Private Sector Housing Officer

Northumberland Fire Group; Newsham; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexi scheme

Job summary

Northumberland County Council is seeking a Private Sector Housing Officer to join the Strategic Housing Team in Northumberland. You will drive up housing standards in the private rented sector by inspecting properties, engaging landlords, and promoting accreditation schemes across the county.

This full-time, fixed-term role runs until 31 March 2028 and requires strong communication and partnership-building skills.

Qualifications

• Good standard of education (NVQ Level 3 or equivalent).
• Demonstrable knowledge of the private rented sector and housing legislation.
• Experience of property inspections and applying the HHSRS framework, working with landlords, tenants and stakeholders to improve housing standards.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Undertaking property inspections and assessing hazards using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
• Working with landlords to improve property standards and promote accreditation schemes.
• Engaging with landlords through forums, events and direct partnership working.
• Supporting the implementation of new legislation, including Renters’ Rights Act.
• Investigating complaints relating to illegal eviction and harassment.
• Working with owners of problematic empty homes to bring properties back into use.
• Contributing to the growth, sustainability and raising standards of the private rented sector.

Skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Project coordination

Education

NVQ Level 3 or equivalent

Job description

ROLE OF THE JOB

We have an exciting opportunity for a Private Sector Housing Officer to join our Strategic Housing Team, supporting the improvement and growth of the private rented sector across Northumberland. This is a varied and rewarding role where you will work proactively with private landlords, agents and tenants to drive up housing standards and support a well-managed, sustainable private rented sector. You will play a key role in engaging with landlords, encouraging accreditation, delivering property inspections, and ensuring compliance with housing legislation.

Your day-to-day work will include:

• Undertaking property inspections and assessing hazards using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
• Working closely with landlords to improve property standards and promote accreditation schemes
• Engaging with landlords through forums, events and direct partnership working
• Supporting the implementation of new legislation, including Renters’ Rights Act
• Investigating complaints relating to illegal eviction and harassment
• Working with owners of problematic empty homes to bring properties back into use
• Contributing to the growth, sustainability and raising standards of the private rented sector

You will be part of a supportive and forward-thinking team, working collaboratively with internal services and external partners to deliver real improvements for residents and communities. We are looking for a motivated, proactive, and knowledgeable officer with strong communication skills and a passion for improving housing standards. You should be confident working independently and building positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

The post will be based in Northumberland, with a focus on community engagement and partnership working across the county. This is a full time, fixed term role until 31st March 2028.

REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB

• Good standard of education (NVQ Level 3 or equivalent)
• Demonstrable knowledge of the private rented sector and housing legislation
• Experience of property inspections and applying the HHSRS framework, experience of working with landlords, tenants and stakeholders to improve housing standards
• Full UK driving licence

For further information about this vacancy, please contact Vicky Ledger (Senior Private Sector Initiatives Officer) via email; [e-mail]

Northumberland County Council's (NCC) vision is 'Land of Great Opportunities', for current and future generations. We believe there is no better place to live and work.

For further information about working for NCC, please visit our website here.

Why choose us?

We have some outstanding benefits and perks to offer you, including:

• 26 days annual leave plus public/bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years of service (pro rata for part-time employees)
• Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexi scheme (if applicable) - up to 2 days flexible leave available per month (pro rata for part-time employees)
• Stay connected with us on social media to keep up to date with Northumberland County Council's latest job opportunities.
• Facebook: NCC Jobs Group
• LinkedIn: Northumberland County Council Jobs

Further information for guidance on completing your application and for information about our Equality and Diversity principles, please see the attached guidance notes here.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format, please see the alternative methods below. This information will be treated as confidential and will only be used to check that you meet the essential requirements of the post.

Alternative application format:

• British Sign Language: northumberlandcc-cs.signvideo.net
• For those with speech difficulties or hearing loss: Text relay service dial 018001 01670 623930

Although we advertise on North East Jobs, and other websites, your application process will be directed to our Tribepad system. Please note that all communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the email address that you have registered on Tribepad, including your invite to interview if you are shortlisted. Please check your emails regularly, including Spam/Junk, after the closing dates for notifications.