Housing Projects Officer (Empty Homes and Licensing)

Darlington; North East; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 32 days

LGPS pension

Maternity leave

Professional development

Cycle to Work

Discounts & perks

Job summary

Darlington Borough Council is seeking a Housing Projects Officer (Empty Homes & Licensing) in Darlington. The role focuses on identifying long-term empty properties, engaging owners, and developing private sector housing initiatives across the borough.

You will lead evidence gathering and work with internal teams and external agencies to improve housing standards. The post is a 2-year fixed-term contract with salary £36,581 - £39,481 per annum, within a generous benefits package including

Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience in dealing with empty properties and enforcement processes.
• Strong communication skills with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Identify empty properties and investigate why they are vacant.
• Engage property owners to explore options to bring properties back into use.
• Consider enforcement steps where informal approaches fail.
• Lead evidence gathering and contribute to housing licensing discussions.

Skills

Investigative enforcement

Interpersonal skills

Job description

Housing Projects Officer (Empty Homes and Licensing) (Ref: TBC)

Salary £36,581 - £39,481 per annum Salary Band £30,001 to £40,000 Post Type Fixed Term Hours Per Week Full time

Job and Application details

Categories Housing
Directorate N/A Published Date 14/10/2026 Closing Date 08/11/2026

Are you passionate about improving housing standards, bringing empty properties back into use, and making a tangible difference to local communities?

Darlington Borough Council is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Housing Projects Officer (Empty Homes & Licensing) to lead our work in tackling long-term empty homes and driving the development of private sector housing initiatives across the borough.

Join us and help make every home count.

About the role

This is an exciting new opportunity to play a leading role in delivering the Council's strategic housing objectives.

The role will include identifying empty properties on the streets of Darlington and working with property owners to establish why their property is empty and what assistance the Council can offer to enable the property to be brought back into use.

Where an informal approach is unsuccessful, formal enforcement options will be considered. Due to the wide variety of situations an empty property may be in, an ability to make decisions effectively and communicate regulatory requirements to a range of people is essential. You will proactively identify and investigate empty residential properties, work with property owners and landlords, to bring problem and long-term empty properties back into use and help increase the supply of quality housing across Darlington. As well as working with property owners, the role will also involve working with other teams both within the council and external agencies.

You will also lead evidence gathering and project work relating to potential housing licensing schemes, analysing housing and neighbourhood data, engaging with residents and stakeholders, and presenting findings to senior managers and elected members.

We are particularly interested in candidates who have knowledge and experience in dealing with empty properties and can demonstrate an awareness and understanding of investigative and enforcement processes.

If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding role, are adaptable, self-sufficient, motivated, and have good interpersonal skills, we would welcome you to join our Team.

The role will within the Council’s Private Sector Housing Team where we are passionate about improving the lives and living standards of residents.

This post is for 2 years fixed term.

The rewards for working at Darlington Borough Council go beyond the salary you will receive; we have numerous additional benefits such as:

• 32 days Annual Leave, plus Bank Holidays, with option to purchase additional Annual Leave (pro-rata for part time working)
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme with option to make Additional Voluntary Contributions
• Generous Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Leave schemes
• Staff equality forums
• Access to a wide range of training, learning and development
• Physiotherapy service
• Confidential counselling service
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Dolphin Centre Fit for Life Discounts
• Local and National retailer discounts
• Vivup employee benefit app and Lifestyle Savings
• Arriva Employee Travel Club

We are an equal opportunities' employer. We welcome applicants from all sections of the community. We aim to interview any applicant who declares a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job.