Private Sector Housing Officer

Job Description

The London Borough of Harrow is seeking a Private Sector Housing Officer to play a key role in protecting and improving housing standards across the borough. This challenging and rewarding position involves carrying out a range of enforcement functions to ensure the Council meets its statutory obligations in relation to private sector housing. Through inspection, enforcement, education and advice, you will work proactively with residents, landlords, managing agents and other stakeholders to promote safe, healthy and compliant housing conditions.

Working in a customer-facing frontline environment, you will represent the Council in often complex and challenging circumstances, using your professional judgement, communication skills and technical knowledge to achieve positive outcomes. The role requires a balance of office-based and site-based working, with approximately 25% to 40% of duties undertaken from the office and 60% to 75% carried out through visits to residential and commercial premises across the borough. As such, you will be required to travel regularly throughout Harrow and carry the equipment necessary to perform inspections and enforcement activities.

As part of a dedicated enforcement team, you will work in accordance with relevant legislation, statutory requirements and Council policies and procedures. You will act as a duly authorised Officer of the Council, undertaking enforcement action where necessary while also providing guidance and support to improve compliance. The role involves developing effective partnerships with internal departments, external agencies and community organisations to enhance public safety, protect vulnerable residents and contribute to the overall wellbeing of Harrow's communities. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated professional who is passionate about housing standards, regulatory services and delivering high-quality public services.

The successful candidate will have:

• Have a good knowledge of the range of legislation enforced by the Private Sector Housing Team.
• Recent experience on inspecting and rating properties using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System
• Full current driving licence
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively in a demanding and pressurised environment independently and as a team.
• High standard of written and verbal presentation and communication skills
• Competent in the use of standard computer systems
• Aptitude for the technical and legal aspects of the discipline
• Inclusive team worker who can foster partnerships work Collaboratory across teams to achieve desired outcomes.
• Ability to work outside normal working hours as may be necessary including response to emergency situation.

For more information, please refer to the Role Profile/Selection Criteria

About us

Harrow Council is the 12th largest London borough and one of the most culturally diverse local authorities in the UK, making it a great place to live, work and visit with a range of cultures, religions and opinions that come together to produce high achieving schools and a close and friendly community. Located 10 miles from the city centre and just 13 minutes to Euston from Harrow & Wealdstone station there are great transport links via the Metropolitan Line, Watford DC Line and national rail service. It is easily accessible to the M1, M25 and A406.

Other information

Support for candidates visit:Harrow.gov.uk Our behavioural indicators roles below G11 and above G11 Here at Harrow Council, the vision is one of 'Working together to make a difference for Harrow' Please click here to view Harrow Council's benefits

Important Note

To deliver our commitment to equality of opportunity in service provision, all staff are expected to promote equality in the workplace and in the services the Council delivers. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs at the London Borough of Harrow. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender, reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy, or maternity unless a Genuine Occupational Qualification applies. As such, we value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. For further information, please read our equality statement.

As a disability-confident employer, we are committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and accessible to everyone. This includes reasonably adjusting the recruitment process for those with disabilities or long-term health conditions. For further information, please contact us at resourcing@harrow.gov.uk

London Borough of Harrow is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Harrow operates stringent, safer recruitment procedures.

Due to the high number of applications received for some posts, we may close vacancies before the stated closing date if sufficient applications are received. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible.

Harrow redeployees will be given priority consideration.

The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, any your data protection rights, can be found by visiting www.cifas.org.uk/fpn