EHO / Surveyor

EHO/Surveyor

Salary range: £39,582 – £45,834 p.a. inc. 

Contract: Permanent 

Hours of work: 36 hours per week

Location: Civic centre and other locations from time to time

Brent is a tremendously vibrant London borough where the iconic arch of Wembley Stadium dominates the skyline. Spanning both inner and outer London, it is a borough of huge contrasts in terms of its economic, environmental, ethnic and social make up. Brent’s diversity is evident to all who visit our borough and our long history of ethnic and cultural diversity has created a place that is truly unique and valued by those who live and work here.

The council is pursuing a far-reaching transformation agenda that better meets the needs of our community so it is an exciting time to join us.

The Post

We are looking for experienced Environmental Health Officers/Surveyors to join our Housing Services’ Enforcement team. The post holder will undertake a full range of private sector housing duties, including carrying out multi-agency inspections of unlicensed properties and license condition checks and inspecting properties in disrepair.

You will be required to work on your own initiative and have responsibility with regards to the interpretation and implementation of Housing, Public Health, and other associated legislative powers as they relate to private rented sector enforcement and licensing initiatives. You will also need to give due consideration to the needs of a diverse and dynamic population.

To satisfy the role, you will be self-motivated and able to demonstrate a high level of experience and competencies in the following areas:

Good knowledge of the Housing Act 2004 and other housing legislation

Practical experience of serving and enforcing the legislation above, and other relevant legislations that may be used for improving private rented properties.

Competency in using the HHSRS and practical experience in carrying out housing inspections for both disrepair and property licensing issues

Knowledge and experience of compiling evidence and taking cases to enforcement, including issuing of CPNs, presenting cases in court and at the Tribunal

You will be an excellent communicator, great at providing excellent customer care in explaining complex and technical issues accurately, clearly, and concisely both orally and in writing when dealing with customers

The Person

We are looking for an experienced, hard-working officer with a good working knowledge of private sector housing. You will be proactive, flexible and be able to work both as part of a team and on your own initiative. You will be expected to manage your own caseload and be confident in applying relevant legislation to control and enforce standards within the Private Sector Housing services.

You will hold a degree in Environmental Health or be a qualified surveyor or be working towards your qualification in Environmental Health/Surveyor.  You will have detailed understanding of the Housing Act 2004, and other legislation that may be used to improve poor housing conditions. You will also be qualified in HHSRS and have a good understanding of house construction and components including those around energy efficiency.

You will engage in detailed and robust liaison with all sections of the Housing Service and other associated departments of the council, public bodies, government departments, building societies, tenant associations, owners, surveyors, architects, agents, tenants, etc. as appropriate tasks.  You will provide a “front-line” customer focused, services to all significant issues related to customer requests, for the repair, licensing, maintenance and/or improvement of rented houses.

You be responsible for carrying out the high standard regulatory work of the Private Rented Sector in Brent that will protect tenants and make the private rented sector a fairer place to operate.

In return, we offer a friendly, supportive work environment with opportunities to further develop your professional skills further with training opportunities and CPD.  Officers currently have a choice to work from home, with one day per week in the office.

Closing date: 03 February 2023 (23:00)

Additional Information 

Brent Council values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects this and therefore encourage applications from all sections of the community. We positively encourage all applicants to self-identify their characteristics in the diversity survey section in the application.

We are committed to safer recruitment and safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants should be aware that posts working with children, young people and vulnerable adults are subject to an Enhanced DBS check as well as other employment clearances.

Brent has a positive approach to flexible working.

As a disability confident employer Brent welcomes applications from people with all disabilities, including hidden disabilities and mental health conditions. We will interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential criteria. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to any part of the recruitment process due to your disability, please contact us on recruitment@brent.gov.uk