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We are looking for skilled a officer who is competent, enthusiastic and highly motivated to fill the below posts within our Environmental Protection Team
Your duties will include investigation and response to complaints in relation to allegations of statutory nuisance, assess and approve s.61 applications, permitting and responding licensing consultations.
You must have working knowledge and understanding of the nuisance provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, knowledge of Licensing legislation and have excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
Purpose of the role
To protect and improve health by the discharge of the functions and duties in one of the specialist areas of activity within Environmental Health.
To investigate, assess and act upon complex issues relating to Environmental Protection, Housing and Commercial issues and determine the most appropriate course of action.
Including preparation of cases for enforcement action and instigation of legal proceedings.
To provide technical evidence in court proceedings, tribunals and Public Inquiries.
To carry out inspections and enforcement work in within the specialist areas.
To provide advice and training for EH Technical Officers and in some cases taking the lead for cases.
To report directly to the Head of Section/Deputy Director, Members and Members of Parliament where required.
To liaise effectively with members of the public, businesses, other departments and other agencies.
The officer is expected to work on their own with minimal direct supervision and will support the team manager.
To support and participate in proactive initiatives to improve service standards and the quality of life for people living and working in Bexley.
To deputise for the Team Leader and make decisions on his/her behalf when required.
Responsibilities
To protect and improve health by the discharge of the functions and duties in one of the specialist areas of activity within Environmental Health.
To investigate, assess and act upon complex issues relating to Environmental Protection, Housing and Commercial issues and determine the most appropriate course of action.
Including preparation of cases for enforcement action and instigation of legal proceedings.
To provide technical evidence in court proceedings, tribunals and Public Inquiries.
To carry out inspections and enforcement work in within the specialist areas.
To provide advice and training for EH Technical Officers and in some cases taking the lead for cases.
To report directly to the Head of Section/Deputy Director, Members and Members of Parliament where required.
To liaise effectively with members of the public, businesses, other departments and other agencies.
The officer is expected to work on their own with minimal direct supervision and will support the team manager.
To support and participate in proactive initiatives to improve service standards and the quality of life for people living and working in Bexley.
To deputise for the Team Leader and make decisions on his/her behalf when required.
To present timely and relevant advice and information to Members and to ensure that Team Leaders/Managers are briefed on major and sensitive issues.
To be fully conversant with relevant statutory provisions and the constitution, processes and procedures; to develop the full range of managerial and professional skills and knowledge to satisfy the requirements of the post.
To establish and develop effective working relationships and productive partnerships with all the relevant partners, including those in e.g.
Police and other regulatory agencies, housing providers, Independent and voluntary section.
Essential
Officers would be expected to have a minimum of three years' working in Environmental Health as an RSO or equivalent that is relevant to the job and meet the requirements below:
Knowledge of major legislative, social and economic issues relevant to the job.
Experience of using ICT packages e.g.
Word, Excel and the complaint management system
Officers would be expected to be able to deal with a range of cases, including work carried out by an EHO.
Proven ability to deal with complex and difficult cases.
Understanding of supporting legislation/best practice.
Experience of managing own case load.
Experience of serving notices, drafting prosecution files and attending court.
Ability to travel throughout the Borough.
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Type: Contract Location: Lewisham, England
Salary / Rate: £17 - £18 per hour
Posted: 2025-05-27 13:42:57
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Caretaker/ Cleaning Supervisor
Unity recruitment are seeking an experienced Caretaker or cleaning supervisor for our client who are a housing management company.
Working 36 hours per week.
Key Accountabilities
1.Cleaning all common areas including estate grounds and play areas, as designated by the Estate Manager or Front Desk/Security Co-ordinator.
This will include, though is not restricted to litter picking, window cleaning, and low level gutter and drains maintenance, sweeping and washing all communal areas, and removing graffiti, to an agreed schedule and satisfactory standard, using the appropriate equipment, in line with health and safety practices.
2.Checking, and where appropriate, unblocking chutes and clearing bulk refuse.
