Housing Growth Advisor

PMG 1-2 / SCP 350-356

£43,130-£51,967 per annum

[Pay award pending]

Job reference: CVP 601

Contents

1.Letter from the Human Resources Manager

2.The council’s vision and objectives

3.Job description

4.Person specification

5.Conditions of service

6.Pension contribution rates

7. Information on exempted posts

8.Equality and diversity sub groups


Dear Applicant

Post of Housing Growth Advisor

Thank you for your enquiry about the post at Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council.

Please find enclosed further details about the post and an application form for you to complete and return by Friday,04 March 2016. You can find out more about Knowsley Council from our website at

Interviews will be held on Monday, 21 March 2016. If you have not heard by then you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful. If you would like receipt of your application to be acknowledged, please enclose a stamped addressed envelope with your completed form.

The council places great importance on maintaining high levels of attendance at work and all Directorates operate under well-established guidelines to monitor and control absence. If you are successful at interview, the council will be seeking references and your present or last employer will also be asked to give details of your sickness and attendance record over the last three years.

If you require any assistance during the selection process due to a disability, please contact us as soon as possible on telephone number 0151 443 3434. For example you may need a sign language interpreter, require an accessible interview room, or need help completing a written application (taped applications may be submitted by prior agreement).

Please note that the Council will disqualify any applicant who directly or indirectly seeks or canvasses the support of any Councillor for any appointment with the Council.

You should email your application to:

I look forward to receiving your application and thank you for your interest in this post.

Yours sincerely

Jaci Dick

Jaci Dick

Human Resources Manager

Our shared vision - to make Knowsley: The Borough of Choice

“We want Knowsley to have a sustainable and diverse population with successful townships that provide a sense of place and community.”

Our Council Values

CORE VALUES:
Act with integrity / Being accountable / Openness and transparency / Respect for people
Demonstrates honesty, reliability and trustworthiness
Does the ‘right’ thing
Demonstrates consistency
Acts according to a consistent set of morals, values and principles at all times / Acknowledges and assumes responsibility for actions and decisions
Takes ownership and responsibility for resulting consequences and does not seek to apportion blame on others / Makes decisions in an open and transparent manner
Shares information whenever possible
Explains when information can’t be shared
Is open to new ideas and new ways of working / Champions equality and diversity with all people at all levels
Treats people in the way they would like to be treated
Values people and their contributions
Shows consideration for others through thought and action
Job description
Job title / Housing Growth Advisor
Grade / PMG 1-2 [subject to Senior Management Job Evaluation]
Section/team / Strategic Regeneration
Accountable to / Group Manager Strategic Regeneration
Responsible for / Identifying and procuring new Residential, development opportunities using contacts, existing client database, property agents and direct approaches. The emphasis is on securing delivery of Residential schemes.
Relationships / With internal officers& elected Members, private sector partners Liverpool City Region Local authorities and the Homes & Communities Agency as appropriate
Date reviewed / December 2014

Purpose of the job

The purpose of the job is to support the Council’s strategic agenda by:

  • Ensuring that the Council is best placed to take advantage of the funding opportunities available.
  • To identify new opportunities that will deliver high quality housing and help to find solutions to unlock factors blocking delivery

Duties and responsibilities

This is not a comprehensive list of all the tasks, which may be required of the post holder. It is illustrative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the work to be undertaken.

Primary Role – Housing Development

  • To identify and procure new Residential, Mixed-Use and Commercial development opportunities using contacts, existing client database, property agents and direct approaches. The bias will be on Residential and Mixed-Use schemes.
  • Evaluate development sites and proposals using internal resources and external professional terms, purchase and sale agreements, development agreements, leases and options.
  • To access and maximise sources of external funding in order to meet corporate housing and land development targets.
  • To maximise inward investment in housing and associated infrastructure across the borough
  • To commission, analyse and develop a strategy to deal with housing viability borough wide
  • Establish new partnerships in order to deliver a pipeline of new housing developments across the borough
  • Produce high quality reports, briefings and publicity material for a range of audiences
  • Use and develop systems to ensure data sets are available to inform monitoring and reviews of complex information
  • Carry out scheme appraisals to ensure management retain a thorough knowledge and understanding
  • To work alongside officers across the council in particular transport, highways and planning colleagues to ensure sites are brought forward for development
  • To manage several projects simultaneously ensuring they are completed on time, to budget and any risks are effectively mitigated

