Private Sector Housing Officer

Dartford Borough Council

  • Kent
  • Temporary
  • Full-time
  • 12 days ago
Private Sector Housing Officer (1x Permanent / 1x 12 Months Fixed Term)Dartford Housing Services really values the contribution our staff make and in return, we offer the opportunity to 'make a difference' and go home at the end of the day with a feeling of accomplishment. The Council is seeking two Private Sector Housing Officers. The Private Sector Housing Team plays a lead role in improving housing standards in the borough's significant private rented sector. Whether you are building on previous housing experience or bringing strong transferable skills to a new challenge, this role offers the chance to make a real positive impact.The postholder will work effectively as part of the team to deliver an excellent private sector housing service and will have experience in areas including housing disrepair, HHSRS (residential property) inspections, caravan site licensing, HMOs (including licensing), and enforcement of legislation. The right candidate will have a good knowledge of building construction, detailed knowledge of the relevant legislation, enforcement experience and be able to manage their own caseload. You should also be enthusiastic, organised and a team player who is looking for a challenging new role. You will be passionate about customer service excellence and will be a significant contributor to our vision of becoming the best Housing team in Kent.This is a generic post, and your duties may include both proactive and reactive work including some or all of the following;
  • Investigation of complaints regarding housing disrepair, including relating to damp and mould, in line with council policies and procedures, using the HHSRS and where necessary take enforcement action.
  • Inspection, licensing and enforcement of caravan sites in line with council policies and procedures
  • Inspection, licensing and enforcement of HMOs in line with council policies and procedures.
  • Enforcement of all relevant legislation/policies including Housing Act 2004, Housing & Planning Act 2016, The Mobile Homes Act 2013, The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 (as amended), The Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 (as amended) and The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020
  • Represent the council at meetings with internal and external partners
You must be able to demonstrate the following:
  • Previous experience of working in a housing enforcement/enforcement/environmental health/ maintenance/surveying environment; or hold a relevant qualification in an appropriate discipline, for example a BSc, MSc or HNC/HND in Environmental Health, an HNC/HND in Building Studies/Surveying
  • Working knowledge of HHSRS, including completing assessment and producing reports;
  • A building maintenance related qualification is desirable but not essential;
  • Excellent numeracy skills;
  • Confidence, enthusiasm and a flexible approach;
  • Be able to understand and apply legislation;
  • Excellent written and administration skills, accuracy and attention to detail;
  • Good keyboard skills and the proven ability to learn and utilise new software;
  • Good customer care skills;
  • The ability to discuss sensitive issues with our customers calmly;
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
Please note, Applicants that applied for the post advertised in May 2025 need not re-apply

Dartford Borough Council