Principal Housing Standards Officer

Job description

Are you enthusiastic about improving housing conditions in the Private Rented Sector?

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Private Rented Housing Team. The post holder along with existing team members will be responsible for a variety of functions including improving housing conditions in the private rented sector, HMO licensing, Caravan Site Licensing, and unauthorised encampments.

No one day on the team is ever the same leading to a varied and rewarding career. You will be visiting homes in North Somerset on a regular basis which could be at short notice. On other days you could be working from the Town Hall in Weston-super-Mare or working remotely.

This is a permanent post for 37 hours per week.

About you

The successful candidate will have :

• A vocational qualification to at least level 5 (or equivalent) in either environmental health, housing or building construction.
• Extensive experience of improving poor housing conditions in the private rented sector using a range of enforcement options. For example, improvement notices, prohibition orders and conducting criminal investigations.
• Certified and experienced in the use of the Housing Health and Safety Rating System to assess housing conditions.
• A broad knowledge of the private rented housing sector.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to represent the council at court and tribunal hearings.

This is a Principal Officer role and along with dealing with the most complex cases you will also provide case management and guidance to other team members along with deputising for the team manager when required.

Valid driving licence or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.