Job Description

Department:A

Service:Business, Housing and Revenues

Designation:Private Sector Housing Manager

Post reference number:REH228

Section:Housing

Grade:F

Hours of work:37 hours per week

Flexible working hours:Yes

Suitable for Job Share:Yes

If yes: Please state clearly on the front of your application form if you wish to apply on a job share basis. Also state your preferred pattern of working.

1.Job Summary

To undertake the day-to-day management of the Private Sector Housing Team and provide and develop a private sector housing service in line with the Council’s policiesand values and ensure that this service delivers value for money.

To build and maintain both an understanding of the conditions relating to private sector housing in Stratford district and a wide range of methods for intervention.

To assist in the provision of a comprehensive and integrated Housing and Communities

Service, including identifying possible areas requiringdevelopment within the Private Sector Housing Team and contribute to the development of policies and strategies relating to these areas of work.

To work with partners across the Council, District, County and Sub-region to achieve agreed objectives.

2.Relationships

2.1.Responsible to:Housing and Communities Manager

2.2. Responsible for: Members of staff of the Private Sector

Housing Team.

2.3.Important internal relationships:Housing Team colleagues, councillors and

other senior council officers

2.4.Important external relationships:Members of the public requiring a housing

service, Landlords, Registered Social

Landlords, Social Services, contractors,

Warwickshire Energy Efficiency Advice Centre,

home improvement and other voluntary

agencies, suppliers andHomestamp.

3.Main duties and responsibilities.

3.1To lead, manage and develop the team responsible for private sector housing.

3.2.To build and maintain an understanding of the wider policy environment, and monitor this for changes and developments.

3.3.To use the understanding of the policy environment to anticipate the need for service development and to develop the service in line with council policy.

3.4.To promote access to the service. Developing service publicity is a mainstream function of the team.

3.5.To ensure that the team takes an holistic approach to people in housing difficulty, owners and landlordsby providing advice and services tailored to the person and signposting to other relevant servicesboth within the Council and outside it.

3.6.To manage contracts between the Council for providers of services related to private-sector housing.

3.7.To oversee budgets relating to the Private Sector Housing Team.

3.8.Liaison and partnership work with internal colleagues and external agencies and organisations is a key responsibility, both in terms of providing an effective service on behalf of clients and in developing the service. The postholder is expected to manage these relationships effectively and efficiently; and share resources where appropriate to maximise the effectiveness of interventions.

3.9.As service improvement is a core principle, the postholder will contribute to service and improvement plans, continue an existingbenchmarking plan, take part in peer reviews and inspections, and demonstrate value for money in the provision of the service.

3.10.To undertake any other duties appropriate to the post and grade as may be assigned by the Housing and Communities Manager.

3.11.By prior agreement, to be available out of normal working hours to assist in specific cases.

3.12.To deputise for the Housing and Communities Managerin their absence.

3.13.To be aware of your and the teams responsibilities in terms of health and safety, including identifying at your appraisal appropriate health and safety training.

3.14.To ensure that you approach your duties taking into consideration the principles of best value.

3.15.Assist in the staff induction process for all new members of staff for whom you are responsible.

3.16.Through the appraisal scheme, review and identify training needs in order to develop the skills and abilities of staff under your supervision.

4.Performance

The effectiveness with which the postholder performs their duties will be measured by the appraisal system, and are likely to include:

  • The extent to which appraisal objectives are achieved.
  • The level of satisfaction as perceived by the customer.
  • The achievement of corporate and service targets by the Private Sector Housing Team.

Terms and Conditions

5.1.Status of car use:Car user allowances are determined in

accordance with the Council’s Essential

User Scheme procedure. The Council

reserves the right to change car

user status and any associated allowances

subject to 12 weeks notice.

5.2.Car parking:Church Street

This is not a contractualobligation.

5.3.The post holder will be based at:A variable base within the District Council

Area

5.4.Smoking policy:The Council operates a 'no smoking' policy.

5.5.Security Access (ATE/ID):ATE

5.6.Politically Restricted Post:No

5.7.Criminal Records Bureau Check: Yes - Enhanced

5.8Relocation Expenses:No

5.9People with disabilities will be guaranteed an interview, providing they meet the minimum criteria for the position, and that they declare their disability on their application form.

Under The Equality Act 2010, a person has a disability if:

  • they have a physical or mental impairment
  • the impairment has a substantial and long-term adverse effect ontheir ability to perform normal day-to-day activities
  • Bank Holidays

As well as annual leave entitlement there are 8 days which are Bank Holidays.

On top of these days the Council grants three extra statutory days during the

Christmas period. The date is agreed by the Chief Executive and Unison each

year.

5.11Prevention of Fraud

Stratford on Avon District Council is under a duty to protect public funds it administers, and to this end may use the information you have provided for the prevention and detection of fraud or other criminal offences. It may also share this information with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds for these purposes.

For further information, see

5.12The Council has committed to making public meetings more accessible. This may mean that from time to time you will be required to attend twilight or evening meetings. A scheme for reimbursement or time off in lieu is in operation for meetings that extend beyond normal working

Preparation date: 13 April 2012

Signed by: Employee ______

Line Manager ______

Head of Service ______

Human Resources______

Person Specification

Designation:Private Sector Housing and Communities Manager

Post reference number:REH228

Attribute / Essential / Desirable
Personal characteristics
- Aptitude / Good leadership, motivational and communication skills.
Strategic thinking and planning.
- Disposition / Diplomatic, pragmatic and outcome focused.
Self motivated and professional team player with a strong customer focus.
Ability to conciliate and negotiate effectively.

- Physical Requirements

/ Ability to undertake site visits within hazardous construction sites and properties that are dilapidated and in serious disrepair. Inspections within roof voids, cellars, outbuildings and derelict land areas, all of which may be during inclement weather and hazardous.

Education and Qualifications

- General Education / Good command of English and minimum of five GSCE ‘O’ levels including Maths and English. / Educated to ‘A’ level, OND/HND or equivalent standard.
- Further Education(Professional/Technical) / Degree or BTEC HNC or HND in Environmental Health, Housing Studies or similar social policy related qualification.
- Membership of
Professional Bodies / Willingness to study towards corporate membership of a relevant professional body. / Full membership of RICS, CIH, CIEH or Institute of Building.
Accredited postgraduate management qualification.
- Further training, knowledge and skills / Willingness to undertake further training as appropriate.
Experience and Abilities
- Experience / Experience of working within private sector housing, environmental health, surveying or similar environment. / Management experience.
Experience of service development and improvement.
- Practicability / Demonstrate effective analytical problem solving and negotiating skills.
Project management and policy development experience. / Contract management skills.
- Knowledge / Knowledge of the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996, the Housing Act 2004 and the Regulatory Reform (Housing Assistance) Order 2002 and their application to the private sector housing function of a local authority.
Understanding of private sector housing and current challenges facing the sector. / Understanding of UNIFORM system and familiarity with its use.
Mobility and Flexibility
- Mobility / Full car driving license with access to an appropriate vehicle for carrying small amounts of inspection equipment and promotional documents to site visits.
- Flexibility of working arrangements / Occasional out-of-hours work
Other requirements