SUPPORTING INFORMATION FOR THE POST OF HOUSING

SUPPORTING INFORMATION FOR THE POST OF
HOUSING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
May 2015
ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC PROTECTION DIVISION
HOUSING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
£25,440 - £27,123 per annum
This is a new post within the Environmental Health Division which will support the
corporate drive to improve our private sector housing stock, particularly in relation to
energy efficiency and targeted enforcement projects, in conjunction with our
Sustainability Team.
The post holder will be one of two Housing Enforcement posts within Environmental
Health. While the main focus of the role will be HHSRS, there will also be opportunities
to develop enforcement experience with a range of nuisance and public health tools.
Responsible for housing investigations and enforcing housing standards over a wide
geographical area, a full current driving licence and flexible approach is essential. The
post holder must be a good team worker, self-motivated, be able to prioritise your
workload and work with competing deadlines whilst maintaining quality output, and be
committed to our customer orientated approach. You will need good customer care
skills, including tact, diplomacy and the ability to listen.
To discuss the post in more detail contact Janet Williams, Environmental Health
Manager on 01529 414155 ext 28205
For further information regarding the above we encourage you to refer to our
website www.n-kesteven.gov.uk.
Closing date: 3 July 2015
Interviews for the post will be held on: 22 July 2015
Dear Applicant,
Vacant Post: Housing Enforcement Officer
Thank you for your interest in the above post.
The post will be based in the Environmental Health Division and will report to the
Environmental Protection Team Leader.
I enclose an application pack, which includes: application form; job description and
person specification.
Please ensure that you complete all sections of the application form fully. CVs are
not accepted. When filling in your application form, please study the person
specification carefully. If you do not demonstrate on the form that you fulfil the
essential criteria for the position, you are unlikely to be successful in your
application.
The closing date for applications is 3 July 2015. Interviews will be held on 22 July
2015.
Yours faithfully,
Beverley Gresswell
HR Assistant
JOB DESCRIPTION
1.
DIRECTORATE:
Corporate Director
2.
DIVISION:
Environment and Public Protection
3.
POST TITLE:
Housing Enforcement Officer (EP Team)
4.
POST NO:
5.
POST GRADE:
Grade 9
6.
ALLOWANCES:
Professional Subscription
Essential User Car Allowance
Private Medical Insurance
7.
JOB PURPOSE
To undertake Housing Enforcement Officer and related
duties over the entire district.
8.
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Gather evidence, investigate, make judgement and
take enforcement action where appropriate on
complaints
of
dangerous,
substandard
or
unsatisfactory housing, utilising the following tools:




Housing Act 2004
Environmental Protection Act 1990, Part III
Building Act 1984
Prevention of damage by Pests Act 1949
And other housing enforcement related legislation.

Carry out comprehensive property surveys having
regard to relevant housing standards and assess the
need for building work to address poor housing and
home visits to provide advice. Prepare preliminary
costs and schedules of work.

Liaise with other Departments or agencies as
appropriate to request support for vulnerable people.

The gathering of evidence to support the above
investigations, including the taking and writing of
statements, the taking of contemporaneous notes and
photographs all in accordance with the Police and
Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) and the
Regulatory Investigatory Powers Act 2000.

To make judgments as to the existence of breaches of
legislative requirements, use of scientific and technical
equipment, the informal seeking of compliance,
carrying out of interviews under caution in accordance
with PACE, the preparation and service of formal
notices, organising works in default and recovering
costs, the preparation of case files to submit to the
Council’s Solicitor, and the attendance at Court or
housing tribunal as required.

Identify and engage with owners of Houses of Multiple
Occupation (HMO’s) to ensure all relevant legislation is
complied with and properties requiring licensing are
processed in accordance with the legislation.

To inspect the District's current Houses in Multiple
Occupation (HMO) and new HMO's as they arise. To
prepare inspection reports in conjunction with the Fire
Authority and to take any enforcement action as may
be required.

To maintain databases and statistical returns where
necessary.

Liaise and assist with other enforcement agencies
and/or other departments at NKDC. Investigate on
their behalf where required and share intelligence
information.

Liaise and work with other Departments on projects
related to the identification, assessment and promotion
of energy efficiency measures and incentives, to
support informal compliance with legislative standards
in this area. To secure these standards through formal
enforcement action where necessary.

To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of relevant
legislation, and to provide advice to colleagues,
members, the public, businesses, and other agencies,
on the implications of legislation.

