Private Sector Housing Officer

Hackney Council is looking for someone to provide a service that makes a real difference to residents’ lives.  As a Private Sector Housing Officer, you will assess housing conditions and give advice and take action where necessary. Housing is a top priority for us, this is an exciting opportunity to support our innovative new approach.

As a Private Sector Housing Officer, you will investigate poor conditions in the Private Rented Sector and take action to bring living conditions up to standard including where necessary the use of the full range of enforcement actions. You will respond to service requests from residents, take part in pro-active enforcement action and work to deliver our selective licensing and HMO licensing schemes. You may also have the opportunity of dealing with applications for renovation or disabled facilities grants so previous experience would be an advantage.

One in three households in Hackney now rents in the private sector. Housing across London is experiencing unprecedented pressure, with rents rocketing as demand increases. Hackney’s Mayor has pledged to tackle poor conditions and management concerns. We are getting tough on rogue landlords and making agents fulfil their duties using new powers and expanded licensing schemes.

We need people like you – keen to make a difference, who understand the impact housing issues have on the health and wellbeing of residents. You will help us respond to our customers’ needs, providing services on-line to make our response more accessible and efficient.  You will use a wide range of data and intelligence to target enforcement on properties and landlords where it matters most.

A qualification in environmental health or a similar transferable qualification is required, as well as an understanding of the link between housing and health.

You must be fully flexible with regards to start and finish times. The earliest time you could start is 06:00 and the latest you could finish is 19:00. However, the early start time and late finish time is the exception rather than the norm, depending  on the demands of the service. The successful candidate(s) will be expected to work an average weekly number of hours of 36, in accordance with the council’s flexible working scheme. Working outside of the stipulated period may be subject to management approval and in accordance with the needs of the service.  This role will involve a mixture of office, in-field and at home working.

There is no better place to work in London than Hackney; we have great pride in our borough, our communities, and our services. Hackney is one of London’s most vibrant and diverse boroughs. It’s one of the most sought after areas to live in London with good schools, parks and local amenities, as well as great transport links and vibrant and diverse communities.

If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our businesses and residents and the opportunity of working here excites you, please click on the apply button below.

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV’s.

To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application.

As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description.

We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

This application process replaces a supporting statement.

Closing date for applications: 05 May 2025 (22:59 pm)

Interview dates: W/c 19 May 2025

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy and maternity, age and marital status. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.

The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk