Housing Standards Officer

Westmorland and Furness Council; England; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Westmorland and Furness Council seeks an Environmental Health professional to lead on the Empty Homes strategy within Private Rented Sector housing standards. You will inspect properties, apply HHSRS, determine enforcement action and serve notices as required, working with landlords and partner agencies to secure compliance.

You will manage a varied caseload, produce robust reports and support service objectives while adhering to legislation and safeguarding commitments.

Qualifications

• Recent experience in Local Authority Environmental Health or Private Sector Housing.
• Sound knowledge of Housing Act 2004 and HHSRS.
• Experience in enforcement including statutory notices and civil penalties.
• Ability to manage a varied, demanding caseload independently.
• Strong written and verbal communication and evidential documentation.
• Environmental Health qualification with EHRB registration (or equivalent).
• Contribute positively to a team and service improvement.
• Adaptable to service needs and able to commence timely.

Responsibilities

• Undertaking property inspections and investigations using HHSRS.
• Determining and implementing enforcement action under Housing Act 2004.
• Preparing and serving statutory notices and civil penalties where appropriate.
• Investigating complaints about housing conditions and disrepair.
• Engaging with landlords, tenants and partner agencies to secure compliance.
• Producing clear inspection reports, case records and evidential documentation.
• Contributing to wider Environmental Health and Housing Enforcement objectives.

Skills

Regulatory enforcement

Communication & negotiation

Case management

Report writing

Education

Environmental Health qualification

EHRB registration

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity to take a leading role in the Council's Empty Homes strategy, using a range of enforcement, engagement and partnership approaches to bring long-term vacant properties back into use, while also supporting wider Housing Standards functions. You'll manage a varied caseload across the Private Rented Sector, focusing on housing standards, enforcement and regulatory compliance. Key responsibilities will include: Undertaking property inspections and investigations, applying the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) to identify and assess Category 1 and Category 2 hazards Determining and implementing appropriate enforcement action in accordance with the Housing Act 2004 and associated legislation Preparing and serving statutory notices and taking formal enforcement action, including the use of Civil Penalties where appropriate Investigating complaints relating to housing conditions, disrepair and wider private sector housing issues Engaging with landlords, tenants, internal services and partner agencies to secure compliance and resolve cases Producing clear, accurate inspection reports, case records and evidential documentation to support enforcement action Contributing to the delivery of wider Environmental Health and Housing Enforcement functions and service objectives

Key responsibilities

• Undertaking property inspections and investigations, applying the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) to identify and assess Category 1 and Category 2 hazards
• Determining and implementing appropriate enforcement action in accordance with the Housing Act 2004 and associated legislation
• Preparing and serving statutory notices and taking formal enforcement action, including the use of Civil Penalties where appropriate
• Investigating complaints relating to housing conditions, disrepair and wider private sector housing issues
• Engaging with landlords, tenants, internal services and partner agencies to secure compliance and resolve cases
• Producing clear, accurate inspection reports, case records and evidential documentation to support enforcement action
• Contributing to the delivery of wider Environmental Health and Housing Enforcement functions and service objectives

To be considered for this Housing Standards role, you will have:

• recent experience working within a Local Authority Environmental Health or Private Sector Housing service, with a clear understanding of regulatory and enforcement functions
• demonstrate sound working knowledge of the Housing Act 2004, HHSRS and associated housing enforcement legislation, and the ability to apply this in practice
• have experience of undertaking enforcement activity, including the preparation and issue of statutory notices and, where appropriate, Civil Penalty Notices
• manage a varied and demanding caseload independently, using initiative to prioritise and progress cases effectively
• possess strong communication and negotiation skills, engaging with landlords, tenants and partner agencies
• produce clear, accurate and legally robust reports, records and evidential documentation
• hold a relevant Environmental Health qualification with EHRB registration, or be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge, skills and experience
• contribute positively to a team environment, supporting wider service objectives and continuous improvement
• adaptable and responsive to service needs, including ability to commence employment within required timeframes where possible

Interview date: TBC
We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Interview details such as venue/timings will be shared with successful candidates, following the shortlisting process. If you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.
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At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect all workers, employees and volunteers to share our commitment.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.
As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.
We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old (someone who has been looked after by a local authority at any point, for any length of time, e.g. foster care, residential care, or under the guardianship of a local authority) that meet the essential criteria for the role.