Private Sector Housing Enforcement Officer

Connect2Luton; Luton; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Connect2Luton is recruiting a Private Sector Housing Enforcement Officer - Single Family Dwelling on behalf of Luton Borough Council. The role focuses on inspecting properties, enforcing housing standards, and pursuing remedies including prosecutions and penalties.

You will conduct inspections under HHSRS, prepare cases for court, issue notices, and collaborate with agencies. A background in Environmental Health and enforcement is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in Environmental Health (Private Sector Housing) or similar.
• Strong negotiation and presentation skills to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to produce written professional reports.
• Ability to plan, organise workloads and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Inspect dwellings and HMOs under HHSRS and Decent Homes standards and prepare enforcement actions.
• Prepare prosecutions, issue Civil Penalty Notices and Rent Repayment Orders, and present evidence in court.
• Provide specialist advice and train junior staff, and help develop procedures and guidance.
• Attend meetings and tribunals, representing the department to public, professionals and agencies.
• Contribute to policy development and service improvements.

Skills

Environmental Health experience

Negotiation skills

Written reports

Time management

IT skills

Enforcement experience

Site surveys

Evening shifts

Office presence

Job description

Connect2Luton are excited to recruit a Private Sector Housing Enforcement Officer - Single Family Dwelling on behalf of Luton Borough Council.

Main purpose of position:

To improve living standards in the private rented sector this includes carrying out inspections of properties using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and serving the appropriate legal notices to remedy the hazards found; and taking follow up enforcement measures such as referring the matter for prosecution or issuing Civil Penalty Notices (CPNs), if the notice cannot be complied.

You will be responsible to:

Inspect dwellings and houses in multiple occupation in accordance with Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and the Decent Homes Standard; including complex preparatory work, inspecting and certifying works in default, resolving disputes and undertaking associated technical and financial work including arranging interim and final stage payments. Make professional recommendations on a full range of matters that ensure compliance with relevant regulations. Prepare cases for prosecution, issue Civil Penalty Notices (CPNs), apply for Rent Repayment Orders and present evidence in court and Residential Property Tribunals.
Investigate complex service requests concerning premises and persons, instigate action in accordance with regulation, including consultation with professionals, Departments and Agencies.
Provide specialist advice to less experienced officers and trainees, including providing appropriate training, mentoring, and Develop procedures and guidance documents.
Contribute to Private Sector Housing policies and application or implementation. Actively promote service objectives.
Attend and represent the Department/Council at a range of Council meetings, working parties, Appeals, Tribunals and County Court Appearances, including engaging the public, public bodies, businesses and other Agencies.
Participate in specific projects to improve service delivery.

Skills and Experience:

• Experience of working within an Environmental Health (Private Sector Housing) role, or similar demonstrable experience
• Able to consult, negotiate, persuade, influence and present to a wide range of professionals and members of the public
• Able to produce written reports incorporating professional recommendations and judgements
• Able to plan and organise own and others workload to meet deadlines demonstrating effective time management and ability to work within a Team
• Able to effectively use Information Technology to complete daily tasks in the working environment
• In depth relevant enforcement experience
• Able to travel throughout the Borough and undertake building surveys, including using steps and ladders to gain access to loft and spaces
• Able to work late evening and early morning (infrequently)
• Work in the office at least 2 days per week

About Us:

Luton Borough Council have partnered with Kent County Council to create Connect2Luton, a recruitment managed service for all contingent temporary agency, contract, and interim roles at the Council.

Our heritage and being local government owned which means we have a wealth of knowledge and expertise within the public sector, with many of our employees having previously worked for the Council or have supplied previously into the Council, for several years.

We are an equal opportunities employment agency and business that positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.

Connect2Luton is a trading style of Luton & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Luton Borough Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Luton is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates