Job info	Job info details
Job title	Housing Standards Officer
Strategic team/Directorate	Adults and Community Services
Service	Community & Customer Services
Business unit	Community Safety
Responsible to (day to day issues)	Housing Standards Manager
Accountable to (line manager)	Housing Standards Manager
Salary grade	H
JE ref	JOT208

1. Key purpose of job

• To improve the living conditions and health of people in Torbay through the provision of inspection, investigation, sampling, advice and the enforcement of housing related legislation. 
• To maintain and improve as necessary health, safety and welfare in Torbay, by the enforcement of appropriate legislation and from time to time to assist other Officers within the Division.
• To improve the physical environment of Torbay by the enforcement of appropriate legislation. 

2. Anticipated outcomes of post

• The provision of quality services to meet legislative need, the needs of the community and to improve standards in public health, environmental quality and safety.
• All Housing reports are dealt with in a timely way.
• That innovative sustainable partnership arrangements exist to ensure the effective delivery of services. 
• To maintain and improve Torbay’s environment by ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and Council policies.

3. List key duties and accountabilities of the post

• To work as a Specialist Officer supporting the delivery of statutory duties connected with Housing Standards functions, Statutory Nuisances, Drainage and other related areas within Communities and Customer Services.
• Respond to service requests/enquiries for Housing Standards as requested.
• Prepare correspondence, reports, presentations and projects as necessary. Attend court proceedings and tribunal hearings. Attend or provide support at committees, planning hearings and meetings when required.
• Carry out Housing Standards enforcement interventions, investigations and inspections at the direction of the Team Leader, as delegated. Undertake action as appropriate in accordance with legislative standards and policy. This will cover a range of proactive and reactive work including on-site visits to premises, re-visits to ensure compliance, and events at varied locations across the district.
• Undertake enforcement action against breaches of legislation effectively dealing with breaches through a range of enforcement approaches including advice, warnings, service of Notices and Fixed Penalty Notices and/or by prosecutions.
• To ensure that work is carried out in an efficient and effective manner which meets the requirements of national standards, guidelines and strategies. All work to be carried out in accordance with the service standards and quality criteria. Ensure that service targets and performance indicators are delivered.
• Inspect dwellings to assess conditions using knowledge and experience of the Housing Health and Safety Rating Scheme (HHRSS) to identify hazards. To prepare schedules, notices and remedial information for service on owners/occupiers/tenants as appropriate to remedy faults and hazards.
• Deal with urgent situations in respect of private dwellings or environmental protection using emergency powers.
• Inspect and determine premises for licensing as Houses in Multiple Occupation. Ensure private landlords are aware of their management obligations, use enforcement powers as necessary.
• Inspect premises and advise on assistance packages and products including test of resources, preparing schedules assisting with application forms and preparation of papers for consideration under housing/energy assistance grants and loans.
• Support other housing work in relation to empty homes, housing options and corporate risk work.
• Support the preparation and organisation of campaigns, initiatives, project work and training courses as part of a preventative approach to Environmental Health, Housing Standards, Environmental Protection and wider Public Health issues. This includes liaison with external bodies, and stakeholders as well as training courses or events run by the team.
• Accurately maintain registers, record actions taken and assist with the completion of statistical information when required.
• Maintain professional competence and provide support and guidance to colleagues within the Communities and Customer Services and across the Council.
• To assist with improvements to customer service and efficiency, and to take a positive approach to finding innovative ways of working.
• Liaise with local businesses, members of the public and the community as appropriate.
• Work outside the normal hours of work as and when required for the proper execution of the Council’s duties. Assist with out-of-hours duties and if the Council has to deal with the results of a civil emergency.
• As an Employee of Torbay Council all roles are expected to work in a way that ensures vulnerable children and adults are safeguarded and report any safeguarding concerns in accordance with established policies and procedures. The Designated Senior Lead for Safeguarding is the Chief Executive and Director of Children’s Services.

4. Budgetary/Financial Responsibilities of the post

• None. 

5. Supervision/Line Management Responsibilities of the post

• None. 

6. Working environment and conditions of the post

• The role is demand led largely by reactive complaints and the post-holder will be required to work primarily in residential dwellings, the open air and away from the main office base.
• The post-holder will be required to investigate environmental pollution incidents which may be unpleasant, e.g., raw sewage, blocked drains, very noisy environments, uneven terrain for significant periods, septic tanks, dog fouling, fly-tipping. 
• The post-holder will be required to enter domestic properties where the occupants are unknown.

7. Physical demands of the post

• In addition to the normal office-based actions the post holder will also be engaged in physical activity such as the examples given below. 
• The post-holder will be required to inspect dwellings which may require the use of ladders to reach heights and access to small spaces (cupboards, basements, compartments etc.).
• The post-holder will be required to inspect land which may require climbing and walking across uneven ground such as coastal areas.
• The post-holder will be required to investigate drainage issues which may require the lifting of manhole covers.

8. Specific resources used by the post

• The post-holder will be responsible for ensuring the repair, maintenance and safe keeping of a variety of allocated resources including hand-held IT equipment, cameras, testing equipment, specialist drainage equipment and other onsite environmental equipment such as noise meters.

9. Key contacts and relationships

External: 

• The general public, businesses, residents groups, landlord associations, community groups and the voluntary sector. Statutory agencies including Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, Safer Communities Partnership, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Services, the Environment Agency, Torbay Care Trust, Housing Associations, Probation.

Internal: 

• Community Safety Management Team, Community Safety teams, Planning, Legal Services, Elected Members, Direct Services and Waste, Registrars.

10. Other duties

• To undertake additional duties as required, commensurate with the level of the job.

Other Information

• All staff must commit to the Workplace Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Practice and Policy.
• Torbay Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo the checks appropriate to the post applied for.
• The post holder is expected to work in a way that ensures vulnerable children and adults are safeguarded and report any safeguarding concerns in accordance with established policies and procedures. And are aware that the Chief Executive and the Director for Children's Services are the Safeguarding Leads for the Council. 
• This post is office based at Tor Hill House, Torquay but the post holder may be required to move their base to any other location within the Council at a future date.
• As this post meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, all applicants who are offered employment will be subject to a criminal record check (Disclosure) from the Disclosure & Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of ALL cautions, reprimands or final warnings as well as convictions, whether “spent” or “unspent”. Criminal convictions will only be taken into account when they are relevant to the post.
• The Council operates a Smoke-Free Policy and the post-holder is prohibited from smoking in any of the Council's buildings (including Council owned and Council leased buildings, but excluding designated areas in residential schemes), enclosed spaces within the curtilage of buildings, and Council vehicles. The Council does not permit smoking breaks within work time, however, in services where the flexi-scheme is in operation, employees may take reasonable break times outside of core hours, in accordance with flexi-time arrangements. Employees should follow the flexi-scheme procedure for agreeing time away from their duties in the normal manner with their immediate colleagues and line manager, with break start and finish times being recorded, as with any other break-time arrangement.
• The post-holder is expected to familiarise themselves with and adhere to all relevant Council Policies and Procedures.
• The post-holder must comply with the Council’s Health and Safety requirements as outlined in the H&S policy appropriate to the role.
• The post-holder must be committed to the Council’s Core Values for employees – “Torbay Council employees are committed to being forward thinking, people orientated and adaptable - always with integrity”. Evidence will be sought during the probation and appraisal processes.
• If this post is customer facing, it will require the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
• If you are required to access a government system such as HMRC, DWP or The Public services network (PSN) as part of your role with the Council you will be required to complete a basic disclose with your line manager before you can access these systems. Your manager will be required to complete a verification form that confirms your identity, nationality and immigration status, employment history and unspent convictions (third party). 
• If you are required to use your own vehicle on Council business or drive a council vehicle you will be asked to provide information on any driving endorsements by accessing www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence and providing a code to your Line Manager in order to share your driving licence information with the Council. 

Person Specification

Note for Candidate

All Candidates

The supporting statement on your application form will be used to assess ability to meet the essential requirements of the role, so you should explain how you meet each of the numbered essential requirements within your supporting statement. In a competitive situation, the desirable criteria may be taken into consideration, so you are encouraged to show how you also meet each of the desirable criteria.

Candidates who consider that they have a disability

Reasonable adjustments will be made to the job, job requirements or recruitment process for candidates with a disability.

If you consider yourself to have a disability you should indicate this on your application form, providing any information you would like us to take into account with regard to your disability in order to offer a fair selection interview.

Where ever possible and reasonable we will make adjustments and offer alternatives to help you through the application and selection process.

If you have indicated that you have a disability on your application form you will be guaranteed an interview if you clearly demonstrate in your supporting evidence how you broadly meet the essential requirements of the role.

