Technical Surveyor – Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) / Housing Adaptations – AR

Job Details

Technical Surveyor – Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) / Housing Adaptations

Location: Somerset
Working Arrangement: Hybrid working with site visits across Somerset
Contract Type: Temporary/Permanent (as applicable)

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Technical Surveyor to manage and deliver a range of construction projects and programmes supporting the Council’s statutory responsibility for Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG).

The role will involve managing home adaptation projects from initial assessment through to design, procurement, construction and completion. The successful candidate will work closely with residents with a wide range of disabilities, their families, healthcare professionals and partner organisations to ensure adaptations are delivered effectively, compassionately and safely.

You will act as a Principal Designer under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, producing designs, specifications and drawings, managing contractors, monitoring budgets and ensuring projects comply with all relevant legislation and standards.

Key Responsibilities

  • Manage and deliver Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) projects, ensuring adaptations meet the needs of residents and comply with council policies and statutory requirements.
  • Visit residents in their homes to assess adaptation requirements, considering individual needs and working with Occupational Therapists, social care teams, healthcare providers and other agencies.
  • Determine eligibility for financial assistance, assess whether proposed works are reasonable and practical, and advise on available funding options.
  • Undertake financial assessments and support decisions regarding DFG awards, discretionary funding and client contributions.
  • Act as Principal Designer under CDM Regulations 2015, managing health and safety considerations throughout the design and pre-construction stages.
  • Prepare pre-construction information, review contractor risk assessments and method statements, and compile Health & Safety Files at project completion.
  • Produce detailed specifications, schedules of work and architectural drawings using AutoCAD for housing adaptations and construction projects.
  • Prepare and submit planning applications, building regulation applications and other required technical documentation.
  • Manage contractors and suppliers, including obtaining quotations, reviewing costs, awarding works and monitoring delivery.
  • Carry out site inspections throughout construction to ensure quality, compliance and progress against agreed specifications.
  • Manage variations, resolve technical issues and negotiate with contractors and residents where required.
  • Monitor project budgets, expenditure and funding arrangements, ensuring effective financial control.
  • Check invoices, final accounts and defects liability periods to ensure payments are accurate and compliant with council procedures.
  • Maintain accurate records of applications, assessments, decisions and project outcomes using relevant case management systems.
  • Provide technical guidance and support to officers and colleagues within the Housing Adaptations Team.

Essential Experience

  • Previous experience working as a Building Surveyor, Technical Surveyor, Housing Adaptations Surveyor or similar construction-related role.
  • Experience delivering housing improvement, adaptation or refurbishment projects.
  • Experience managing construction projects from design through to completion.
  • Experience working with Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) or housing adaptations is highly desirable.
  • Experience producing specifications, schedules of work and technical drawings.
  • Experience managing contractors, quotations, tenders and construction costs.
  • Experience acting as Principal Designer or working with CDM Regulations.
  • Experience working with residents, clients or stakeholders with complex needs.
  • Strong understanding of construction processes, housing maintenance and building standards.

Essential Knowledge & Skills

  • Comprehensive knowledge of Building Regulations and planning processes.
  • Good understanding of housing construction, design and maintenance.
  • Detailed knowledge of Disabled Facilities Grant legislation and processes.
  • Knowledge and practical application of CDM Regulations 2015.
  • Understanding of health and safety requirements, including asbestos regulations.
  • Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications and construction information.
  • Proficiency using AutoCAD to produce drawings and schematics.
  • Strong project management, organisational and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain technical information clearly to residents, contractors and stakeholders.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities effectively.

Qualifications

  • Degree, HND or equivalent professional qualification in:
    • Building Surveying
    • Surveying
    • Architecture
    • Construction-related discipline

Additional Requirements

  • Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle required.
  • Ability to undertake property visits across Somerset, including rural locations.
  • Willingness to undertake site inspections and use PPE where required.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be an experienced Housing Adaptations / Building Surveyor with local authority, housing association or home improvement agency experience. They will have strong knowledge of DFG delivery, construction project management, CDM responsibilities and contractor management, with the ability to deliver high-quality adaptations that improve independence and quality of life for residents.