Housing Renewals Officer

Portsmouth City Council; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Portsmouth is seeking a proactive individual to join their Housing Renewals team. The role involves undertaking building surveys, advising homeowners about property repairs, and helping facilitate Disabled Facilities Grant work. Ideal candidates will have a construction-related degree, excellent people skills, and knowledge of relevant legislation. This position offers the chance to make a significant, positive impact on the community's wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Hold a full driving license, as driving is an essential part of the role.
• Have excellent people skills with the ability to talk to various individuals.
• Have a sound knowledge of surveying residential property and undertake full property inspections.
• Knowledge of Planning permission and Building Regulations approval is desirable.
• Able to provide advice on necessary property repairs.

Responsibilities

• Undertake building surveys and help homeowners with property repairs.
• Compile specifications of works and assist clients through the tender process.
• Advise on financial assistance available from the council.
• Meet contractors on site to ensure satisfactory work completion.

Skills

Construction/surveying related degree or equivalent

Full driving license

Excellent people skills

Sound knowledge of surveying residential property

Experience in project managing building works

Good working knowledge of Microsoft Packages

Education

Degree in construction or surveying

Tools

IDOX Uniform

CAD programmes

Job description

Overview

You will be working proactively within the Housing Renewals team’s home improvement agency service, undertaking building surveys, helping and encouraging homeowners to repair or adapt their property, specifically focusing on Disabled Facilities Grant work. You will be identifying works required, compiling a specification of works, and helping the client through the tender process. You will also be advising on the financial assistance available from the council and meeting contractors on site to ensure the satisfactory completion of work. This is an opportunity to work in a friendly, diverse team, making a positive and appreciable difference to the lives of the residents of Portsmouth, making it a satisfying and rewarding role.

Skills

• Have a construction/ surveying related degree or equivalent.
• Hold a full driving license, as driving is an essential part of the role.
• Have excellent people skills with the ability to talk to an array of people including vulnerable clients, contractors, and other property professionals. You must have a sympathetic, friendly and empathetic manner to be able to understand the situations of our customers.
• Have a sound knowledge of surveying residential property and be able to undertake a full property inspection is essential. Knowledge and experience of the Housing Health and Safety Rating system (HHSRS) is desirable.
• Knowledge & experience of applying for Planning permission and Building Regulations approval is desirable.
• Be able to identify and provide advice on necessary property repairs and produce schedules of works with clear instructions on what works should be carried out.
• Have experience of project managing building works or of Contract Administration.
• Have knowledge of relevant legislation such as the Housing Acts, Public Health Acts, Party Wall Etc. Act, Building Regulations and Energy Surveys.
• Have knowledge of Housing Grants, specifically Disabled Facilities Grants, although this is not essential.
• Have a good working knowledge of Microsoft Packages (to include Word, Outlook, Excel) and databases (we will be using IDOX Uniform). Experience of using basic CAD programmes is also preferable.
• Be highly self-motivated and able to organise and prioritise your own workload.
• Be able to physically inspect buildings and lofts and be comfortable working at heights.
• Have good literacy and numeracy skills.
• The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post