Job info	Job info details
Job Title	Housing Standards Officer
Strategic team/Directorate	Adults and Community Services
Service	Community & Customer Services
Business unit	Community Safety

Skills and effectiveness

Essential skills and effectiveness

• Proactive approach with a commitment to the provision of excellent customer service. 
• Ability to prioritise, meet deadlines and work effectively under pressure. 
• Effectively use a range of modes of communication including, formal and informal reports and presentations taking into account issues of confidentiality. Will communicate with clarity, tact and purpose in all relevant situations. 
• Deals with difficult situations in a calm and sympathetic manner, especially in dealing with vulnerable individuals in complex situations. 
• Committed to high standards of performance and quality. 
• Will work as part of a team (with a partnership approach) as well as on own initiative. 
• Demonstrate effective investigatory skills evaluating evidence and seeking and questioning if further information is required. 
• Attention to detail and to maintain accurate records to provide accountability and deliverability, in accordance with data protection. 
• Pro-activity in seeking opportunities for development of skills and knowledge. 
• Has and uses initiative and commitment with a flexible approach to work. 
• Will develop and record rational and persuasive arguments. 
• Has and uses effective observational skills. 
• Has and uses effective analytical skills to identify trend and identify hot spots of activity to direct resources. 
• Elicit information both verbally and through written communication to allow a robust assessment of risk. 
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.

Desirable skills and effectiveness

• Able to work across organisational and professional boundaries and achieve results. 

Knowledge

Essential knowledge

• Working in a multi-agency environment. 
• Be aware of different social behaviours within society. 
• Effective understanding of Environmental legislation including the Clean Neighbourhood and Environment Act, Environmental Protection Act and ASB legislation. 
• Knowledge of the Police and Criminal Evidence (PACE) codes of practice, the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act (CPIA) and Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) procedures. 
• Understanding of Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and relevance to the Local Authority. 
• Good knowledge of building construction including an ability to recognise defects and appropriate remedies. 
• Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of Statutory and voluntary agencies and experience of liaising with them. 
• Knowledge of PC based computer systems, including Excel and Word. 
• Knowledge and understanding of case management and the appropriate provision of information to external agencies.

Desirable knowledge

• Knowledge of different interventions that can be undertaken to resolve enviro-crime issues. 
• Knowledge of different interventions that can be undertake by internal and external partners to undertake tailor-made problem solving. 
• Working knowledge of Houses in Multiple Occupation, standards and legislation. 
• Fire risk assessments, fire precautions and specialist means of escape in case of fire. 
• Strategies and interventions to bring Empty Homes back into use. 
• Knowledge of Energy Performance Certificates. 

Experience and achievements

Essential experience and achievements

• Demonstrable experience of dealing with the public in a role such as dealing with complaints, enforcement and explanation of statutory/internal procedures. 
• Demonstrable experience of inspection and enforcement of standards in domestic premises including Housing Health and Safety Rating System. 
• Experience of writing statements. 
• Experience of partnership working. 
• Demonstrate experience of undertaking an investigation from initial complaint to a successful outcome.

Desirable experience and achievements

• Experience of preparing cases for prosecution and undertaking investigations in line with the relevant legal procedures. 
• Experience of working for a public focused organisation. 
• Experience of court proceedings, particularly giving evidence to courts. 
• Experience of undertaking PACE interviews. 
• Experience of producing reports. 
• Regulatory experience in issuing statutory/fixed penalty notices. 

Qualifications/professional memberships

Essential qualifications/professional memberships

• Educated to NVQ level 3/ A level or equivalent. 
• Educated to degree level standard or equivalent or demonstrate work-related experience in appropriate areas. 
• ECDL or equivalent IT experience. 
• HHSRS practitioner competency. 

Desirable qualifications/professional memberships

• Degree in Environmental Health. 
• Up to date training in enforcement issues and relevant legislative requirements. 
• B.Tech HNC in Environmental Health or B. Tech HNC in Building Studies or equivalent qualification or experience evidenced by Continued Professional Development. 
• A relevant technical qualification in a related subject area such as environmental/public health, air pollution, noise monitoring or pest control. 
• Up to date PACE training and rules of evidence. 

Other requirements

Other requirements of the job role

• Demonstrates a commitment to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. 
• Ability to carry out the physical requirements of the role (i.e. manual handling). 
• Ability to travel efficiently around the Bay in order to carry out duties. 
• Ability to accommodate unsociable hours. 
• Ability to accommodate shift patterns. 
• Ability to accommodate on-call working. 
• Ability to accommodate occasional home-working.