentoring and supporting other officers, think about your leadership style. Be prepared to discuss how you've supported colleagues in the past and how you plan to foster a collaborative environment within the team.
â¨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing enforcement actions or providing advice to landlords and tenants. This will help you stand out as a confident candidate.