3.Reporting any repairs in the communal areas or other issues (unauthorised vehicles, fly tipping etc.) and temporarily securing any damaged communal area which represent a hazard and alerting residents, staff and visitors to any hazards as appropriate.
4.Maintaining appropriate weekly monitoring forms, and completion records of cleaning work carried out, repairs reported, and hazards identified etc, and ensuring appropriate communication with colleagues and third parties as required.
5.In collaboration with colleagues, devise and implement the quarterly and annual cleaning schedules for deep cleaning of bins, staircases etc.
6.Assisting in ensuring the security of the communal areas, including checking of lighting etc, and alerting colleagues to security problems in respect of the estate.
7.In conjunction with colleagues, residents and third parties as appropriate, undertaking grounds maintenance in line with agreed standards.
8.Arranging and providing access to the estate for third parties involved in refuse collection, and other essential services.
9.Maintaining cleaning stores, plant and equipment, and ensuring its security.
10.Undertaking minor repairs in consultation with the Maintenance Officer and Front Desk/Security Co-ordinator
11.Participating in estate inspections and site meetings as requested by the Front Desk/Security Co-ordinator or Estate Manager.
12.With colleagues, ensuring that a reception service is provided for residents and members of the public.
13.Cleaning the office areas as required to cover for staff absences.
14.Responding to problems of service delivery and issues of customer dissatisfaction, which are within the scope of your responsibility and make suggestions for improving the service.
15.Actively promoting the organisation, encouraging residents to become members and seeking opportunities for residents to engage in the activities of the organisation, to ensure that the service meets their needs as far as possible, and help to maintain high levels of customer satisfaction
16.In consultation with the Front Desk/Security Co-ordinator, ensuring that necessary letters go out to residents within agreed timescales.
17.Providing accurate and timely updates and feedback as required for individual and service performance management and for reporting to the Board or reporting to the Council as required.
18.Ensuring that all responsibilities are carried out in specification for housing, and statutory requirements, which includes, though is not restricted to equality and diversity, health and safety, the Data Protection Act and the Freedom of Information Act.
19.Undertaking any other duties commensurate with the role that may be necessary to meet the needs of the service.
This may include weekend working from time to time.
20.Working with caretaker colleagues on a rota basis to ensure that a caretaking service is provided from 7 am to 4 pm
If this caretaker/cleaning supervisor role is of any interest to you then please call Carly on 02036685680 ext 113
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Type: Permanent Location: North West London, England
Start: asap
Duration: Perm
Salary / Rate: Up to £463.28 per week
Posted: 2025-05-15 15:29:16
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Purpose for the Role
To provide a comprehensive high quality homeless prevention, support and advice service to all households who are homeless or threatened with homelessness.
To provide an assessment service to customers presenting to ascertain what duties are owed to them by the authority and what alternative housing options are available to them.
To demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Homelessness legislation and case law coupled with hands-on experience of preventing homelessness and making statutory decisions.
To develop specialist knowledge and skills in relation to customers required to enable the delivery of a flexible and responsive housing needs service that can effectively meet changing demands and customer pressures.
To keep up to date, clear, accessible and accurate casework and data records and report on performance as required.
Duties and Responsibilities
To prevent and resolve homelessness through the provision of confidential and impartial advice and information to customers approaching the Housing Needs Service about their housing rights and obligations under legislation and policy either in offices or other locations as required.
To actively and positively promote and deliver the homeless prevention agenda identifying appropriate housing options and utilizing the prevention tools available, such as DHP for customers that will resolve their accommodation problems and reduce the need for the provision of temporary accommodation within agreed timeframes.
To maintain detailed, accurate case notes and reports, update computerised records, conduct correspondence and respond to enquiries as required to efficiently progress cases to resolution.
To provide advice and practical assistance when required to customers in respect of security of tenure across all types of tenure, including matrimonial rights and and attending court as needed in order to prevent homelessness.
To investigate landlord and tenant disputes including allegations of harassment and illegal eviction within the meaning of the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 and Protection from Harassment Act 1997, intervening and negotiating with all parties as required to prevent homelessness.
