Housing Standards Specialist & Enforcement Expert

Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council; Sefton; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council is seeking a Housing Practitioner to provide expert technical advice and support on housing standards, property licensing and enforcement, managing a varied caseload including vulnerable households.

The role balances enforcement with engagement, working with property owners to secure improvements and taking formal action when necessary to ensure safe housing across Sefton.

Qualifications

• Substantial knowledge of housing standards, private sector housing legislation and enforcement practices.
• Can manage complex investigations and make informed decisions on challenging cases.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders.
• Excellent report writing and evidence-gathering skills.
• Able to present evidence professionally in court, tribunals and formal hearings.
• Demonstrates resilience, tact and diplomacy with vulnerable residents.
• Can work independently with minimal supervision while contributing to a team.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise competing demands.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and investigate residential properties to assess compliance with housing legislation, licensing conditions, codes of practice and council policies.
• Identify hazards and serious defects and determine appropriate remedial action.
• Prepare, sign and serve statutory notices and undertake enforcement action where required.
• Supervise and monitor remedial works undertaken by landlords and property owners.
• Provide specialist technical advice to residents, landlords, businesses, elected members, colleagues and partner organisations.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, schedules, costings and correspondence.
• Prepare evidence and legal bundles and represent the Council at Court and Tribunal hearings.
• Interpret complex technical documentation and provide recommendations on appropriate actions.
• Coordinate projects and contribute to high-risk areas of work within the service.
• Support vulnerable residents by providing advice, guidance and practical assistance.
• Provide mentoring and guidance to colleagues when required.
• Manage workload effectively to meet service objectives and performance targets.

Skills

Housing standards knowledge

Complex investigations

Communication skills

Report writing

Evidence gathering

Court/tribunal presentation

Resilience

Independent working

Organisational skills

Negotiation skills

Job description

Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council is seeking a Housing Practitioner to provide expert technical advice and support on housing standards, property licensing and enforcement, managing a varied caseload including vulnerable households.

The role balances enforcement with engagement, working with property owners to secure improvements and taking formal action when necessary to ensure safe housing across Sefton.