Senior Housing Environmental Health Officer
Local Authority | 3‑Month Contract (Possible Extension)
Focus: Renters Rights Act
Atom Recruitment is currently recruiting on behalf of a local authority for an experienced Senior Housing Environmental Health Officer to join their team on an initial 3‑month contract, with the potential for extension.
This role plays a key part in delivering private sector housing enforcement and housing improvement work across the borough, ensuring high‑quality services for residents and compliance with current legislation, including the Renters Rights Act.
Purpose of the Role
To lead and manage the day‑to‑day delivery of private sector housing functions, focusing on housing improvement and enforcement activity. The postholder will manage a caseload and take appropriate enforcement action to address housing disrepair and energy deficiencies in residential properties, using HHSRS and relevant enforcement powers.
The role also includes responsibility for HMO licensing and enforcement, as well as involvement in the management of empty dwellings, drainage issues, and other related areas as required.
Key Responsibilities
* Carry out inspections, investigations, surveys, and assessments of residential properties, caravan sites, and drainage systems to identify defects and take appropriate remedial action.
* Enforce delegated legislation through advice, mediation, negotiation, and formal action, including:
* Serving statutory notices
* Attending court and tribunals as an expert witness
* Obtaining warrants
* Arranging works in default
* Initiating and pursuing legal proceedings where necessary
* Manage and prioritise your own caseload while supervising technical enforcement officers to ensure targets and deadlines are met and accurate records maintained.
* Keep up to date with new legislation, case law, and environmental health issues, drafting reports, procedures, and legal notices as required.
* Take a lead role in designated service areas, particularly HMO licensing and enforcement, including developing policies, procedures, and reports for senior management, committees, and Government as directed.
* Provide professional advice to elected Members, senior management, and internal and external stakeholders to improve housing standards and protect public health.
* Advise on and oversee complex housing and pest control cases within the domestic sector.
* Design and organise landlord forums and public engagement events to promote service activity and raise awareness of health and housing issues.
* Deliver specialist advice and training to the public and internal council teams on housing and environmental health matters.
* Provide cover and assistance with Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) and housing loan work when required.
* Communicate effectively with customers, ensuring a high standard of customer‑focused service delivery.
Additional Responsibilities
* Demonstrate commitment to the Council’s Strategic Plan.
* Undertake training and professional development as required.
* Comply fully with:
* Equal Opportunities Policy
* Health and Safety at Work Policy
* IT Security Policy
* Emergency Planning requirements
Ideal Candidate
* Qualified and experienced Environmental Health Officer with a strong background in private sector housing enforcement
* Extensive experience using HHSRS and relevant housing legislation
* Proven experience in HMO licensing and enforcement
* Confident managing complex cases and legal proceedings
* Strong leadership, communication, and report‑writing skills
* Local authority experience essential