Major Work Area - Housing Development

  • Working as part of the team to ensure that the Council is prepared to maximise the opportunities presented by the Liverpool City Region Growth Plan, Devolution Deal and Government funds through the Homes & Communities Agency.
  • Work with the Strategic Housing Service and Key Stakeholder Managers to ensure awareness of opportunities.
  • Engage with the emerging Combined Authority structures
  • Engage with neighbouring authorities to ensure cross boundary working
  • Bring forward housing sites for development in order to support the implementation of the Housing Strategy for Knowsley, and the Council’s Corporate Plan;
  • Support Directors and Heads of Service with delivery of innovative solutions to site development and proactive engagement of the private sector (inc. developers and site owners).
  • Supporting Directors, Heads of Service and Group Managers with the analysis of performance intelligence and directing investment to the right specialist.
  • Develop partnerships with key registered providers

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITIES

  • To support the Council’s Corporate Management Team working with elected Members and Directors to deliver the Council’s vision, priorities and core values.
  • To effectively contribute to the overall strategic management of the Authority by supporting the Chief Executive to develop clear, long-term strategies, supported by appropriate policies and procedures.
  • To support elected Members in undertaking their roles as community leaders and ward members.

SERVICE RESPONSIBILITIES

Generic

  • To promote and implement the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy in all aspects of employment and service delivery.
  • To represent the Council as required in the national, regional and local media ensuring that the reputation of the Council is effectively managed.
  • To ensure all Council Standing Orders and Financial Procedure Rules are upheld, both personally and within the Directorate.
  • To ensure (in collaboration with others) that continuous improvement and value for money are delivered by all areas of the Council by challenging existing practices, setting targets for improvement and intervening as necessary.
  • To promote the duty to co-operate between organisations in order to improve the quality of life of all residents.
  • To fulfil any other duties as reasonably directed by the Assistant Executive Director

Health and safety

  • To comply with all the requirements of Health and Safety legislation and Council policy taking appropriate action where necessary
  • To ensure suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out taking into account employees capabilities.

Special Conditions

  • Normal hours of work will be 36 per week, but the post holder may be required to attend meetings outside normal office hours in line with the requirements of the service and in line with Council Policy.

Qualifications and Training

  • A recognised professional qualification, management qualification or substantial work experience in housing and site development, with significant evidence of continuous professional development.

Health and safety

  • To ensure suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out taking into account employees capabilities
  • To use equipment as instructed and trained
  • To inform management of any health and safety issues which could place individuals in danger

Data Protection and Information Security

  • Implement and act in accordance with the Information Security Acceptable Use policy and Data Protection Policy,
  • Protect the council’s information assets from unauthorised access, disclosure, modification, destruction or interference,
  • Report actual or potential security incidents.

Person specification
Post title / Housing Growth Advisor / Grade / PMG 1-2 [subject to Senior Management Job Evaluation]
Section/team / Strategic Regeneration
Criteria /

Essential requirements

/ * M.O.A
Skills, knowledge, experience etc
1 / Ability to embrace the values of Knowsley MBC / A/I
2 / Ability to develop and implement a borough wide housing viability strategy / A/I/P
3 / Experience of identifying and procuring housing development opportunities / A/I/P
4 / Proven ability to initiate and finalise practical housing solutions / A/I/P
5 / Ability to interpret quantitative and qualitative data to inform decision making and planning / A/I
6 / Experience of developing and implementing procurement strategies / A/I
7 / Evidence of innovative thinking, encouraging ideas from across teams, creatively working around new constraints and challenges / A/I/
8 / High level of communication skills – written, oral and presentational / A/I/P
9 / Ability to interpret complex information into clear and concise reports for a range of audiences including senior managers and Members. / A/I
10 / Experience of influencing, giving advice to, and building effective working relationships with local commercial developers, land owners, planners and existing residents to bring forward housing investment / A/I/P
11 / A high degree of political awareness and sensitivity / A/I
12 / Good inter-personal skills and relationship management skills / A/I
13 / A successful track record of securing external funding / A/I

Qualifications

14 / Minimum Degree Level and/ or Relevant qualifications / experience relating to either Regeneration, Planning, Property development and/ or housing Development / A/I/C
Health and safety
15 / Ability to ensure suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out taking into account employees capabilities
Ability to use equipment as instructed and trained
Ability to inform management of any health and safety issues which could place individuals in danger– / A/ I
Personal attributes and circumstances
16 / Awareness of and commitment to equality and diversity principles / A
17 / Ability to meet tight deadlines – organising own and others work effectively / A/I
18 / Demonstrate experience of working as part of a team meeting a wide range of objectives / A/I
19 / Ability to work flexibly including some evening work / A

*Method of assessment (*M.O.A)

A = Application formC = CertificateE = ExerciseI = Interview

P = PresentationT = TestAC = Assessment centre

Date / Approved by authorised manager / Designation
December 2014 / Susan Callister / Group Manager Strategic Regeneration
Where the post involves working with children, in addition to a candidate’s ability to perform the duties of the post, the interview will also explore issues relating to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including:
  • Motivation to work with children and young people
  • Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with children and young people
  • Emotional resilience in working with challenging behaviours
  • Attitudes to use of authority and maintaining discipline

We have a positive attitude to the employment of disabled people and guarantee an interview to those who meet all the necessary criteria of the person specification.

Concept Knowsley

Underpinning Behaviour – Managers Framework

This document defines the way in which the activities and core responsibilities contained within the job description must be consistently deployed as a manager in Knowsley.

LEADERSHIP / Strategic Perspective / Looks at issues with a broad view to achieve the organisations goals. Thinks ahead and prepares for the future. Understands outside expectations and influences on the organisation. Identifies common goals, interests and views with other agencies. Supports the vision for the future and implements the strategy for how it can be achieved.
Openness to Change / Recognises and responds to the need for change, and uses it to improve organisational performance. Identifies ways in which the organisation needs to change. Personally champions change within their area and encourages and supports the team to make it happen.
Negotiation and Influencing / Persuades and influences others using logic and reason. Sell the benefits of the position they are proposing, and negotiate to find solutions that everyone will accept. Develops strategies for influencing others at all levels in the organisation. Negotiates satisfactory solutions on issues with stakeholders.
Maximising Potential / Actively encourages and supports the development of people. Motivates others to achieve organisational goals. Implements systems and strategies that develop people at all levels. Creates an environment where people are motivated to achieve results.
WORKING WITH OTHERS / Respect for diversity / Considers and shows respect for the opinions, circumstances and feelings of others regardless of their positions, background, circumstances, status or appearance. Shows respect and understanding for people and their situation. Treats others with dignity and respect at all times.
Team Working / Develops strong working relationships inside and outside the team to achieve common goals. Breaks down barriers and involves others in discussions and decisions. Creates working partnerships inside and outside the organisation. Develops links with outside stakeholders to get different views. Develops strategies to help people work together to achieve organisational goals.
Effective Communication / Communicates effectively, both verbally and in writing. Uses listening and questioning techniques to make sure that they and others understand what is going on and can effectively transfer ideas and information. Explains complex issues, making them easy to understand. Makes sure that important messages are being communicated and understood throughout the organisation.
Resilience / Shows resilience, even in difficult circumstances. Prepared to make difficult decisions and has the confidence to see them through. Shows reliability. Remains calm and confident, and responds logically and decisively in difficult situations. Able to monitor one's own and other's feelings and emotions, to discriminate among them, and to use this information to guide one's thinking and action.
ACHIEVING RESULTS / Community and Customer Focus / Focuses on the customer and provides high quality service that is tailored to meet their individual needs. Understands the community that is serviced and shows an active commitment to serving a diverse society. Maintains a broad understanding of social trends and identifies what effect they will have on the organisation. Creates processes that make sure stakeholders’ and customers’ views and needs are clearly identified and responded to.
Managing and using resources / Plans, organises and supervises activities to make sure financial, technological, physical and human resources are used efficiently and effectively to achieve organisational goals. Uses effective project and programme management across a range of activities that may be complex. Monitors progress towards strategic objectives.
Personal responsibility / Takes personal responsibility for making things happen and achieving results. Displays motivation, commitment, perseverance and conscientiousness. Acts with a high degree of integrity. Readily accepts responsibility for self and others. Takes responsibility for managing situations and problems. Leads by example, showing a commitment and determination to success. Continues to learn and develop.
Problem Solving and decision making / Commissions services by logically analysing all relevant factors. Gathers information from a range of sources. Analyses information to identify problems and issues, and makes effective decisions. Applies a range of analytical techniques to understand complex information issues.

Conditions of Service

Post / Housing Growth Advisor
Employment status / Permanent
Grade / PMG 1-2 / SCP 350-356
[Pay award pending & Subject to Senior Management Job Evaluation]
General / The conditions in the National Joint Council for Local Authority Services (Green Book) will apply.
Hours of work / 36 hours per week
Salary / £43,130 to £51,967 per annum[Pay award pending & Subject to Senior Management Job Evaluation]
Basic annual leave / 208.8hours per annum
Medical / The successful applicant will be required to complete a medical questionnaire and may also be required to undergo a medical examination.
Training / The Council is a recognised ‘Investor in People’ and encourages training and development for all employees.
Pension / You will automatically be entered into the Local Government Pension Scheme and will pay the relevant contributions with immediate effect. If, however, you wish to opt out of the scheme, you may do so by downloading an ‘opt out’ form from or by contacting Merseyside Pension Fund on telephone number 0151 242 1397. If you opt out of the scheme, you will be automatically enrolled back into the scheme after 12 months if you meet the automatic enrolment criteria.
Childcare vouchers / The Council is in partnership with a childcare voucher provider which offers employees a salary sacrifice scheme. Further details are available from Human Resources Division.
Car status / Casual

Pension contribution rates