Remedy Recruitment Group are looking for a Housing Standards Officer for a Local Authority in West London.

Job Purpose

To inspect, regulate and license Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO's) on behalf of the Council expertly utilising the full portfolio of available legislation to protect the health and welfare of tenants including the service of notices, prosecution and ultimately issuing management orders for controlling and remedy of poor standard housing and accommodation

To investigate complaints of unlawful eviction and harassment of tenants by private sector landlords and other offences relating to landlords obligations and responsibilities using investigatory powers, where necessary accompanied by police officers and other internal and external agencies, gathering evidence including collation of statements and recommending to service managers where prosecution is appropriate.

To provide high quality and timely advice to the Council advising the Cabinet, Scrutiny Committee and Panels, Members, the Chief Executive and other colleague officers on all aspects of private sector housing enforcement and regulation.

To work with colleagues across Housing & Neighbourhoods acting as a lead expert on housing standards and enforcement protocols to achieve realistic, achievable solutions and practical assistance to landlords, private tenants and external agencies to relieve housing pressures and improve quality of life for local residents.

To investigate complaints and referrals identifying potentially unlicensed Houses in Multiple Occupation and Slough Shed's working with police officers and other internal and external agencies where necessary and undertaking unannounced visits at anti-social hours in evenings and at weekends, securing evidence for consideration for further enforcement activity.

To plan & prioritise own workload in order to achieve personal, team, service and corporate targets and to evaluate & prioritise referrals on receipt, have responsibility for a caseload and management of the same throughout the end to end process from initial referral to prosecution in line with current legislative requirements & council policy where necessary, maintaining contact with referring officers and keeping them appraised of case progress.

Following service of statutory notices and where appropriate make recommendations to Legal Services regarding formal sanctions and the institution of legal proceedings, both civil and criminal in accordance with Council Policy

To interview suspected offenders in accordance with the Police & Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and in line with the PACE model of interviewing, conducting disclosure to legal representatives for the defence in line with CPIA as necessary. To be assertive and deal with witnesses & suspects in an appropriate and professional manner during emotive and stressful situations.

To visit and interview potential witnesses and take Witness Statements in compliance with the Criminal Procedure & Investigations Act 1996. To preserve evidence, maintain case files and other records.

To undertake project work associated with the area of expertise in response to external funding opportunities to maximise the benefits of securing additional resources to improve the housing standards for private sector residents of the borough.

To be responsible for the development, training and maintenance of operational and strategic partnerships and protocols with other services and external agencies to increase the housing options, solutions and support available to clients and improve the borough's housing stock.

To prepare detailed, complex reports, witness statements and correspondence on a wide range of situations where legislative breaches have been identified, culminating in complete sanction & prosecution files presenting all evidence in the case for referral to Legal Services where appropriate as well as representing the council's interests at court and the residential Property Tribunal as the officer in the case, instruct Solicitors and provide guidance to prosecuting Counsel, as well as giving live evidence when required and acting as Disclosure Officer.

To undertake cost effective joint-working investigations with external agencies, including Police, DWP, HMRC, UKBA, other local authorities as necessary. To work with external investigation officers from the police, local government and national government, to conduct joint investigations or assist them to obtain the necessary evidence for them to carry out their duties, within the terms of Council Policy, the Data Protection Act 1998 and other legislation, while protecting the interests of Slough Borough Council at all times.

Participate in the delivery of an out of hours service, undertake temporary relief emergency cover including participation in the emergency plan, attend meetings, participate in working groups, and any other duties commensurate with the level of the post.

You will need to be:

HCPC registered

Eligible to work in the UK

Why Choose Remedy?

Competitive pay rates

Access to exclusive roles that aren't available from other agencies

1st tier agency

Up to £250 for each social work professional you refer to us who we place*

Receive up to £250 for finding your own job*