ROLE OF THE JOB
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Empty Homes Officer to join our dedicated empty homes team for Blyth and the wider Blyth regeneration partnership to bring long‑term and problematic empty properties back into use.
Responsibilities
* Engage with property owners, community groups and stakeholders in the area and work closely alongside the private sector housing officers to promote good practice in the private rented sector and assist with the wider Blyth regeneration scheme.
* Carry out investigations into empty privately owned properties and negotiate with their owners to bring them back into use.
* Take appropriate enforcement action where necessary including enforced sales, CPO’s and EDMO’s, while actively seeking funding opportunities to support bringing empty properties back into use.
* Be based in the Blyth area, working with community groups and other stakeholders to contribute to the overall regeneration and improvement of the area.
This role is offered on a fixed term basis until 31/03/2028.
Requirements
* Experience in Empty Homes and in carrying out investigations; ideally with environmental health experience to source suitable solutions in bringing properties back into use.
* Knowledge of legislation, policy, guidance, codes of practice, standards, etc. relating to a range of legislative areas, keeping appraised of technical/scientific knowledge.
* Experience undertaking inspections, surveys and other investigations of properties under the Housing Act 2004 and other related legislation, including attending court where necessary to attain legal orders for access to properties, and serve relevant notices.
* Providing specialist advice in relation to Empty Homes and support area‑based regeneration initiatives linked to the wider economic regeneration of the targeted area.
* A valid UK driving licence is essential as you will be required to visit empty properties in the local area.
* Highly motivated and enthusiastic person who is a great team player with experience working with Empty Homes.
* Excellent organisational and communication skills, being able to communicate with people on all levels including council members, colleagues and members of the public.
* A good level of effective IT skills and the ability to understand and develop the use of ICT to achieve work objectives.
For further information about this vacancy, please contact Vicky Ledger via email: Victoria.Ledger@northumberland.gov.uk
Why choose us?
We have some outstanding benefits and perks to offer you, including:
* 26 days annual leave plus public/bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years of service (pro rata for part‑time employees)
* Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme
* Flexi scheme (if applicable) – up to 2 days flexible leave available per month (pro rata for part‑time employees)
To see all our excellent benefits and perks, please visit our website.
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Additional information
Please note that this is a full time, fixed term position but applications on a secondment or part‑time basis would be considered for the right applicant.
For guidance on completing your application and for information about our Equality and Diversity principles, please refer to the attached guidance notes.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria.
Alternative application format
British Sign Language: northumberlandcc-cs.signvideo.net
For those with speech difficulties or hearing loss: Text relay service dial 018001 01670 623930
Although we advertise on North East Jobs and other websites, your application process will be directed to our Tribepad system. Please note that all communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the email address that you have registered on Tribepad, including your invite to interview if you are shortlisted. Please check your emails regularly, including Spam/Junk, after the closing dates for notifications.
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