Empty Homes Technical Officer / Environmental Health Officer - Career Grade

As the postholder will be required to inspect properties throughout Central Bedfordshire you will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle.

For the Trainee Grade you should be educated to at least Level 3 or have equivalent relevant experience. You would need to demonstrate a basic knowledge of construction and legislation relevant to the role and demonstrate all the skills and competencies required for this role. This includes:

• Good numeracy skills.
• Accurate record keeping/data entry, checking to reduce errors or omissions.
• Good computer literacy.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.
• Good customer care skills, demonstrating empathy and professionalism.
• Ability to negotiate and manage conflict to achieve desired results.
• Ability to plan and prioritise effectively and to make best use of time and resources.
• Self-motivated and using own initiative, but also able to work well within a team to deliver shared objectives, respecting procedure and regulation.
• Fluency in English.

Some enforcement experience would be beneficial.

In addition to the above, to be appointed at the Intermediate Grade you would need to demonstrate knowledge of construction and legislation relevant to the role to at least an intermediate level. You should also demonstrate experience of housing grants and aspects of housing and public health enforcement including the following:

• Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) inspections.
• Drafting enforcement notices.
• Specification writing/works in default.
• Evidence gathering and Court attendance.
• Preparing business cases.
• Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMOs).

In addition to the above, to be appointed at the Full Grade you would also need to demonstrate knowledge of construction and legislation relevant to the role at an advanced level. You should also demonstrate experience in the following:

• Writing complex specifications.
• Preparing cases for Court.
• Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs).
• Enforced Sale of properties to recover debts.
• Preparing and presenting reports.
• Provided training to colleagues or partners.
• Contributing to procedure/policy development.

Our Offer

We have a number of rewards and benefits available to our staff, to view these please visit our Rewards and Benefits page

Please view our recruitment video - We’re recruiting – join our housing team

Our aspiration is to be a truly flexible employer. We welcome discussion on location, hours and working pattern as part of the application process.

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You will be expected to demonstrate how you meet the key accountabilities and competencies in this Empty Homes Technical Officer/Environmental Health Practitioner (Career Graded) Recruitment Pack.

Our Competency Framework and Qualification Guidance are to be read in conjunction with our Recruitment Pack.

For an informal discussion about this position, please contact: Rachel Shalan at rachel.shalan@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or call 0300 300 4417

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Safeguarding (For DBS posts only):

Central Bedfordshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees, volunteers and contractors to share this commitment. This post is subject to the disclosure of criminal records.

To maintain a fair and consistent approach for applicants, it is Central Bedfordshire Council's policy to only consider applications made via our online application system and we therefore thank you for not submitting your application offline.

Your application to us is a reflection of who you are professionally and should give us an accurate and authentic picture of your skills, experiences and if applicable qualifications. Before you submit your application, we will ask you to confirm if you have used AI.

All new starters will join us on a four-month probationary period. During this time, if you are offered a Hybrid role you will be required to attend a Central Bedfordshire Council office location more frequently to support thorough and well-supported onboarding into your role. Please keep this in mind if you anticipate extensive travel to Central Bedfordshire.

Bedfordshire Employment and Skills Academy (BESA) provides free employability support and training courses.

Please note we are unable to offer sponsorship for our roles. Successful applicants that may require a visa will need to consider the options for obtaining and/or maintaining the legal right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the contract offered.