Private Sector Housing Officer – Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)
18 hours ago
City of London
Private Sector Housing Officer – Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) Service: Adult Social Care Grade: £22.18 PAYE – £29.89 Umbrella Role Purpose The Private Sector Housing Officer plays a vital role in improving housing standards across Hackney’s private rented sector. The postholder will assess housing conditions, support and coordinate the delivery of Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG), and ensure that vulnerable and disabled residents can live safely and independently in their homes. This role requires a strong technical and construction background, with the ability to understand building pathology, construction methods, and adaptation design principles. It combines property inspection, case management, technical assessment of building works, grant coordination, enforcement activity, and collaborative working with residents, landlords, contractors, surveyors, and internal teams. Key Responsibilities 1. Housing Standards & Inspections • Carry out technical inspections of private sector homes using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)., • Identify building defects, disrepair, structural issues, damp/mould causes, and general construction problems., • Investigate service requests and undertake proactive visits under relevant housing and environmental legislation., • Draft schedules of work, technical specifications, notices, and enforcement documentation where hazards or non‑compliance are identified. 2. Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) & Adaptations • Assess, coordinate, and process applications for Disabled Facilities Grants, Minor Adaptation Grants, and related funding streams., • Review proposed adaptation schemes, plans, and costings to ensure technical feasibility and compliance with Building Regulations and construction best practice., • Work closely with occupational therapists, contractors, surveyors, and residents to ensure adaptations meet identified needs and support independent living., • Monitor adaptation works on site to ensure quality standards, adherence to specifications, appropriate materials, contractor performance, and value for money., • Provide technical advice on suitable adaptation solutions, structural implications, and buildability. 3. Property Licensing • Process licence applications, including assessing management standards and carrying out technical inspections of licensable properties (including HMOs)., • Advise landlords and managing agents on construction‑related requirements linked to licensing standards, fire safety, and building improvements., • Monitor compliance with licensing conditions and prepare reports or recommendations for approval/refusal. 4. Enforcement • Take enforcement action relating to housing conditions, licensing breaches, and management failures., • Prepare and issue statutory notices, civil penalties, simple cautions, and Rent Repayment Orders., • Prepare prosecution cases and attend tribunals or court as required, providing technical evidence where relevant. 5. Service Delivery & Case Management • Manage a varied and sometimes complex caseload in line with service standards., • Coordinate the full DFG process, ensuring timely progress, accurate documentation, and effective liaison across multiple stakeholders., • Maintain accurate records, technical notes, and case updates on internal systems., • Provide excellent customer care, responding to enquiries, complaints, and Freedom of Information requests., • Contribute to continuous service improvement and promote high standards of transparency, quality, and professionalism. 6. Additional Responsibilities • Handling complex cases and providing specialist technical and legislative advice., • Supporting and mentoring colleagues; delivering training on technical matters, construction standards, and grant processes., • Leading on specialist projects, targeted inspections or investigations requiring construction expertise., • Developing procedures and representing the service in multi‑agency settings. Person Specification Qualifications • Degree/Diploma in Environmental Health, Building Surveying, Construction, or another relevant housing or technical discipline., • HHSRS assessor training (or willingness to complete)., • Experience in property inspection, building construction, housing grants, or enforcement work., • Experience coordinating grant processes or managing adaptation/repair projects., • Experience within a local authority housing or construction-based environment., • Strong technical understanding of housing construction, building defects, repair methods, and adaptation design., • Knowledge of housing legislation including the Housing Act 2004., • Ability to interpret plans, specifications, quotes, and technical documents., • Strong communication skills with the ability to provide clear advice to landlords, contractors, and residents., • Ability to manage a busy caseload, meet deadlines, and work independently., • Competent IT skills and experience using databases/case management systems., • Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusive service delivery., • Willingness to work flexibly, including occasional out‑of‑hours work for targeted enforcement., • Commitment to ongoing training and professional development. To Apply: Get in touch with Isobel Hills -