Principal Housing Standards and Assistance Officer

Swale Borough Council; Sittingbourne; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous holiday entitlement

Free parking

Employee Assistance Programme

Local Government Pension Scheme

Life Assurance

Season Ticket Loan

Cycle to work scheme

Job summary

A local authority in Kent is seeking a Principal Housing Standards and Assistance Officer to manage housing standards enforcement, oversee licensing activities, and improve housing conditions. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Environmental Health, HHSRS qualifications, and proven leadership skills. The role offers a permanent contract with hybrid working arrangements and generous benefits.

Qualifications

• A degree in Environmental Health or equivalent.
• Experience in using HHSRS for property assessments.
• Significant knowledge of relevant legislation.

Responsibilities

• Manage caseload and enforce actions on properties.
• Undertake HMO licencing and enforcement.
• Oversee the Disabled Facilities Grant programme.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Organizational skills

Knowledge of relevant legislation

Leadership abilities

Education

Degree in Environmental Health or equivalent

Certificate in HHSRS

Job description

Principal Housing Standards and Assistance Officer

Join to apply for the Principal Housing Standards and Assistance Officer role at Swale Borough Council

About the role

A vacancy has arisen to join the Housing Standards and Assistance Team as Principal Housing Standards and Assistance Officer. In this role, you will manage your own caseload and undertake appropriate enforcement action to tackle disrepair and energy deficiencies in residential properties using HHSRS and relevant enforcement powers. You will undertake HMO licencing and enforcement activities and oversee the operational delivery and continuous improvement of the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) programme.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced environmental-health housing professional to make a real difference to housing improvement within the borough.

This is a full-time position, working 34 hours per week on a permanent contract. This is a hybrid role with the expectation to attend the office at least two days per week.

About Swale Borough Council

Swale Borough Council is a progressive and ambitious Local Authority, located less than an hour from Central London in an attractive and diverse part of Kent, involving urban, rural, and coastal areas. We believe that staff are our most valuable asset, and we’re committed to attracting and retaining the very best. In recent times, we have adapted and evolved to meet the current world by introducing a highly flexible, hybrid working policy, along with a 34-hour week, recognising that staff wellbeing and work-life balance are high on our agenda.

Our Offer

• Generous holiday entitlement, which increases after five years' LG service, plus bank holidays, with the option to buy additional leave
• An additional three days' leave given to enable a closure of the offices between Christmas and New Year
• Free parking
• Invitations to staff events to celebrate success and support wellbeing that include holistic therapies and outdoor activities
• Employee Assistance Programme, which provides confidential and independent information and access to counsellors
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with valuable life cover and financial protection for your family
• Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/bus journey, to and from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme, allowing you to lease a brand-new car; the monthly fee includes insurance, servicing, and road tax
• Cycle to work scheme
• Staff benefits, including discounts on leisure, eating out, holidays, and shopping
• Excellent learning and career opportunities for committed individuals
• A professional fee payment, if required for the role

About You

The successful candidate should have:

• A degree in Environmental Health or equivalent and a Certificate of Registration with the Environmental Health Board
• A Certificate in HHSRS and experience in using the rating system to assess properties, or an equivalent qualification with substantial relevant experience
• Excellent communication and organisational skills with significant experience and knowledge of the relevant legislation
• The ability to lead and motivate others to achieve the aims and responsibilities of the Council
• We are open to applicants with substantial experience in the private rented sector, especially those who have worked in regulatory compliance roles with a robust enforcement background.

This role will require you to carry out site visits where needed, and so you will need to have a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle. We have adopted a flexible working approach to improve work-life balance, and this includes working from home, attending the office two days a week or more, and face-to-face meetings to ensure the functions of the department are managed and maintained.

Selection Process

Following the submission of your application form, it will be reviewed by the recruiting manager. Those who are successful in securing an interview can expect a job-specific interview assessment, followed by an interview.

As this role requires you to hold a valid UK driving licence, please ensure you include this information in your application.

Swale Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

Application Details

If you would like to discuss this position, please contact San Nyunt, Housing Standards and Assistance Manager, 0179 541 7238

To apply for the position, please select the Apply button shown.

Closing Date: 16th November 2025

Interview Date: 26th November 2025