Private Sector Housing Team Leader / Officer

Private Sector Housing Team Leader / Officer

• Location: Welwyn Garden City

• Job Type: Full-time

• Pay: £23-25 per hour

We are seeking a dedicated Private Sector Housing Team Leader to work closely with the Private Sector Housing Manager, ensuring the effective performance of Private Sector Housing functions in line with statutory requirements and council policies. This role involves both proactive and reactive inspections of homes, management of the Disabled Facilities Grant budget, and leadership over a small team.

Day-to-day of the role:

• Oversee proactive and reactive inspections of homes not meeting the Decent Home standards and Houses in Multiple Occupancy (HMOs).

• Guide staff and make decisions on enforcement cases, using professional judgement to reach justifiable and robust decisions, subject to internal authorisation processes.

• Manage either the day-to-day issuing of HMO Licences and investigation of HMO Management Breaches or the management of mandatory and discretionary grants, depending on the focus area.

• Respond to customer contacts, complaints, and assist with Member and MP enquiries and requests within agreed timescales.

• Fully investigate complaints related to housing conditions, overcrowding, and homes in disrepair.

• Undertake inspections and make reports for immigration housing requests and medical re-housing requests.

• Attend court/tribunal as a witness for the council.

• Directly line manage Private Sector Housing Technicians and Support Officers, ensuring performance aligns with the council's policies and procedures.

• Represent the authority on forums, partnerships, and multi-disciplinary working groups as required.

• Manage the Housing Assistance contract and assist in regular audits.

• Promote safeguarding, inclusion, equality, and diversity in the workplace and in council services.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• General Education to GCSE standard with a minimum of A-C grade in maths and English.

• Trained and experienced in Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).

• Continued Professional Development in relevant housing legislation. Experience in preparing witness statements, expert witness reports, and attending court.

• Good understanding of the regulatory framework, guidance, and good practice in relevant health and safety and housing standards.

• Knowledge of current and emerging private sector housing-related legislation and technical aspects of enforcement.

• Ability to manage a small team and make timely, risk-based decisions in respect of enforcement activities.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain legislation, procedures, and requirements clearly to others.

• Full driving licence with the ability to travel throughout the borough.

If you think you have similar experience in this field and are open to a new role, please apply today!