Private Sector Housing Project Enforcement Officer

Job Title: Private Sector Housing Project Enforcement Officer

Contract Length: 3 months initially with possibility of extension

Rate of Pay: £45-£55 per hour (Umbrella Inside IR35)

Location: Bedfordshire

Working Pattern/Onsite Requirements: Mixture of Onsite and home working

The postholder will work closely with members of the public, landlords, builders and partner agencies, managing potentially confrontational situations with professionalism, tact and diplomacy. The role requires explaining and enforcing relevant legislation, policies and building standards to achieve compliance, alongside checking that works are completed to an acceptable standard. The postholder will carry out daily site inspections across the borough, including work at height or in confined spaces, and will be expected to maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, construction practices, government guidance, council policies and best practice

Key Responsibilities:

• Inspect private sector housing and HMOs in line with HHSRS and Decent Homes Standards
• Take enforcement action, including works in default, dispute resolution and prosecutions
• Prepare and present cases for court and Residential Property Tribunals
• Investigate complex complaints and service requests, working with internal and external partners
• Provide specialist advice, training and supervision to colleagues and trainees
• Represent the Council at meetings, appeals, tribunals and court hearings
• Support and promote housing improvement, energy efficiency and safeguarding initiatives
• Act as Lead Officer on projects to improve service delivery

Candidate Criteria:

• In depth experience of working within an Environmental Health (Private Sector Housing) role
• Able to consult, negotiate, persuade, influence and present to a wide range of professionals and members of the public
• Able to analyse complex situations eg, inspect and measure premises,  evaluate building tenders, compile evidence and witness statements
• 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
• Registered by the Environmental Health Officers’ Registration Board as an EHO, EHP or CEHP and holding degree or diploma in Environmental Health OR equivalent in-depth relevant experience