To provide information about debt counseling and money advice services to customers in rent or mortgage arrears including advice on the availability of welfare benefits and prioritizing debts, referring people to the DWP, Housing Benefit Service or CAB as appropriate.
To negotiate with landlords, Banks, Building Societies and other lenders, estate agents and solicitors on behalf of customers in rent or mortgage arrears.
To undertake a comprehensive assessment of vulnerable customers in respect of their support and housing related needs including the risk to themselves and others.
To make appropriate referrals to supported accommodation services for vulnerable clients and ensure that a move on pathway is developed for each household as required.
To liaise with other statutory services as appropriate who may owe a duty to vulnerable customers under legislation other than the homelessness acts.
To answer members enquiries and draft responses to complaints / enquiries on individual cases as required.
To provide statistical information on performance as requested.
To positively participate in personal supervision sessions, team meetings and contribute to service development and planning.
To be self servicing in respect of administrative tasks related to this role, including contemporaneous and accurate record keeping, file maintenance and responding to all enquiries by customers and other agencies.
Knowledge
Detailed and up to date knowledge of all relevant case law pertaining to homelessness and its application.
Knowledge of Landlord & Tenant Legislation, the Housing Act 1985 and Protection from Eviction Act 1977.
Detailed working knowledge of homeless prevention initiatives and their application and effectiveness Detailed working knowledge of the welfare benefit system and its application.
Detailed working knowledge of other agencies, both statutory and voluntary providing relevant advice and assistance to customers under alternative legislation and in all forms of tenure.
A detailed understanding and application of the terms and conditions contained in the range of tenancy agreements across all tenures.
Skills
A high level of ICT skills to use packages such as word, excel, outlook and bespoke databases
Excellent interviewing skills to extract relevant information from customers and complete accurate assessments.
Excellent communication skills at all levels Excellent negotiating skills with varied parties, including partner agencies and internal colleagues.
Excellent written skills to be able to produce detailed and accurate reports and letters to the public and other professionals.
Ability to avoid and manage conflict and stress.
Experience
Experience of composing and issuing detailed and legally robust S184 decision letters in line with the duties owed to customers under the homelessness legislation.
Experience of producing detailed and accurate reports and letters to the public and other professionals.
Experience of working in a demanding front line service in a housing environment.
Experience of “front line” interviewing and of dealing effectively with confrontational situations.
Experience of working with vulnerable client groups and providing appropriate support as required.
Experience of giving detailed advice on a range of welfare benefits to customers to enable them to resolve their accommodation difficulties.
Experience of working effectively as a part of a busy team as well as being able to manage your own case load.
Experience of advocating on customer's behalf with other statutory and voluntary agencies and members of the public. ....Read more...
Type: Contract Location: Lewisham, England
Salary / Rate: £19 - £20 per hour
Posted: 2025-05-14 17:01:17
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Our Client is based in South East London is looking for Accommodation Assessment & Lettings Team Leader to join their team
Your primary responsibilities will include
To manage a team of frontline officers who arrange emergency and temporary accommodation placements and appropriate referrals into supported accommodation, ensuring all placements and referrals are carried out in a timely manner, making the best use of all available housing stock at all times.
Arrange emergency accommodation on behalf of other Council services, including Children's Social Services and Adult Social Care.
Co-ordinate available properties in the private rented sector and in conjunction with Housing Caseworkers and the Tenancy Management and Resettlement Officers identify highest priority households to be put forward for Direct Lets to prevent and relieve homelessness.
To ensure high quality offers, suitability and discharge of duty decisions are made in a timely manner relating to offers of properties (temporary accommodation & private rented properties) and that staff work proactively to find an appropriate housing solution to bring the Council's ‘relief'/ full housing duty to an end
You are also expected to as a team leader/manager
Adapt the planned delivery of services to ensure changing community and customer needs.
Monitor and review service outcomes ensuring effective delivery of personal and team objectives.
Ensure the continuous improvement in services using creative and informative inventions as well as effective performance and quality management.
