Private Housing Officer x5 - Bristol, United Kingdom - Bristol City Council
Description
Job description
Full Time, Permanent
Bristol is a vibrant city, with nearly 30% of Bristol's population living in the private rented sector. The City Council's Private Housing Service sets out to maintain and improve housing conditions in this sector. The service is responsible for privately owned and rented properties. We are currently preparing to expand our licensing functions following approval of two new schemes to go live in August 2024. A city-wide additional licensing scheme and a selective licensing scheme in three wards of the city.
As a result, this fantastic opportunity has arisen for five additional Private Housing Officers (PHO) to join our, Private Housing Licence Processing & Advice and Support Unit. Would you like to work in one of the largest Private Housing Services in England, and contribute to improving the cities private rented sector housing standards?
These are a frontline role. The majority of the work will be dealing with the licensing of private rented accommodation, giving advice on what properties are eligible and owners' responsibilities to apply for a licence as well as processing licence applications. In addition, the role also includes a range of other private housing functions such as giving basic advice to private tenants on the repair or condition of their accommodation or on their tenancy rights, as well as follow-up work.
You will be handling incoming calls, post, and emails from all private housing service users including private tenants, private landlords and homeowners.
Good communication skills are particularly important for this role, where there is often the need to explain complex legislation to customers and where clarity, tact and assertiveness in equal measure are required to deal with sometimes distressed or angry individuals. Good IT skills and an enthusiasm for helping customers to resolve problems are also essential. Some knowledge of private housing work or of the Councils internal IT database systems would be further advantages.
We are seeking individuals with positive attitude and passion to ensure great customer service and service delivery.
There is currently a progression and competency framework in place for Private Housing Officer level 1 (BG8) £26,873 - £28,770 to progress a to a high grade level 2 (BG9) £29,777 – £32,076. This progression route will be available to successful candidates.
We have a hybrid working model. Currently this post can be delivered by homeworking most of the time, post holders are expected to travel to our Bristol office regularly as the service requires. You are also welcome to come into the office more often if you wish. Flexible working time is also available for this role.
Why Bristol City Council?
At Bristol City Council, we go that extra mile for our people; we offer a work environment which is fast moving and supportive, giving you the chance to use your skills and develop new ones within a high-profile organisation.
Join us and you will receive an excellent rewards package including membership of the Local Government Pension scheme, and a generous annual leave allowance. In addition, you will be working in a supportive environment where you will have the chance to make Bristol a better place and contribute to its future.