Technical Officer (Housing Improvements)
Job Description
Job Category : Technical
Location :Magdalen House, Bootle, L20 3NJ, Sefton MBC
Hours Per Week :36.00
Start Date : Immediate Start
Start Time :09:00
End Time :17:00
Salary: £17.53
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
1. To provide an efficient and effective service to clients who are enquiring about, have made an application for, or have received approval for, the various types of grant or loan assistance provided by the Council.
2. To organise and oversee all technical aspects of the Housing grants / loans process from receipt of initial enquiry through to completion. Visiting client’s in their own homes providing the required level of advice and information and maintaining regular contact with them at each stage of the case
3. To Inspect properties with regard to the legislation and standards appertaining to the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, the Decent Homes Standard, Disabled Facilities Grant and other relevant standards, as appropriate. To visit properties and undertake surveys to identify eligible works, prepare detailed plans and specifications / schedules of work to meet the needs and to check and analyse plans, specifications, estimates, bills of quantities and variations in connection with all applications for assistance.
4. To maintain and review an up-to-date Register of Preferred Contractors
5. To administer the Contracts for Works, instruct contractors and monitor the quality of workmanship.
6. To assist & contribute towards the development of a Private Service
7. To liaise with and maintain good working relationship with the Occupational Therapist, Client, and all other relevant partner agencies: to design adaptations that meet the needs of a disabled person(s), interpreting recommendations made by OT’s and advising where appropriate, alternative cost-effective solutions organising and overseeing all aspects of the housing grants/loans process from receipt of initial enquiry through to completion.
8. To Undertake inspections to assess and verify unforeseen / additional works in line with current procedures and carry out interim valuations and recommend payments to contractors. To carry out completion inspections and certify final accounts and authorise payments in accordance with Councils financial regulations.
9. To monitor and control the progress of jobs on site and standard of work completed, whilst ensuring they all comply with relevant standards and that clients are satisfied with the improvements or adaptations. Resolving any outstanding matters to the satisfaction of clients and senior officers. To keep up to date with developments in the maintenance/adaptation of buildings and attend relevant training courses.
10. Give general advice and/or apply the current legislation and Council policy with regard to housing renewal and the financial assistance made available by the Council.
11. Working with the Principal Housing Improvement Officer to establish and implement a contractor code of conduct, monitor contractors against the
criteria and recommend action as appropriate. Provide technical support, in conjunction with the Home Improvements team, to clients irrespective of whether they are receiving financial assistance from the Council.
12. To keep full and careful records, including inputting on IT systems, of all activity for the purpose of updating case files, colleagues and managers on progress of enquiries, applications, current cases and completions.
13. To assist in the development and implementation of performance targets related to all current activities of the section. To adhere to and improve upon the standards defined in the customer charter for delivering private sector housing services. To assist in preparing reports for use by the Principal Housing Improvements Officer on the results of inspections / surveys made.
14. To keep abreast of changes in the building industry and reviewing pricing mechanisms, schedules and specification systems on a regular basis. To assist the Principal Housing Improvements Officer in the development of standardised schedules of work / layout plans, quality control manuals and procedures required to deliver a comprehensive and effective service.
QUALIFICATIONS/TRAINING
Qualified to at least HND/HNC level Building Construction and / or Surveying or equivalent
E.C.D.L. or equivalent Computer qualification
EXPERIENCE
Considerable experience in a residential building / surveying related discipline with detailed knowledge of the building industry, surveying practices and techniques, adaptations and general domestic building maintenance / repair practices.
Experience in the production of detailed specifications, schedules of work and plans using CAD programmes. Ability to compile and maintain a schedule of rates, tender preparation and negotiation, contract administration, quality and cost control.
Experience in delivering DFG and renovation type grants/loans including the inspecting of houses.
Considerable experience in the application of housing renewal legislation relating to private sector housing, including the supervision of building works and contractors with the ability to maximise income and minimise costs.
Experience of working in an environment providing a service to the public with an understanding of customer care issues.
Experience of working with clients, internal departments and external agencies.