To use and keep up to date with the operation of the
Unit's
Quality Assurance System and to audit
processes and procedures within the Environment and
Public Protection Division in accordance with ISO 9000
or relevant internal processes.

Attend internal and external meetings, both during and
outside normal working hours as required.

To support and guide colleagues within the unit, to help
them to learn and develop new skills and be more
effective in their role.

To train and mentor new and developing colleagues to
ensure competence in their role.

To provide advice on the full range of housing
enforcement matters where appropriate and
commensurate with experience and grade of the post.

The Council is committed to safeguarding and
promoting the welfare of children, young people and
adults at risk and expect all their entire staff to share
this commitment. All staff working for the Council who
come into contact with children, young people and
adults at risk are expected to comply with all
requirements detailed within the Safeguarding Policy

To undertake such other duties as may be determined
from time to time, within the general scope and
commensurate with the grade of the post. Duties
outside the scope of the post may also be undertaken
with the consent of the post-holder.
9.
RESPONSIBLE TO:
Environmental Protection Team Leader
10.
RESPONSIBLE FOR:
No supervisory responsibilities
11.
POLITICALLY
RESTRICTED POST:
12.
H & S ISSUES
April 2015
Compliance with all current legislation, Council Policy
and procedures including but not limited to duties
defined in the Health and Safety at Work etc Act
1972, the Councils Health and Safety Policy and
other specific Council policies as appropriate to your
role.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Post title:
Housing Enforcement Officer
Post No:
Division:
Grade:
Environment and Public
Protection
9
Date:
April 2015
E = ESSENTIAL, D = DESIRABLE (Weighting 1 to 3, 3 being highest) for applicants
to meet relevant standard
SELECTION CRITERIA
CRITERIA
STANDARD
A. Work
experience
B. Knowledge
C. General skills
D. Specific skills
E. Qualifications
F. Team work
E/D
&W
1. Experience in dealing
diplomatically with the public and
external bodies.
2. Experience implementing private
sector housing renewal
strategies.
3. Experience of delivering energy
efficiency advice.
4. Experience of using
computerised systems.
1. Theoretical and practical and
procedural knowledge in a
particular aspect of the job
(building construction, surveying,
energy or environmental issues).
1. Good communication skills, both
written and oral and presentation
skills.
1. Computer literacy.
E
1. Education to at least A level,
HNC or HND level or equivalent
or professional qualification.
2. Relevant degree (or
considerable experience).
3. City and Guilds in Energy
Awareness or willingness to
undertake course.
1. Commitment to working within a
team environment.
E
MEASURED BY
Application Form
D3
D3
D2
E
Application Form/
Interview
E
E
Application Form/
Interview/ Test
Application Form /
Interview / Test
Application Form
D3
E
E
Interview/ Test
G. Attitude
H. Equal
Opportunities
I. Special
circumstances
J. Other
1. Demonstrate a healthy work life
balance.
2. Developed interpersonal skills,
eg advisory, guiding,
negotiating and persuasive.
3. Deal with emotional demands
from contact with vulnerable
people.
4. Tactful and diplomatic.
5. Use of initiative and ability to
develop solutions or plans over
the medium term.
6. Work independently and
manage own workload.
7. Potential to suggest new
methods of working.
8. Understanding of own
development needs.
9. Accepting of change and
flexible working practices.
10. Responsible attitude.
11. Handling interruptions and
conflicting deadlines.
12. Assertiveness.
1. To have a general awareness of
equal opportunities issues and
how they would impact on the
role
1. Willingness to work outside
normal office hours.
2. Means of travelling between work
locations.
1. Awareness of basic H & S issues
The use of a vehicle is required for this post
D2
Interview
E
E
E
E
E
D3
D3
D3
D3
D3
D3
E
Interview
E
Interview
E
MAIN TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT
Post of: Housing Enforcement Officer
A copy of the job description is enclosed
Salary
£25,440 - £27,123 p.a.
Hours of Work
The hours of work are 37 per week. A scheme of flexible working hours is in operation
whereby, within prescribed limits, an individual’s precise working hours are left to his/her
own choosing.
Car Allowance
This post attracts an essential car user allowance.
Holidays
Annual holiday entitlement is 27 days (32 days after 5 years service in Local Government),
plus a further 8 bank and public days.
Health Scheme
Membership of a Private Health Scheme.
Pension
This is a Local Government Pension Scheme
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION: 3 July 2015
INTERVIEWS WILL TAKE PLACE ON: 22 July 2015