Plan, deploy and co-ordinate people resources to meet changing operational needs.
Ensure services meet statutory and identified organisational standards and regulations.
Ensure an understanding of the impact of your service on other functions.
To oversee the co-ordination of a range of accommodation options, including but not restricted to, temporary accommodation (including emergency Bed and Breakfast), Private Sector Leased accommodation, Private Managed Accommodation, Direct Lets and Supported Housing, ensuring maximum occupancy of available accommodation to minimise void times.
To effectively recruit, induct and train staff, undertake regular supervisions and set and monitor objectives; ensure annual performance development appraisals are completed alongside learning and development plans and any performance and HR issues are dealt with as they arise.
To be responsible for leading and motivating the team on a day to day basis to deliver a high quality, professional and customer centric service to internal and external customers; provide and/or facilitate coaching and mentoring and effectively address poor behaviours and poor performance.
To promote a philosophy of putting customer needs first at every opportunity and to put in place arrangements to action this.
To oppose and where possible eradicate all forms of discrimination, making a positive contribution to managing diversity, both as an employer and service provider.
To raise performance in the team by contributing to a culture of continuous improvement
Requirement's
Must have an ENHANCED DBS
Shift Pattern
9:00AM to 5:00PM
Pay
£30 P/H
If interested please apply below
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Type: Contract Location: South East London, England
Salary / Rate: Up to £30 per hour
Posted: 2025-05-12 12:20:00
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Our Client is based in South East London is looking for Accommodation Assessment & Lettings Team Leader to join their team
Your primary responsibilities will include
To manage a team of frontline officers who arrange emergency and temporary accommodation placements and appropriate referrals into supported accommodation, ensuring all placements and referrals are carried out in a timely manner, making the best use of all available housing stock at all times.
Arrange emergency accommodation on behalf of other Council services, including Children's Social Services and Adult Social Care.
Co-ordinate available properties in the private rented sector and in conjunction with Housing Caseworkers and the Tenancy Management and Resettlement Officers identify highest priority households to be put forward for Direct Lets to prevent and relieve homelessness.
To ensure high quality offers, suitability and discharge of duty decisions are made in a timely manner relating to offers of properties (temporary accommodation & private rented properties) and that staff work proactively to find an appropriate housing solution to bring the Council's ‘relief'/ full housing duty to an end
You are also expected to as a team leader/manager
Adapt the planned delivery of services to ensure changing community and customer needs.
Monitor and review service outcomes ensuring effective delivery of personal and team objectives.
Ensure the continuous improvement in services using creative and informative inventions as well as effective performance and quality management.
Plan, deploy and co-ordinate people resources to meet changing operational needs.
Ensure services meet statutory and identified organisational standards and regulations.
Ensure an understanding of the impact of your service on other functions.
To oversee the co-ordination of a range of accommodation options, including but not restricted to, temporary accommodation (including emergency Bed and Breakfast), Private Sector Leased accommodation, Private Managed Accommodation, Direct Lets and Supported Housing, ensuring maximum occupancy of available accommodation to minimise void times.
To effectively recruit, induct and train staff, undertake regular supervisions and set and monitor objectives; ensure annual performance development appraisals are completed alongside learning and development plans and any performance and HR issues are dealt with as they arise.
To be responsible for leading and motivating the team on a day to day basis to deliver a high quality, professional and customer centric service to internal and external customers; provide and/or facilitate coaching and mentoring and effectively address poor behaviours and poor performance.
To promote a philosophy of putting customer needs first at every opportunity and to put in place arrangements to action this.
To oppose and where possible eradicate all forms of discrimination, making a positive contribution to managing diversity, both as an employer and service provider.
To raise performance in the team by contributing to a culture of continuous improvement
Shift Pattern
9:00AM to 5:00PM
Pay
£30 P/H
If interested please apply below
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Type: Contract Location: South East London, England
Salary / Rate: Up to £30 per hour
Posted: 2025-05-12 12:18:08
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Purpose
Provide excellent tenancy sustainment support ensuring tenancies in the private rented sector are sustained to provide safe and secure housing for our customers whilst meeting local and corporate objectives.
