Job Details
About Camden
‘Camden is building somewhere everyone can thrive, by making our borough the best place to live, work, study and visit. Because, we’re not just home to UK’s fast-growing economy. We’re home to the most important conversations happening today. And we’re making radical social change a reality, so that nobody gets left behind. Here’s where you can help decide a better future for us all.
With over 30% of households in Camden’s private rented sector, it’s the Private Sector Housing Service’s responsibility to improve this important sector. The Camden Plan has committed to make homes in Camden safe, well-managed and well-maintained and taking an active role in shaping a private rented sector that works.
About the role
Sitting in the Private Sector Housing Service, within the Supporting Communities Directorate, the primary objective of the role is to improve standards within the private rented sector within Camden, whether this be through the investigation of complaints or through our Houses in Multiple Occupation licensing schemes. The role will enable you to utilise the full range of enforcement tools to tackle sub-standard private rented accommodation within the Borough, from HMO Licensing, improvement notices to Final Management Orders and Banning Orders. You will also be expected to promote the use of grants and landlord accreditation as an alternative or complementary approach, all with the aim of improving the private housing sector in the borough, with particular emphasis on the private rented sector.
About you
You will be a qualified Environmental Health Officer (holding an EHRB Certificate of Registration or Chartered status), graduate EHO applicants who are working towards EHRB/Chartered status and have a BSc or MSc in Environmental Health (or equivalent) can apply but will be on a lower pay range. Support and training towards EHRB/Chartered status will be provided by the Council.
You will be expected to:
- Have a detailed knowledge of the Housing Act 2004 and other legislative framework relevant to the team and experience in its application to casework in order to:
- Identify and secure innovative interventions in the investigation of complaints and other enquiries.
- Prepare and write clear reports, specifications and other documentation relevant to legislation and service of notices/granting of licences.
- Effectively monitor the progress of works/actions required by informal/formal action.
- Report and recommend enforcement action for failure to comply with requirements of legislation and statutory notices.
- Attend court/First-tier Tribunals, prepare and give evidence as required; and participate in PACE interviews.
- You will also be trained on HHSRS.
- Demonstrate a good understanding of housing construction and components, and an up to date understanding of improvement trends and capabilities including those around energy efficiency.
- Ability to take an organised approach to own workload whilst dealing with conflicting priorities and ensuring a customer service focused approach.
- Demonstrate good customer care and communication skills in explaining complex and technical issues accurately, clearly and concisely both orally and in writing when dealing with all service users.
- Experience of working collaboratively with internal and external partners to identify innovative and creative approaches to complaints and Camden objectives.
- Demonstrate your involvement in organising, coordinating and participating on projects as part of a team, and identify how this has led to a successful outcome.
- Knowledge of and ability to manage sensitive intelligence and information securely.
- Understand importance of accurate data entry in relation to updating management information systems and the consequential impact on business intelligence for the service.
- Demonstrate an awareness of politically sensitive issues.
Work Environment:
Mixture of office-based work and inspections of homes within the borough. Although mainly office-based, the role will involve lone working in a diverse range of environments, many potentially hazardous or sensitive in nature. Being in an enforcement role can result in confrontational situations. A thorough understanding and adherence to the Council’s Health and Safety policy and guidance is imperative. You will know how to handle a wide range of situations and be prepared to receive advice and training to enhance your skills.
Pay rate: £32.16 per hour umbrella
Three to six months contract with view to extend or make permanent
