Private Sector Housing Specialist

We need someone adaptable, self-motivated, enthusiastic and competent in all areas of private sector housing enforcement. Preferably a qualified Environmental Health Officer with a local government background, who has completed HHSRS training.

This post within Huntingdonshire District Council is exempt from the provision of section 4(2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and applicants will be required to complete an enhanced Criminal Records check.

For an informal discussion, please contact Richard Hollingsworth, Neighbourhoods Team Leader, on 01480 388284

1. To secure acceptable standards in all elements of environmental health within a geographical area of the district or in any specific sphere of work to which the post holder is allocated.
2. To secure compliance with all statutory provisions related to private sector housing within relevant areas of delegated responsibility.

Note:  This job description is designed to reflect the major tasks and duties to be carried out by the postholder and identifies a level of responsibility at which the postholder will be required to work.  In the interests of operational effectiveness the job description will be reviewed periodically and altered to reflect changing needs and circumstances.  The postholder will be consulted prior to any adjustments.

1. Respond to all environmental health and housing complaints, evaluate the circumstances to determine if they are justified and take appropriate action in accordance with environmental health procedures, departmental policies and the Council's scheme of delegation. 
2. Carry out programmed inspections of premises to evaluate compliance with environmental health and housing legislation and take appropriate action in accordance with environmental health procedures, departmental policies and the Council's scheme of delegation.
3. Inspect the District both systematically and at intervals agreed with the Neighbourhoods Intervention Manager to keep informed of conditions which require detailed investigation and control.  In circumstances where emergency or urgent action is found to be required, take appropriate action in accordance with environmental health procedures, departmental policies and the Council's scheme of delegation.
4. Evaluate the course(s) of action available within legislation, departmental policies and the Council's scheme of delegation for dealing with environmental health and housing problems, having due regard to the technical nature of the problem, the degree of risk and financial implications.
5. Resolve justified environmental health and housing complaints by the most satisfactory course of action under the prevailing circumstances through advice, discussion, persuasion, mediation, enforcement and/or prosecution having due regard to legislative requirements, case law and the Council's enforcement strategy.
6. To monitor the weekly planning list and to liaise with the Planning Services Division on any applications which require an input from Environmental Health.
7. Maintain clear, factual, up to date records in all aspects of work, including preparation of letters, documents, returns and reports.  Ensure that all paper and computerised work records are promptly and accurately maintained and report any discrepancies to the Neighbourhoods Intervention Manager.
8. Maintain all environmental monitoring equipment under your control, ensuring that it is used in accordance with the manufacturers or departmental instructions.  Ensure that all servicing and maintenance requirements are up to date and recorded.  Report any defects, malfunctions or deficiencies to the Neighbourhoods Intervention Manager.
9. To undertake talks, lectures and demonstrations on matters related to environmental health and housing duties and to assist in professional training. 
10. Undertake specialist duties as assigned from the following topic areas: Private sector housing, Home energy conservation, Occupational Health & Safety, Pest Control, Infectious Disease Control, Home Safety, Environmental Protection, Food Safety, Licensing, Corporate Arrangements
11. To prepare or contribute to written reports, attend meetings of councillors, give evidence at court and public meetings or enquiries.
12. To undertake any other duties commensurate with the post as delegated by the Neighbourhoods Intervention Manager and to ensure that reasonable care is taken for the health, safety and welfare of the post holder and others in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Council. Officers may be required to work out of normal office hours by prior arrangement. In exceptional circumstances this may be at short notice when personal circumstances will be taken into consideration.

Knowledge

Essential

• Detailed knowledge of current relevant legislation and best practice relating to local authority private sector housing standards enforcement.

Skills & Abilities

Essential

• Ability to consider available options, exercise sound objective professional judgement and take appropriate decisions.
• Ability to work as part of a team and with minimum supervision. 
• Ability to use personal initiative in responding to request for service.
• Able to manage and prioritise own workload.
  Good interpersonal and  communication skills.

Experience

Essential

• Experience of environmental health or related practice.

Desirable

• Experience of enforcing private sector housing standards within a local authority setting.

Qualifications

Essential

• Possession of a technical or professional qualification directly related to environmental health and/or private sector housing.
• Possession of a full driving licence.

Desirable

• Degree or Diploma in Environmental Health.
• EHRB Registration.
• Certificate of competence in the use of HHSRS.

Complexity and Creativity

• Must be familiar with environmental monitoring equipment and associated computer software.
• Must have an understanding and experience of complex environmental health and housing legislation.
• Must be able to investigate complex complaints, conditions and standards and decide on the appropriate action to be taken by the Council in consideration of the legislation, case law, departmental procedures, policies and relevant codes of practice.
• Must be able to keep abreast of changes in legislation, standards, procedures, monitoring equipment and information technologies associated with the duties of the post.
• Must be good at written and oral communication and be able to make presentations to various internal and external groups and to present  effective evidence in court.

Judgement and Decisions

• Precise judgment will be required to ensure that all complaints and conditions are assessed to produce decisions which are consistent with current legislation and legal precedents.
• The postholder will be expected to make decisions on behalf of the Council to resolve outstanding complaints, inspections or surveys in line with the scheme of delegation and to ensure that such decisions will stand up to legal or professional scrutiny.

Other

• The post holder is required to complete a Criminal Records check.

Contacts (50% External, 50% Internal)

• The post holder will have frequent contact with members of the public, developers, local businesses, community groups and other local authorities. The post holder will also be expected to maintain and develop existing internal links with other Divisions and to develop further links as individual needs or corporate requirements dictate.