Technical Officer – Adaptations
Contract: 3–4 Month Interim
Rate: Per hour (flexible) + mileage
Location: West Norfolk (large borough)
Working Pattern: Field-based with some home working and office attendance
Start: ASAP
Checks: Enhanced DBS preferred
About the Role
We’re seeking a Technical Officer to visit clients in their homes and provide technical advice on repairs and adaptations—helping residents live as independently as possible. You’ll manage end-to-end casework for a large Norfolk borough, so this suits a keen driver with strong organisational skills. Local government experience is not required.
What You’ll Do
* Assess & advise: Visit clients to assess housing needs and advise on feasibility, appropriate works and funding options (including DFGs), ensuring solutions support independent living.
* End-to-end case management: Deliver allocated cases from options appraisal through to completion and sign-off, covering technical, financial and contractual elements.
* Surveys & standards: Carry out Decent Homes/HHSRS surveys, gather photographic evidence, and complete paperwork for local authority referrals.
* Technical outputs: Prepare schedules of work, specifications, drawings/plans (existing and proposed/adapted layouts), and schedules of rates/pricing (no tendering required).
* Work mix & volume: Typically 3–4 new jobs per week, with multiple daily visits (up to ~10/day when required); meet contractors on site and sign off completed works.
* Adaptations scope: Level-access showers, ramps, door widening for wheelchair access, and other home adaptations in owner-occupied and social housing.
* Stakeholder liaison: Work closely with Occupational Therapists, Client Officers, Local Authority Grants Officers, and contractors; build relationships and manage performance.
* Compliance & safety: Conduct site risk assessments, monitor works at intervals, ensure compliance with Health & Safety and Codes of Practice.
* Funding & approvals: Prepare and coordinate grant/loan applications (including planning/building regs where needed) and secure authorisations for variations.
* Close-out: Arrange final inspections, check final accounts/defects, advise on payments, and complete case closure documentation.
* Service development: Support the Senior Technical Officer and Repairs & Adaptations Manager with developing services, frameworks, and contractor vetting; contribute to reports and procedures.
* Promotion & records: Promote the Agency’s services (including Careline/Handyperson), maintain accurate case files and computerised records, and uphold data quality standards.
* Continuous improvement: Keep up to date with legislation/practice, develop a specialist area, and participate in regional/network meetings.
What You’ll Need
* Experience in technical surveying / building works or a similar role (adaptations experience preferred but not essential).
* Familiarity with Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) and managing packages of works—highly desirable.
* Ability to produce drawings, specifications, and schedules; pragmatic approach to schedules of rates/pricing.
* Knowledge of Decent Homes/HHSRS, building regulations and planning processes (desirable).
* Confident contractor management, site supervision, and client liaison, including residents living in properties during works.
* Strong organisation, record-keeping, and customer communication skills.
* Full UK driving licence and own vehicle (mileage reimbursed).
* Enhanced DBS preferred.
Why Join
* Meaningful work enabling residents to remain safe and independent at home.
* Varied, field-based role with autonomy and supportive leadership.
* Flexibility: some home working around surveys and documentation.
* Broad geography—ideal for confident drivers who enjoy time on the road.
Interested?
Please reply with your CV and availability, or contact us to discuss the role.