Private Sector Housing Officer

• Reference: ES31
• Division: Strategic Housing
• Salary: £30,652.00 - £37,128.00 per annum pro rata
• Contract type: Permanent
• Posted on: 07 June 2023
• Interview date: 17 July 2023
• Extra payment(s): Not applicable

• Positions: 1
• Category: Housing
• Grade: G - H
• Working hours: 18.5 per week
• Closing date: 07 July 2023
• Location: Town Hall, Crawley
• Location type: Hybrid

A job share opportunity has arisen within our Private Sector Housing team. Working as part of a small team, you will deliver a quality service to private sector residents within our town. Your role will include:

• further improve the good standard of accommodation already available
• carrying out inspections as a result of complaints from tenants and take appropriate action to ensure a safe home for residents
• processing and determining houses in multiple occupation (HMO) Licence applications in accordance with the Housing Act 2004 and our own HMO standards
• delivering our statutory Disabled Facility Grants and Discretionary Loans services

You will have experience of working in a private sector housing environment and have knowledge and understanding of the Housing Act 2004, Disabled Facility Grants (DFG) and other legislation introduced to regulate conditions in the private rented sector.

You will be able to manage a challenging caseload and be confident working effectively and efficiently as part of a small team.

To be successful in this role it is important that you are self-motivated with an eye for detail. You will have excellent inter-personal skills with the ability to communicate sensitively with tenants, landlords and other interested partners to achieve the required outcomes. Experience of inspecting properties and identifying the causes of, and specifying remedial works for, disrepair is essential for this position. Experience of carrying out housing health and safety rating system (HHSRS) risk assessments, processing HMO licence and DFG applications would be an advantage when applying for this role.

Crawley is a great place to work, with a vibrant town centre, a thriving business district and excellent transport links including to Gatwick Airport. We recently moved into our new Town Hall, so it is a great time to join us as we settle into our state of the art offices with excellently designed spaces that facilitate collaborative working. The council operates hybrid working which allows a balance between working from home and in the Town Hall.

In return for your commitment, we offer a competitive package including training opportunities and generous employee benefits package. Applications are welcomed from newly qualified environmental health graduates with a desire to develop their knowledge and interest in private sector housing as well as from those individuals with prior experience of working in this field.

• Permanent contract on a job share basis. 2.5 days (18.5 hours) per week (Mondays, Tuesdays and a half day on Wednesdays)
• Casual car user allowance
• Ability to attend evening meetings as and when required
• May on occasions be required to work in confined areas and climb ladders
• A full current UK driving licence will be a requirement of the role
• A Baseline Personnel Security Standard check is required as part of this role, and that will also entail the successful applicant undertaking a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

Employee benefits

We offer a generous employee benefits package, with a range of discounts, benefits and wellbeing incentives to suit everyone.

Our way of working

Our shared values and behaviours reflect the special nature of our council. We encourage all colleagues to put them into practice, whatever job they do. Take a look to see if we are the perfect match.

Safer recruitment

Crawley Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer of first choice reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all under represented groups.

How to apply

Click the Apply button to complete your application online. Please ensure that the reference details you supply are for your current or most recent employer and that any gaps in employment are covered on your application form. Please note that CVs will not be accepted without a fully completed application form.

For an informal conversation or further information regarding the role, please email chris.modder@crawley.gov.uk, Private Sector Housing Manager or call on 01293 438418.