Environmental Health Officer LBS-008A

Job Description

Job Category : Environmental Services
Location : Queens Road 1, Southwark Council
Hours Per Week : 18.00
Start Date : Immediate Start
Start Time : 09:00
End Time : 17:00
Salary: £27.88

To regulate the private rented housing sector by investigating complaints regarding public health and the private rented housing sector. This includes carrying out inspections of properties using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and serving the appropriate legal notices to remedy the hazards found; and taking follow up enforcement measures such as referring the matter for prosecution or issuing Civil Penalty Notices (CPNs), if the notice can not be complied.
To license properties covered by our licensing schemes to ensure that rented homes in Southwark meet the correct standards and provide the necessary support and information to landlords and tenants.

Responsibilities
1. To use your knowledge and experience of applying the legislation relating to the private rented sector & public health to investigate complaints about private rented sector housing & public heath and serve legal notices under the Housing Act 2004 & public health legislation
2. To inspect properties using HHSRS and ensure that they meet the minimum required standard by drafting schedules of work to remedy the hazards identified and serve the appropriate legal notice/s.
3. Where necessary you will take action to enforce notices including the preparation of legal proceedings & giving evidence in the Magistrates’ Court and undertaking works in default, as well as issuing CPNs.
4. To answer queries from members of the public, other Council departments, Councillors and senior management regarding private sector housing & public health issues
5. To manage a full and varied caseload and meet strict legislative and departmental time frames with minimal supervision.
6. To process property licence applications in accordance with our internal licensing procedure.
7. To contribute positively towards ensuring that services are delivered with regard to the highest attainable standards of customer care and satisfaction, whilst maintaining the council’s responsibilities to enforce statutory provisions.
8. To maintain appropriate relationships with other business units, divisions and departments of the council, external agencies and the community where these add to service delivery.
9. To provide statutory and other performance returns as required to the council and appropriate government and non-governmental agencies.
10.To ensure compliance with health and safety at work with regard to work on site and within the workplace
11.To undertake such duties and special assignments consistent with the level and nature of the post, and the exigencies of the Council.
12.To deliver a service through the possession of appropriate skills and qualifications and a full understanding and working knowledge of the technical and legal aspects of the unit’s work; and also to have an understanding of the function in the areas of other units.
Knowledge, including educational qualifications
1. A relevant degree in an appropriate discipline or an equivalent academic or professional qualification.
2. Evidence of continuing professional development.
3. Detailed knowledge of the statutory functions and obligations placed on a local authority in relation to services provided by Regulatory Services.
4. Knowledge of the impact of inner city issues on regulatory matters and an awareness of national trends as they effect environmental health.
5. Knowledge of techniques for dealing with conflict, with due regard for personal safety.
6. A sound knowledge of customer care in service delivery and its practical implications.
7. An understanding and commitment to the Council’s Equality and Diversity Policy and the ability to apply this to the duties and responsibilities of the post.

Experience:
8. Experience of providing advice and guidance within Private Sector Housing Enforcement & Licensing.
9. Experience of providing a ‘first point of contact’ service in a demanding environment with diverse communities.
10.Experience of enforcing relevant legislation in accordance with enforcement concordats and protocols.
11.Experience in managing and prioritising a complex caseload within specific time scales.

To process Mandatory, Additional and Selective licence applications to ensure that rented homes in Southwark meet the correct standards.
Review floorplans to check for adequate means of escape.