To provide high quality advice, lettings and tenancy sustainment service that maximises the number of homeless households who are able to move successfully into good quality, affordable private rented accommodation for clients from various services such as HOC, CYP and NRTPF.
To promote the use of the private rented sector as a viable alternative to social rented housing, in order to encourage independence, prevent homelessness, provide settled housing solutions and reduce the use of temporary accommodation.
Responsibilities
Work effectively within the private sector to increase the supply of good quality accommodation for households in housing need to meet individual and team targets.
Assess prospective customer's suitability for private rented accommodation by reviewing their housing history, making enquiries into their financial situation, and establishing whether or not they are able to meet the rent and comply with the tenancy conditions.
Undertake accompanied viewings with prospective customers and provide them with expert advice and guidance on all aspects of letting (including housing benefit and the conditions of tenancy) in order to help them make informed decisions.
Ensure all private rented sector accommodation procured is of the size, type and location required by prospective customer, complies with all health and safety & planning regulations and is in compliance with the location priority policy.
To act as the first point of contact for landlords and tenants who are experiencing difficulties in sustaining tenancies, including acting as a negotiator and or mediator between disputing parties to resolve contractual issues to ensure compliance with the legal framework to sustain tenancies.
Ensure customers are settled into their private rented sector accommodation and fully made aware local services such as doctor's surgeries, schools, police station, CAB office, dentist surgeries etc.
To understand, and keep up to date with local and national policies affected by legislation with regard to welfare reforms and housing.
Ensure all properties are maintained to a high standard investigate persistent disrepair complaints and/or to take property inventories for those properties accessing the incentive and or bond scheme.
Be responsible for ensuring all landlords and tenants comply with their respective contractual agreements.
Work effectively and efficiently with colleagues within the service, across other departments and external agencies to deliver and excellent customer focused service meeting individual, team, service and corporate targets & KPIs.
Ensure that all payments, including deposits and cash incentives are properly recorded, monitored and, where appropriate, recovered from the landlord, accommodation supplier or tenant in accordance with the contractual agreements and the financial regulations.
Deliver a stream lined high quality customer focused service ensuring telephone calls, emails, letters and complaints are fully responded to promptly and to the highest possible standard in compliance with corporate guidelines or as instructed by the service manager.
Knowledge
Excellent current knowledge of private rented sector housing market and contracts, particularly the issues affecting private rented sector customers and landlords.
A good knowledge and understanding of the government's welfare reform and its implications on the private rented sector.
Knowledge of private sector housing law, health and safety rating system and other health and safety regulations (gas , electrics and energy efficiency) and legislation relating to the letting of private sector tenancies.
Knowledge of the services provided for households who are in housing need.
General knowledge of good property standards and common building problems.
An awareness of the financial implications of decisions and an understanding of the importance of prioritising value for money.
Skills
Ability to work as part of a team and take initiative with own cases.
Ability to promote and develop effective joint working practices across services.
Ability to work with private sector partners and respond to the needs of that market as well as understanding how that fits with the requirement to meet housing need.
Commitment to the promotion of a homeless prevention approach.
Flexible, problem-solving approach to service delivery with a positive attitude to change and ability to identify opportunities and develop innovative housing solutions.
Ability to maintain databases and work effectively with IT systems.
Ability to meet performance targets and deliver positive outcomes.
Required
Must have Basic DBS.
Experience of effectively working with landlords, letting agents and other accommodation suppliers.
Experience of working with people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, in housing need and/or living in unsatisfactory housing.
Experience of providing an excellent level of customer care and customer service in a comparable customer service environment.
Experience of working effectively with private sector landlords and/or within a homelessness context.
Experience of prioritising competing demands in a pressurised environment, recognize service priorities and manage a caseload within agreed targets.
Experience of successfully developing initiatives and schemes to provide housing opportunities for people in housing need.
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Type: Contract Location: Lewisham, England
Salary / Rate: £18 - £19 per hour
Posted: 2025-04-28 11:49:49
