Empty Homes Officer

South Derbyshire District Council; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid work

Training & development

Supportive environment

Lead on strategy

Office in Swadlincote

Job summary

South Derbyshire District Council is seeking an enthusiastic and proactive Empty Homes Officer to lead the delivery of our Empty Homes Strategy. This is a high-profile role that directly contributes to improving neighbourhoods, increasing housing supply and enhancing residents’ quality of life across the district.

Based in Swadlincote within the Environmental Services Team, you will identify and investigate long-term vacant properties, engage with owners and landlords, and use a range of

Qualifications

• Experience in housing, environmental health, or related field.
• Confident dealing with owners, landlords, contractors and partners.
• Excellent investigative, negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to interpret housing legislation and enforcement powers.
• Passionate about improving local communities and delivering outcomes.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of the Empty Homes Strategy.
• Identify and investigate long-term vacant properties.
• Engage with owners and landlords and use interventions to return properties to occupation.
• Provide advice, secure funding opportunities, and negotiate solutions.
• Use enforcement powers when necessary and contribute to wider private sector housing initiatives.
• Tackle housing hazards and support public health outcomes across the district.

Skills

Housing experience

Environmental health

Property enforcement

Negotiation

Communication skills

Housing legislation

Independent worker

Job description

Empty Homes Officer

Location:South Derbyshire District Council, Swadlincote.

Reference:JOB/26/02887

Salary details:£34,434 to £37,280 per annum

Job term:Full Time

Appointment type:Permanent

Hours:37 hours per week

Closing Date:21 October 2026

Are you passionate about improving housing standards and making a tangible difference to local communities? Do you have the drive, determination and technical expertise to tackle long-term empty properties and help address local housing need?

South Derbyshire District Council is seeking an enthusiastic and proactive Empty Homes Officer to lead the delivery of our Empty Homes Strategy. This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of a high-profile area of work that directly contributes to improving neighbourhoods, increasing housing supply and enhancing the quality of life for residents across the district.

Working in our Environmental Services Team, you will act as the Council's lead officer on empty homes, identifying and investigating long-term vacant properties, engaging with owners and landlords, and using a range of interventions to return properties to occupation. This will include providing advice and support, securing funding opportunities, negotiating solutions and, where necessary, using enforcement powers.

You will also contribute to wider private sector housing initiatives, helping to tackle housing hazards, improve housing conditions and support public health outcomes across the district.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience in housing, environmental health, property enforcement, regeneration or a related field.
• Is confident dealing with property owners, landlords, contractors and partner organisations.
• Has excellent investigative, negotiation and communication skills.
• Can interpret and apply housing legislation and enforcement powers effectively.
• Is passionate about improving local communities and delivering positive outcomes for residents.
• Can work independently while contributing effectively to a supportive team environment.

What We Offer

Flexible and hybrid working opportunities.

• A varied and rewarding role where you can make a visible difference.
• Excellent training and professional development opportunities.
• A supportive and friendly working environment.
• The opportunity to lead on a strategically important area of work.
• Offices based in Swadlincote, at the heart of the beautiful National Forest.